site.btaUPDATED Support a Dream Charity Initiative Raises over BGN 87,000, President Radev Says

The Support a Dream charity initiative has managed to raise over BGN 87,000, President Rumen Radev said here on Thursday. He was speaking during a school-leaving prom for socially disadvantaged young people, which he and his wife host every year. Funds continue to be raised so that those about to enroll in university can receive scholarships allowing them to continue their higher education, Radev added.

Support a Dream helps youths accommodated at residential and foster care homes. In 11th and 12th grade, they receive support and advice on their personal development through education or work. They are encouraged to enroll in university or a professional college and receive advice on which professional field to choose. They also get acquainted with the options on the job market through specific job offers.

The charity initiative is implemented by the President's Administration in partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy, the Employment Agency, the Social Support Agency, the State Agency for Child Protection, the Ministry of Education and Science, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports. To support the youths' motivation for studying, the President's Administration allocates a one-time scholarship to those in the initiative who have been accepted at a university or college. Also entitled to financial aid are top-performing 12th-graders staying at a social services complex. The funds needed for the scholarships of students and pupils are raised during the annual charity campaign.

Attending Thursday's prom were Vice President Iliana Iotova, caretaker Minister of Education and Science Galin Tsokov, caretaker Labour and Social Policy Minister Ivaylo Ivanov, caretaker Tourism Minister Evtim Miloshev, and caretaker Youth and Sports Minister Georgi Glouchkov.