50 orphaned students received "Get ready to succeed" scholarships

50 orphaned students studying at 15 Bulgarian universities will receive annual scholarships during academic year 2006/2007 for their excellent academic results. The scholarships have been awarded at an official ceremony, which took place in Sofia University on January 31.

Prof. Boyan Biolchev, Rector of Sofia University and Mrs. Vanya Dobreva, Deputy Minister of Education and Science, congratulated the scholarship students and acknowledged the donors.

For less than two months, "Get ready to succeed" charity appeal, initiated by Bulgarian Charities Aid Foundation (BCAF) in partnership with the International Women's Club - Sofia and Orphan Foundation raised BGN 50,000. Some 200 citizens, companies and organizations supported the appeal.

The International Women's Club contributed 18 scholarships from their Charity Christmas Bazaar fundraising. Kamor Foundation set up Kamor Scholarships fund and granted BGN 10,000. Intracom Bulgaria donated BGN 10,000. Care International Bulgaria joined the initiative with BGN 1,000. NetInfo.BG also granted BGN 1,000.

According to Prof. Biolchev, it would not be relevant to talk about underprivileged youngsters, as the scholarships are awarding the intellect and the efforts shown by the students. Mrs. Vanya Dobreva pointed out the role of the society for the development of Bulgarian education and science and expressed expectations that an increasing number of companies would support such good initiatives.

"This event marks the fact that an increasing number of people, organizations and institutions in Bulgaria are supporting people in need. The donors contributed to the development of the human capital, which is a priority in the new context of Bulgaria's full EU membership" says Mrs. Emilia Maslarova, Minister of Labor and Social Welfare, in a letter of acknowledgement to BCAF.

 "Get ready to succeed" scholarships are part of a long-term engagement of BCAF to support young people in Bulgaria. In 2007 BCAF will continue to fundraise for scholarships as well as for other various good causes under the motto "Giving is wonderful" (www.kampaniata.org).