“Singing or Lying” Live in Support of UNICEF

Support in the early years lays the foundations for a lifetime.

During the first years of life, children develop at an extraordinary pace, and the care, communication and experiences they receive during this period, have a lasting impact on their health, learning and well-being. Родителството обаче не идва с универсален наръчник. Parenting, however, does not come with a universal handbook. That is why every family should have access to reliable information, practical guidance and quality services that provide timely support close to home. Developmental difficulties identified early can be overcome or significantly reduced, while children with disabilities and their families can receive the support they need as early as possible to enable children to develop to their full potential and participate fully in society.

Key Data

Only 12% of parents report that their child’s doctor has ever used a questionnaire to monitor their development.

Nearly one third of developmental difficulties or disabilities are identified after the age of three, even though concerns had emerged earlier.

One in three families with a child with special needs travels more than 100 km to another city or municipality to access the support they need.

UNICEF’s solution

UNICEF works with national and local partners to develop accessible early childhood development services and support for parents. These include universal support for young children and their families through home-visiting services and the Bebbo app, as well as specialised services such as home-based early childhood intervention for children with developmental difficulties and their families, and mobile outreach services for vulnerable communities. The goal is for every family to receive timely support tailored to its needs.

Every child has the right to learn and develop their full potential.

Quality education is about more than simply being present in the classroom. It means creating an environment that recognizes children’s different abilities, needs and interests and gives them a genuine opportunity to participate and achieve results. Despite the progress made, equal access to quality education in Bulgaria remains a challenge.

Key Data

89.7% of children are enrolled in preschool education, yet in some regions more than 27% of children do not attend kindergarten.

While enrolment in primary education stands at 93.3%, it falls to 84.1% at high school level, and in some regions more than 43% of adolescents are out of school.

PISA 2025 results show a decline in the performance of Bulgarian students, with nearly 6 in 10 fifteen-year-olds failing to reach the baseline proficiency level in reading and mathematics and struggling to understand, analyse and apply information in real-life situations.

Only 55.12% of 16–19-year-olds have at least basic or above-basic digital skills.

The number of children with special educational needs in mainstream kindergartens and schools continues to increase, reaching more than 27,000. At the same time, a shortage of specialists continues to hinder the effective inclusion of children with special educational needs.

UNICEF’s solution

UNICEF works with institutions, schools, civil society organisations and partners to improve access to education and prevent school dropout, strengthen early learning, support children with special educational needs, prevent violence in schools and develop key skills. The goal is for every child to receive quality education in an environment where they feel accepted and supported.

Childhood today also happens online.

Internet is a place for learning, communication, entertainment and development, but it also brings real risks. That is why online safety cannot simply mean bans and restrictions. Children need knowledge, critical thinking skills and trusted adults they can turn to for help.

Key data from the report “Growing Up Online”

Nearly 4 in 5 children are already active online by the age of 10.

22% of students report having experienced online bullying.

41% would not tell anyone if they encountered shocking content online.

86% of students use some form of artificial intelligence.

Решението на УНИЦЕФ 

Through the "Steps Together" programme UNICEF works with the Ministry of Education and Science, the Bulgarian Safer Internet Centre, schools, parents and civil society organisations to create a safer, more supportive and inclusive environment for children – both online and offline.

Every child has the right to grow up protected from violence.

Violence can have lasting consequences for children’s physical and mental health, their ability to learn, build relationships and reach their full potential. It is a phenomenon that exists in every country, society, ethnic or religious group, regardless of a child’s or family’s social status. The main challenges in Bulgaria are linked to the need for targeted, multisectoral efforts to prevent violence and identify risks at an early stage, as well as strengthening the ability of systems to respond promptly, effectively and in a coordinated way before harm escalates.

Key Data

47% of children in Bulgaria – almost one in two – have experienced some form of violence by the age of 18.

Emotional violence is the most widespread form, affecting 45.9% of children.

31.2% of children have experienced physical violence. One in three children (34.8%) say they feel unsafe at home, at school or in their community.

In 2025, Bulgaria’s National Child Helpline 116 111 received more than 25,000 calls, including over 2,000 reports involving children at risk.

Online threats are increasing significantly, with the Bulgarian Safer Internet Centre reporting more than 3.6 million reports worldwide, while nearly 189,000 cases linked to Bulgaria were referred to the General Directorate for Combating Organised Crime.

Domestic violence continues to affect a significant number of children. In 2025, 1,544 protection orders were issued in favour of children, accounting for 24% of all protection orders issued.

UNICEF’s solution

UNICEF works to build an effective system for preventing violence against children, ensuring early intervention and providing quality support to children who have experienced violence and their families. In partnership with institutions, civil society organisations, academia, businesses, the media, children and parents, UNICEF is expanding the Zona ZaKrila model for integrated support to children who have experienced violence, strengthening the capacity of professionals working in child protection and justice systems, supporting the development of evidence-based policies and services, and promoting zero tolerance towards all forms of violence, including violence in the online environment.

When crisis strikes, children are among the most vulnerable.

Conflicts, natural disasters and other emergencies can leave children without a home, education, healthcare, safe water or protection in an instant. In such situations, rapid and timely assistance can be lifesaving.

UNICEF’s solution

UNICEF works in more than 190 countries and territories, including some of the world’s most challenging humanitarian settings. Before, during and after emergencies, UNICEF stays on the ground and delivers lifesaving assistance – providing safe water, food and treatment for malnutrition, healthcare, education, protection and support for children and their families.