The nominated various projects from around the country were evaluated on the basis of: achieved results, sustainability of the project activities, financial efficiency, participation of the target groups and the local communities, innovative services and the possibilities for implementing the project in other areas of the country.
This year the best projects were selected by a jury with members Violina Marinova, Chair of the Board and CEO of DSK Bank; Nikola Dobrev, CEO of KZM 2000 AD; Sevda Shishmanova, Programme Director of the Bulgarian National Television; Ognian Donev, Chair of the Board of the Confederation of the Employers and the Industrialists in Bulgaria (CEIBG) and HE Anick van Calster, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium. The members of the Jury announced and gave away the three equal awards especially made by the prominent Bulgarian sculptor Georgi Capkunov.
Sevda Shishmanova and Vladimir Kissiov, Chair of the board of Tulip Foundation, announced the award for „Social enterprise – a form for improving the social status of young people leaving institutions” realised by Centre Open Door Association Pleven in cooperation with Pordim Municipality. Sevda Shishmanova presented the project and shared her belief that it is very important for young people to have an opportunity to work and be responsible for themselves, to be independent. Vladimir Kissiov underlined his satisfaction that the project is being implemented in cooperation with municipality as a good example for the local authorities. “To make good for the people and to be satisfied with it is the best personal award” – shared he. Ilian Alexandrov, Mayor of Pordim, and Ivelina Koleva, coordinator of the project from Centre Open Door Association in Pleven told about their cooperation in the establishment of the social enterprise and the effect for the young people.
Violina Marinova and Nikola Dobrev gave away the award for the project „Strategic deinstitutionalisation and reform of care or children aged 0 to 3 years in Bulgaria” to the representatives of Home and hopes for children, Bulgaria branch. Violina Marinova spoke that children have to be cared after by their families, to be raised at home with love and that we are all concern about it because we are humans and parents. „In this project I was impressed by the confidence of the people implementing it that they are helping children as well as the wish towards the team - boldness, courage and beauty. I wish them too!” she said. Nikola Dobrev shred that while reading and evaluating the projects he has been very impressed that people have worked with much love, understanding and compassion. “From this project I have the understanding that in a way the whole society has got engaged with solving an important problem. Various people and institutions, families, children are involved. I thank all these people for being present in Bulgaria.” Georgi Simeonov expressed deep gratitude to the jury, the team of the organisation, partners and donors.
НE Anick van Calster and Ognian Donev announced and gave away the award for the project „In support to the refugees” of group of volunteers and the Bulgarian Donor’s Forum. Ambassador van Calster spoke “that we live in a society in which the news are changing quickly and most are negative; in recent times there are much images of wars and economical turmoil. But there are also good things which deserve our attention. That’s what we are doing today. The projects that I have assessed have made me smile. What great things people do when they come together…” Ognian Donev also shared that he has been mostly touched by the project in support to the refugees. „My appeal to the young people who are engaged with these activities – he said – is that you have to ring the bell so that the whole society hears about what you do because we cannot be without helping others who are in need.” Krasimira Velichkova from Bulgarian Donor’s Forum told that for her that has been the most encouraging initiative over the last year. „It was a challenge and an incredible experience for us.” – added she. Some of the volunteers who were at the stage also shared their motives for getting involved, their satisfaction and gratitude towards partners, colleagues, volunteers and supporters. „let me thank all Bulgarians who helped.” – said a young volunteer from Syria.
The public applauded and greeted the teams of the awards Project of the Year 2013. The public ceremony took place with the media partnership of the Bulgarian National Television, capital weekly and the Informational Portal of NGOs in Bulgaria.
The Project of the Year 2013 competition was launched in the beginning of 2014. It was organised for for a ninth successive year and is provoked by the substantial number of good projects realised each year all over the country. Each of these projects has been made possible by the hard work of the people who invested a lot of their time and dedication for the success of the projects.
In total 20 nominations for the Project of the Year were received by the beginning of February 2014. Seven of the nominated projects are implemented in various towns in the country and another five projects - in cities. In Sofia are realised seven different projects and one project is re4alised in a few locations. The projects are nominated by other NGOs and partners; by the project team of the implementing organisation; by volunteers, participants in project activities and citizens.
Civil organizations working on a project aimed at improving the living conditions, possibilities and quality of life of groups of people or communities in disadvantaged position were invited to participate in the competition. Projects implemented in towns, cities and villages are welcome regardless of the project budget, source of funding, scale of operation, type of activity or beneficiaries.
News Bulgarian National Television, 24 March 2014
Small stories, Bulgarian National Television, 27 March 2014
National Network for Children
Bulgarian Donor’s Forum
Brochure Project of the Year 2013 nominated projects
Brochure Project of the Year 2013 awards
