The traditional Project of the Year 2024 awards were announced at a public ceremony on 16 July in the hall of the Sofia City Art Gallery. This is the oldest award for civil society organisations in Bulgaria, a recognition of professionalism and daily dedicated work to encourage and support people.
Members of the jury, who selected the best and most effective projects this year, were Snezhina Petrova, actress and Head of the Department of Theatre at New Bulgarian University; Tsvetanka Mincheva, CEO and Chairman of the Board of UniCredit Bulbank; Kamelia Slaveykova, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Shell Bulgaria; Svetlozar Zhelev, Director of the National Center for the Book and Kin Stoyanov, Director of the Hristo Botev Program of the Bulgarian National Radio. All nominated projects were evaluated according to the previously announced criteria - results; sustainability of the activities in time; financial efficiency; participation of the target groups and the local community in planning and implementation of the activities; innovation and applicability of the idea in other places.
Snezhina Petrova shared her thoughts about the activities of an organisation that has been working for social inclusion in Varna for many years. She presented the project "Against the tide - the voice of the young for the preservation of nature" of the Association for Support of Persons with Mental Disabilities. Nicole Kancheva from the association accepted the award and talked about the initiatives of young people with difficulties and their participation in public life in the city.
Levon Hampartzuman from the Board of the Tulip Foundation spoke about the relationship between business and civil society organisations and the common goals of citizens in the society. Kamelia Slaveykova spoke about the work of Association NAYA in supporting victims of violence and especially a group of women, violence towards whom often remains hidden. She announced the award for the project "Support for elderly women victims of domestic violence". Representatives of the association talked about their motivation and long-standing efforts to help people who have suffered violence and to cooperate with institutions.
Tsvetanka Mincheva and Svetlozar Zhelev presented the project "Digital Children" of the National Centre for Safe Internet. They shared their impressions from the work of the consortium and arguments for the need of such activities for the safety of children and young people online. Representatives of the Parents Association and the Bulgarian Family Planning Association received the award and shared their difficulties and excitement in the implementation of the activities.
The jury members received the Tulip Foundation's badge of honour in recognition of their commitment and professionalism with the message shared with us by Chappa "It is the human hand that creates and helps".
This year 18 projects were nominated from all over the country. They are presented by civil society organizations and partners, participants in the activities, volunteers and citizens.
