H.E. Jelena Filipović-Stojanov, Ambassador of Montenegro to Bulgaria, holds a second meeting under the Mentorship Program titled “The Youth of Bulgaria and Montenegro – A Bridge to New Opportunities.”
Over 100 young people participated in the initiative, including representatives from the Youth Guard Squads and students from the “Pencho Semov” Vocational High School of Tourism in Gabrovo.
H.E. Jelena Filipovic-Stoyanov, Ambassador of Montenegro to Bulgaria, held a second meeting under the Mentorship Program titled “The Youth of Bulgaria and Montenegro – A Bridge for New Opportunities.” This initiative is organized by the “Youth Guard Corps” Association and the “Touch the Rainbow” Association. The event took place at the Administrative Court in Plovdiv. More than 100 young people participated, including representatives from the First Student Guard Corps at EG “Hristo Botev” in Kardzhali, the Third Student Guard Corps at SU “Ivan Vazov” in Smolyan, the Eighth Student Guard Corps at PG “Ivan Hadzhigenov” in Kazanlak, the Sixteenth Student Guard Corps at SU “St. Cyril and Methodius” in Rudozem, and students from the Vocational High School of Tourism “Pencho Semov” in Gabrovo.
Guests at the event included Kostadin Dimitrov, Mayor of Plovdiv Municipality, Senior Commissioner Georgi Chergov – Director of ODMVR Plovdiv, Mariana Shoteva – Chairwoman of the Administrative Court – Plovdiv, Veselka Zlateva – Chairwoman of the Administrative Court – Pazardzhik, Nadezhda Goranova – Principal of SU “Ivan Vazov” – Smolyan, Siika Kiryakova – Principal of SU “St. St. Cyril and Methodius” – Rudozem, Radoslav Stefanov Stoyanov – Principal of the Vocational School of Tourism “Pencho Semov” – Gabrovo, Hristo Momchev – Leader of the First Student Guard Unit at EG “Hristo Botev” Kardzhali, Radostin Simeonov – Leader of the Eighth Student Guard Unit at PG “Ivan Hadzhiienov” Kazanlak.
The Mayor of Plovdiv Municipality, Kostadin Dimitrov, welcomed the attendees with the words: “It is a pleasure to welcome you to the oldest living city in Europe. It is delightful to see young faces interacting. It is even more gratifying to see individuals who lead various associations and organizations in support of the youth. I hope this activity of yours will be rewarding and that you will learn more about Bulgaria, Montenegro, and the relations between the two countries.”
“It is an exceptional honor for me to attend this event. I am delighted to see so many young people engaged in socially beneficial activities, and I hope that through your active participation in such programs, you will gain more experience and knowledge. Be ready to take on important responsibilities in your hands to be useful to both yourselves and society,” stated Senior Commissioner Georgi Chergov.
Her Excellency Jelena Filipović-Stojanov thanked Dr. Denislava Angelova, the chair of the “Youth Guard Units” Association and the “Touch the Rainbow” Association, for the opportunity to carry out this initiative and for the trust given. Her Excellency shared the fascinating history of Montenegro and the country’s Euro-integration processes. She explained her country’s policy on the implementation of human rights laws.
A presentation followed, showcasing the activities of the schools and youth guard units. The boys and girls stood out with their admirable preparation and excellent presentation skills.
Apart from the monthly meetings, H.E. Jelena Filipović-Stojanov will also work online with the youth. The next event in the Mentorship Program, under the motto “The Youth of Bulgaria and Montenegro – A Bridge for New Opportunities,” will take place on March 1st in Veliko Tarnovo.
The mentorship program will be implemented as a joint initiative from January to April 2024. During the spring break for students in Bulgaria in April, selected participants will visit Montenegro to exchange cultural practices and traditions.
The winners of the essay contest will be selected for the trip, and the topics for the youth at the event in Plovdiv are:
1. Know your rights, protect yourself! Be responsible!
2. Your rights, your better tomorrow, your bridge to success
After returning to Bulgaria, the boys and girls will share their impressions from the visit to Montenegro. Special meetings will be organized in their schools for this purpose.