By Vanya Zlateva | Executive Director
Dear friends,
Student Leaders in Action: Mid-Year Achievements and Community Impact
The 2025–2026 academic year began with a highly successful Student Leaders Opening Weekend in Blagoevgrad in October 2025.
From the very start of the school year, Student Leaders have played a key role in supporting their BEST teams within their schools. As dedicated BEST ambassadors, they recruit new participants for tournaments, assist their English Coaches, and actively contribute to weekly BEST club meetings by helping peers select, prepare, and perform their pieces.
So far this academic year, we have successfully held three Regional Tournaments as planned—two in November (Fall West and Fall East) and one in February (Spring West). The fourth tournament, Spring East, is scheduled for March. For each event, Student Leaders designed and displayed promotional posters in their school corridors, generating excitement and increasing engagement throughout the tournaments.
Student Leaders continue to be the driving force behind team spirit, fostering a strong sense of community and inspiring enthusiasm and motivation. During the opening ceremonies of each tournament, SLs from the host school or nearest city are invited to deliver short performances. This year, their creative and engaging speeches were warmly received by all participants.
Throughout the year, Student Leaders have participated in regular online meetings with their SL Coordinators, Vyara B. and Stoil M. They submitted their project proposals in mid-December and have since provided updates on their selected topics and project progress. To ensure consistent support, the coordinators host weekly office hours every Friday, offering guidance and feedback. In January, we also conducted Mid-Year Conference Calls with each team to review their development and next steps.
Among the most inspiring community projects so far are:
Independent School of Thought, Varna
SLs are planning to organize a fundraising campaign to support a local animal shelter and promote pet adoption. In addition to raising funds for food and medical care, the initiative raises awareness about responsible pet ownership and encourages adoption over purchasing animals.
American College Arcus, Veliko Tarnovo
The team is preparing a youth-led civic education event introducing high school students to their fundamental legal rights. By engaging legal professionals and supporting a local volunteer cause, the project promotes informed citizenship, critical thinking, and long-term civic engagement among young people in Bulgaria.
FLHS “Peter Bogdan”, Montana
Students are advocating for improved mental health support and emotional well-being at school by promoting access to a school psychologist. Their initiative aims to create a safe and supportive environment where students can seek professional help and strengthen their emotional well-being.
2nd English Language School, Sofia
The project Street Culture Sofia – Youth Art & Performance Festival
celebrates youth creativity through organized public art and performance events in Sofia. By providing a structured platform for artistic expression, the initiative promotes positive use of public spaces and encourages constructive community involvement.
FLHS “Zahari Stoyanov”, Sliven
A one-month environmental competition in local primary schools and kindergartens encourages children to collect plastic caps and cans for donation to hospital-support campaigns. The initiative combines environmental education with social responsibility, rewarding participation with a small prize and a shared cultural experience for all classes involved.
FLHS “Nikola Yonkov Vaptsarov,” Shumen
In partnership with the Bulgarian Red Cross Youth, students are organizing school-based donation drives alongside a free public first-aid training seminar. The project strengthens emergency preparedness, builds practical life-saving skills, and supports vulnerable groups within the community.
Looking ahead, we anticipate the completion of all Community Projects and the final wrap-up seminar and award ceremony in May to celebrate the participants’ achievements.
Dear Friends,
Thank you for your incredible support. The success of our Student Leader Program would not be possible without your generosity and encouragement.
We would be truly grateful if you could share our GlobalGiving link with your network and consider continuing your support through a small but regular monthly donation. Your contribution makes a meaningful difference in the lives of every student in the program.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Vanya Zlateva
Executive Director
By Vanya Zlateva | Executive Director
By Vanya Zlateva | Executive Director
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