Special edition of bTV's "120 Minutes: For the Children of Bulgaria" raised 40,000 BGN in donations

Just a few days before Christmas, the show "120 Minutes: For the Children of Bulgaria" in support of UNICEF gathered more than 20 popular personalities and bTV journalists in a special three-hour edition. Some of the people from the stories told by Kristina Gazieva, as well as UNICEF partners and supporters from all over the country also took part in the special studio. 

Within the framework of the program, the results of the reform in childcare over the past 20 years were also presented - from the closure of Mogilino to the present day. The host of bTV News Victoria Petrova and Natalia Simeonova shared with Svetoslav Ivanov their memories of their participation in the first season of "The Magnificent Six" in 2007. They talked about the emotions and the huge success of the show, which united millions of Bulgarians in support of the cause of closing institutions for children. In 120 minutes, the heroes of the story of the closure of the home in Shumen - the cause of the "Magnificent Six"2 were also guests. Vladi is one of the first children taken out of the home and his foster mother Petya Panosyan, who has raised 7 children in 15 years.

As a result of the reform and thanks to the efforts of all national institutions and organizations involved in it, if in 2000 more than 35,000 children were placed in 165 institutions, today, 25 years later, there are less than 80 children in the last two homes for medical and social care, which are also planned to be closed by the end of next year.

The host of "Who wants to be a millionaire" Niki Kanchev called on bTV viewers to continue their support for children with disabilities so that they can receive quality education and the opportunity for development. Bulgaria's progress in the area of inclusive education shows a more than 4-fold increase in the number of children with special educational needs in enrolled in schools and kindergartens and a significant increase in the number of supporting specialists. "However, some families of children with disabilities are still fighting for their children every day. In order for them to grow in a supportive and accepting environment, we must be next to them," said Niki Kanchev.

UNICEF Bulgaria National Ambassador Polly Genova shared part of her personal story as a mother of two young children and confirmed the need for a national patronage care program to support parents in the first most important years of their children's lives.

Singer Desi Slava touched on the topic of online bullying and urged parents to talk to their children and spend quality time with them so that children can share more and feel protected.

The National Ambassadors of UNICEF Bulgaria - Elena Petrova and Vladimir Ampov – Grafa called for the unification of the efforts of the whole society to eliminate violence against and between children in our country. The studio presented the inspiring story of Ivelina - a victim of sexual violence as a 16-year-old girl. With the support of the specialists from the Child Support Center "Zona Zakrila" in Shumen, she is now a happy young woman who speaks openly about the need for more specialized assistance for children victims of violence.

With calls for support of UNICEF's causes in 120 minutes "For the Children of Bulgaria" also participated: Galena, Ekaterina Evro and Alexander Kadiev, Yuksel Kadriev, Kristina Baksanova, Ivan Georgiev, Maria Tsantsarova, Zlatimir Yochev, Lilyana Boyanova, Nikoleta Madanska, Valeri Genov, Petar Dochev and Alexandra Krasteva.

"Sincere thanks to everyone who shared their stories, to all our partners, specialists, psychologists, social workers, teachers and everyone who cares that children receive timely and vital support – you are our heroes, you change the lives of children every day, thank you. 
On behalf of UNICEF, I would like to thank all journalists from bTV for their efforts, as well as all viewers, for standing for children for so many years. Your support is key for us to continue our work here in Bulgaria and everywhere in the world where a child needs help. Thank you.", said Kristina de Bruin, UNICEF representative in Bulgaria at the final of the special edition of "120 Minutes: For the Children of Bulgaria".

"Despite Bulgaria's progress, there is still work to be done. To protect children in these uncertain times, we must put their needs at the heart of national policies and prioritize investments in their well-being and development. This means ensuring every child has access to quality and inclusive services—health, education, early childhood, and social protection.", added Christina de Bruin.