OUR PROGRAM @
big brothers big sisters of BULGARIA
stories and experiences
meet their stories
Lena Karnalova meeting MEP Hristo Petrov
On March 3rd, 2026 I had the opportunity to meet with Mr. Hristo Petrov at the European Parliament in Brussels to discuss something I deeply believe in: the role of mentoring as a strategic policy tool at European level. Hristo Petrov is a Bulgarian Member of the European Parliament (Renew Europe), focused on social policy, children’s rights, and youth issues. He serves in
What is Mentoring? Students answer!
International students share what mentoring is and who a mentor is.
My experience as a Mentor: Katerina’s story
My name is Katerina Pencheva, and I am a mentor in the cultural mentoring program of “Big Brothers Big Sisters – Bulgaria,” where I am paired with Julie. I work as a primary school teacher in Karlovo and am currently pursuing a PhD in Social Policy and Social Work. Alongside my academic and
Meet Nadezhda and Sisi: A connection with age-defying chemistry!
Nadezhda is 23 and describes herself as curious, active, and eager to grow. She finds balance in nature and energy in sports, and values a conscious lifestyle. Sisi, on the other hand, is 9—creative, kind, and full of imagination. She loves drawing, animals, and spending time with her family. Although they are different in age
Young Mentors Gathered in Plovdiv for the Bridges by Mentors Transnational Student Meeting
From 28 November to 3 December 2025, twenty-four students, coming from 17 different cultural backgrounds and presenting 5 partner organizations (NHL Stenden, USMB, HOWEST, UNIC and BBBS) met in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, for a Transnational Student Meeting under the Bridges by Mentors project. Hosted at Hotel EXPO, the event brought together young mentors to develop
We have the view and power to make it!
Victoria Angelova, a lecturer in psychology and social work at Plovdiv University, shares her perspective on the importance of mentoring. She highlights mentoring as the “purest form of transmission of experience” and emphasizes how it can support students in becoming socially responsible and engaged. Victoria also reflects on the motivation
Crossing Cultures in Medicine: Areeb’s Experience from Calgary to Plovdiv
My name is Areeb Ansari, and I’m a 4th-year medical student at the Medical University of Plovdiv in Bulgaria. I grew up in Canada and have always been drawn to healthcare, especially the human connection that comes with it. My educational journey has taken me from Calgary to Plovdiv, and
A Global Path to Medicine: Shreyya’s Journey of Growth and Cultural Discovery
Hi everyone! I am Shreyya. I was born in America and grew up in India, before returning to the USA for higher education. Currently, I am a medical Student at Medical University Plovdiv, Bulgaria. I have always been interested in Medicine and being involved in a field where I can
The Power of Student Mentoring Across Cultures: A Perspective from Plovdiv
By Nikolay Dobrev, Former Chairperson, Association of Pharmacy students, Medical University of Plovdiv Mentoring is often seen as a relationship where knowledge and experience are passed from one person to another. But in a university setting especially one as culturally diverse as the Medical University of Plovdiv, it becomes much
Training for Youth Workers in Pamporovo!
Between 1st and 7th of July 2024 the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bulgaria Association held the “Mentoring Without Borders” Training for Youth Workers in Pamporovo, Bulgaria. University students, university staff members and mentors from France (Afev France and Université Savoie Mont Blanc), Netherlands (NHL Stenden), Belgium (Howest) and Bulgaria
Empowering Through Mentorship: Stakeholders Speak Up
The Online Validation Workshop brought together almost 30 stakeholders, representing universities and non-profit organizations across Europe to discuss student mentoring as a tool for international impact and to state their support for the methodology of the “Bridges by Mentors” projects. Here is what the stakeholders shared: “Mentoring is a universal tool
From Greece to Bulgaria
Hello everyone, my name is Apostolos. Originally I am from Greece but the last 7 years I am residing in Bulgaria, where I took my bachelor studies in musical pedagogy, pop and jazz guitar. Right now I am finishing up my thesis for my master’s degree in PR of art
Mentoring Through Their Eyes: International Students in Bulgaria Reflect
Listen as Apostolos from Greece and Taj from the UK share their thoughts on mentoring and its importance in higher education—especially from the perspective of international students in Bulgaria. They also offer valuable advice for anyone considering becoming a mentor.
October 2023: Kick Off meeting in Plovdiv, Bulgaria!
We are thrilled to share that since September 2023, we have diligently worked to analyze our local landscapes, paving the way for the implementation of a meaningful mentoring program, encompassing: Our kick-off meeting in the beautiful city of Plovdiv allowed us to meet and share our thoughts on the implementation
watch and discover!
Global students, local impact. (to be edited)
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OUR PARTNERS (to be edited)
CHECK OUT THE DIFFERENTS VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES (LIST IS NOT EXHAUSTIVE)
A small VWO-level school in Leeuwarden with a strong focus on classical education, including Greek and Latin. Founded over 100 years ago, it combines tradition with modern facilities and promotes values like respect and reflection. Students grow academically and creatively through subjects like science, humanities, music, and theater.Primary & secondary school Th De Vriesskoalle
A public school in Feanwâlden offering bilingual education in Dutch, Frisian, and English. With small classes, modern tools, and a focus on personal growth, it provides a safe and creative learning environment where students are encouraged to explore their talents.
Moody’s by Amaryllis is a youth-focused community center in Leeuwarden for ages 12–27. It’s a safe space to explore talents, get support, and connect through activities like sports, music, and themed events. Youth workers offer guidance and help young people grow with confidence.