The winners of the 16th edition of the National Network for Children (NNC) “Golden Apple” Awards have been announced. This year, the Network celebrates its 20th anniversary and honored companies, individuals, organizations, schools, and kindergartens that have made the greatest contribution to children’s rights and well-being in Bulgaria over the past two decades.
For its sustainable initiatives supporting children at risk and promoting their education, development, and social inclusion, Fantastico Group received the jury award in the “Corporate Partnership for Children” category. The company combines charitable giving, partnerships, and long-term programs to achieve lasting impact.
In the “School/Kindergarten” category, the jury award went to 71st Secondary School “Peyo Yavorov” in the village of Kazichene. The “Lend a Hand – Give a Better Future” Foundation won the “Golden Apple” award in the “Children’s Organization” category.
The NNC Board of Directors presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Associate Professor Velina Todorova, a lawyer and university lecturer recognized as an expert on children’s rights, co-founder of the State Agency for Child Protection, and a founding member of the NNC Legal Aid Network.
The Special Award of the National Network for Children was presented to physician, scientist, and public figure Professor Ivaylo Tarnev for his significant contribution to improving access to healthcare for children and families from vulnerable communities.
The “Children’s Hero” award was granted to Bozhidar Popov, Principal of Marin Drinov Primary School in Kyustendil, in recognition of his success in transforming the school into an active community that unites students, parents, and society around causes related to development, support, and education.
“Every year, we honor the people and organizations who are closest to children, who support them through their work, donations, and care for their well-being. We thank all the Children’s Heroes who have stood by us for 20 years in our fight for better legislation, effective policies, and children’s rights—especially now, when the environment is becoming increasingly challenging and the civil sector must also defend democracy,” said Georgi Bogdanov, Executive Director of the National Network for Children.
The National Network for Children also recognized the companies that received the “Child-Friendly Company” Certificate for a second consecutive cycle—UniCredit Bulbank and Kaufland Bulgaria. The awards were presented by actress Elena Petrova. The NNC certificate remains the only recognition of its kind in Bulgaria, honoring organizations with sustainable policies and practices supporting children, families, and working parents.
This year, a record 60 nominations were submitted for the Golden Apple Awards, and more than 4,800 people participated in the online voting for the “Children’s Hero” and “Children’s Organization” categories.
The winners in the remaining categories were selected by an expert jury comprising Elena Atanasova from UNICEF Bulgaria, Gabriela Marinova from the Bulgarian Business Leaders Forum (BBLF), Boyan Zahariev from the Open Society Institute – Sofia, Daniel Kiryakov from the American Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria, and Vladimira Kitanova from NNC’s Megaphone Program.
The ceremony, held last night, was hosted by actress Iva Papazova and Panayota Balevska, a young participant in the NNC’s Megaphone Program. Young representatives Mirela and Mikaela, also members of the Megaphone youth network, joined the event on stage.
The evening’s special musical guest was Michaela Fileva, while attendees also enjoyed performances by the Julia Romeova Ballet Studio.
During the event, the charitable initiative “A Brick with a Cause” was presented. The campaign supports the construction of the “Children’s House”, a community center dedicated to early childhood development and advocacy for children’s rights. The initiative is already active, and everyone wishing to support the cause can participate by purchasing a symbolic brick to help build the future space for children and families.
The Golden Apple Awards 2026 were made possible with the support of UniCredit Consumer Financing, Kaufland Bulgaria, Siemens Bulgaria, the Bulgarian Business Leaders Forum (BBLF), and Trade Agency Business Day.
The Golden Apple Awards 2026 statuettes were created by the art workshop of the Concordia Bulgaria Foundation.
