An important first step toward the creation of the First Student Guard Unit abroad was made during an official meeting at the Presidency of the Republic of Bulgaria.
During the meeting, representatives of the Little Bulgarian School (LBS) in Chicago and the Youth Guard Units Association discussed the possibilities for establishing the first student guard unit outside the borders of Bulgaria.
The participants in the meeting were:
- Milena Dimitrova – Secretary to the President for Culture, Education, and Relations with Bulgarians Abroad
- Ilia Milushev – Defense and Security Advisor to the President Dr. Denislaava Angelova – Chairperson of the “Youth Guard Units” Association
- Zhivka Petrova – Director of MBU
- Georgi Petrov – Co-founder and CEO
- Elka Ruskov — a public figure and active advocate for the Bulgarian community in the United States.
The meeting took place in a constructive and inspiring atmosphere, with a clearly defined shared goal: to create a sustainable and meaningful initiative that will educate young Bulgarians abroad in a spirit of patriotism, discipline, and respect for national traditions.
Specific steps for implementing the initiative were discussed, as well as the role of Bulgarian Sunday schools such as the Little Bulgarian School in preserving the language, culture, and identity of Bulgarian children abroad.
The importance of the Bulgarian community in the United States was emphasized—one of the largest and best-organized diasporas, which actively maintains its connection with the homeland and creates conditions for the development of similar patriotic initiatives.
The initiative receives clear support from the presidential institution, underscoring its significance at the national level. The engagement of the President’s team is a strong sign of concern for Bulgarians abroad and for the future of Bulgarian identity.
This meeting marked the beginning of a historic initiative—the establishment of the First Student Guards Unit abroad, which will symbolize the Bulgarian spirit, unity, and continuity around the world.
