“Five years ago, the leading words in the complex were ‘love,’ ‘care,’ ‘affection,’ and ‘family’! Now we add the word ‘together’ because that’s how we give more. There will always be children who need support. We must care so that as few children as possible have such a fate, and the rest have a chance to improve their destiny,” said Mrs. Nedka Petrova, director of the Complex, opening the celebration marking 15 years since the establishment of the Complex for Social Services for Children and Families, held on September 17, 2020, in the courtyard of the Small Basilica.

In his welcome address to the guests and the Complex team, Eng. Anesti Timchev, Deputy Mayor for European Policies and Social Activities in the Municipality of Plovdiv, emphasized the significance of everyone who has worked over the years to celebrate today’s 15th anniversary of the Complex. “Many destinies, many desires, many ideas, many managerial opportunities, much joy, and much sorrow are woven into this result… 15 years people have dedicated their time, they have dedicated from the desire to self-improve, to care only for one thing, for the future,” said Eng. Timchev in his address.

The event was attended by Mrs. Veselina Boteva, Director of the Directorate of Social Activities, Mr. Georgi Tityukov, Deputy Mayor for Sports and Youth Activities, district mayors, the Directorate of Social Assistance from Plovdiv and the region, the chairman of the District Court – Plovdiv Ivan Kalibatsev, the administrative head of the District Prosecutor’s Office Plovdiv Chavdar Groshev, representatives of the Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Interior – Plovdiv, representatives of state and municipal institutions, non-governmental organizations, social services, donors, and partners of the Complex.

The main focus of the event was the presentation of plaques with gratitude addresses to 15 key partners for their contribution to the development of social services. The plaques were presented by Engineer Anesti Timchev and Mr. Georgi Tityukov, who have managed the social services department in the Municipality of Plovdiv both currently and in previous periods. Gratitude for the daily partnership was extended to the Social Assistance Directorate in Plovdiv, the institution that initiated child protection in Bulgaria.

A gesture of gratitude and appreciation was bestowed upon the National Alliance for Social Responsibility – an invaluable partner of the Child Protection Department of Plovdiv and the Municipality of Plovdiv, with whom numerous projects and forums to promote children’s rights have been realized.

A plaque was awarded to Plovdiv University “Paisii Hilendarski” – Faculty of Education – for their partnership in educating future social workers.

The Pediatrics Clinic at the University Hospital “St. George” – Professor Ivanov’s team was honored for their contribution to ensuring quality healthcare for children and their active partnership with the Child Protection Department of Plovdiv in providing healthcare services for children and adolescents.

Child justice is one of the most challenging and discussed topics in the field of child reform. In Plovdiv, the reform has been underway since 2012 with a signed agreement for cooperation at the regional level, whereby all stakeholders prioritize the best interests of the child as their primary responsibility. For the efforts of all stakeholders in providing child-friendly justice, plaques were awarded to the District Court of Plovdiv, the District Prosecutor’s Office of Plovdiv, and the Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Interior – Plovdiv.

Plaques and gratitude addresses for fruitful partnerships were also received by:

The Regional Council of the Bulgarian Red Cross was recognized for its longstanding collaboration and support for the most vulnerable children and families.

The National Alliance for Volunteer Work was acknowledged for its partnership with the foundation in implementing numerous projects.

Agapedia Bulgaria – Plovdiv branch – was praised for its comprehensive contribution to preparing youth for leaving residential services.

Gratitude and plaques were bestowed upon the main donors supporting the team and children of the Complex. A special prize was presented to the team of the Child Protection Department – Plovdiv for their tireless efforts in supporting children and families.

The achievements of the Child Protection Department – Plovdiv team were showcased to the guests in the form of a report titled “What We Achieved Together,” reflecting activities from 2015 to 2020. Over these 15 years, more than 6,000 children and their families have received social services from the Child Protection Department. In the last 5 years, the number of children and families supported by the Complex teams exceeds 2,000, including both individual and group support – educational courses in schools, summer activities, and more.

As a result of established partnerships and trust from the business community and the public, donations received in cash, kind, and services amounted to 307,496.45 BGN over the past 5 years.

The musicians from the small ensemble of Big Band Plovdiv ensured a cheerful atmosphere. All guests had the opportunity to visit the Archaeological Complex Little Basilica. The celebration ended with a cocktail. The team and management of the Child Protection Department – Plovdiv expressed gratitude to the Directorate of Culture, Archaeology, and Cultural Heritage, to MN Party for providing catering free of charge, to the youth from CNSMT “Mother Teresa,” who participated in serving the cocktail, and to Denis Vasilev, who captured the entire event.

Huge thanks were extended to all partners, like-minded individuals, donors, and friends who honored the celebration of the Complex. Thank you for the wishes, encouraging words, and for the high appreciation. All of this is a fact and a result of our collective efforts. Together, we continue in the coming years to ensure childhood for children – for more children’s smiles, for more successful parents, for more FAITH, HOPE, and LOVE!