site.btaEducation Ministry Honours School Mediators of the Year

Deputy Education Minister Emilia Lazarova awarded the participants in a competition "Educational Mediator of the Year" for 2024. The awards were presented at an official ceremony at the Education Ministry, and the contest was organized by the Amalipe Center for Interethnic Dialogue and Tolerance, the Ministry reported.

Lazarova awarded a plaque and a diploma to the seven winners of the competition, while all 11 participants in the initiative received a diploma in recognition of their daily efforts to support and encourage children and students.

The Educational Mediator of the Year award in the men's category went to Krasimir Hristov, who works at the Vocational School of Light Industry in Montana. In the women's category, the prize was awarded to Minka Arnaudova from the Hristo Botev Primary School in Muglizh.

Five other educational mediators were recognized for their work with children and parents, for good dialogue, good work and outreach - Vidyan Nedjibova (Varbitsa), Dafinka Stoyanova (Lyubimets), Esin Nuriyeva (Shumen), Romario Alexandrov (Byala Slatina), and Pavlina Milkova (Sofronievo).

"It is my pleasure to present the plaques and certificates to outstanding educational mediators. In this way we promote the activities of these professionals and confirm their key role in keeping children and young people in the education system," said Deputy Minister Lazarova in her address. 

According to her, their work not only contributes to the better inclusion and results of students, but also helps the overall development and progress of the Bulgarian education system.

"These professionals have an indispensable role, working tirelessly for the integration and support of all children, regardless of their background or social status," Deputy Minister Emilia Lazarova noted.

In her words, the activity of educational mediators has always been a priority for the Education Ministry. "In 2023, key amendments were made to the Ordinance on the Financing of Institutions in the System of Preschool and School Education, which also earmarked funds for the appointment of educational mediators, social workers or teacher's assistants. The aim is to ensure the sustainability of the work of educational mediators in the system", recalled Lazarova. She also focused on funds for vulnerable groups, which have been steadily increasing in recent years.

At the same time, the number of mediators appointed in schools and kindergartens is increasing. Whereas in the school year 2023/2024 they totalled 1,184, by the beginning of the school year 2024/2025 there were already 1,308", said Lazarova.

According to Amalipe President Deyan Kolev, Tuesday's event is an occasion to once again give due attention and respect for the work of all professionals who support communities and schools to achieve higher educational results. "Thanks to your efforts, the inclusuon of children in the system is becoming more complete," he said. 

The event ended with an traditional cultural program by students from the Vocational High School of Chemical and Food Technologies in Pazardzhik. They presented traditional dances and songs on the occasion of Vasilitsa - the Roma New Year.