The Garden of Cognition Foundation is pleased to partner with the National Association of Children and Young People with Diabetes– an organization dedicated to supporting, informing, and improving the quality of life of children, young people, and families living with type 1 diabetes.
NACYD is a non-governmental organization established more than 20 years ago by Elisaveta Kotova, with a mission to support children and young people with diabetes and their families by creating opportunities for a more fulfilling, active, and healthy life. Over the years, the organization has established itself as an important partner in the fields of support, prevention, and awareness campaigns aimed at increasing knowledge and understanding of type 1 diabetes.
The partnership between the Garden of Cognition Foundation and NACYD is built on shared values and a common commitment to creating more opportunities for the development, support, and inclusion of children and young people. The two organizations join forces to support initiatives that promote education, personal development, and the creation of a healthier and more supportive environment for young people and their families.
Through their collaboration, the Garden of Cognition Foundation and the National Association of Children and Young People with Diabetes work together to raise awareness, address the challenges associated with type 1 diabetes, and provide support that enables children and young people to develop their potential and live fulfilling lives.
Contact Information:
Chairperson: Marieta Kotova
Address: 50 “Vasil Ihchiev” Street, Floor 2, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Email: marietakotova@gmail.com
Phone: +359 8794 60897
The Ignatovi Family Foundation was established in 2021 in Canada with a mission to support meaningful causes and initiatives aimed at creating a better environment for the lives and development of children and young people in Bulgaria. In partnership with various organizations, the Foundation has reached more than 25 communities across the country and supported over 1,500 young people.
A key priority of the Ignatovi Family Foundation is to promote education, encourage an entrepreneurial spirit, develop practical skills, protect the environment, and provide support to families in need. The organization believes in the potential of every child and works towards building a more equitable, healthy, and inspired society.
The Garden of Cognition Foundation and the Ignatovi Family Foundation share a common vision of education as a key driver of sustainable social development. Inspired by their commitment to creating positive change, the two organizations design and implement joint educational programs across Bulgaria, aimed at supporting young people with limited opportunities.
Contacts:
KCYS / Kerry Community Youth Service/ is a youth organization in Ireland. It has branches in the towns of Tralee, Killarney, Listowel and Castleisland. The Killarney Youth Center is part of the international network of youth centers in Europe and is a winner of the Council of Europe Quality Label:
https://www.coe.int/en/web/youth/quality-label-for-youth-centres
The organization’s goal is to create opportunities for the support and development of young people and their communities. KCYS knows how important it is to work with and for young people. They provide all young people with a safe, fun and positive environment by providing spaces, services, mentoring, training and opportunities for their holistic development.
Foundation “Garden of Cognition”and KCYS are partners and successfully implemented their latest project “The Green Beans” under the Erasmus+ program in 2024.
kreception@kdys.ie
Fairhill, Killarney, Co. Kerry
(064) 663 1748
listowel@kdys.ie
108 Upper Church St, Ballygowloge, Litowel, Co. Kerry
(068) 23744
kreception@kdys.ie
Lower Main Street, Castleisland, Co. Kerry
(066) 714 2648
Nova Vision Association was founded by seven female professionals with extensive experience in project management, as well as in the educational and social fields. The organization aims to foster partnerships for international cooperation that improve opportunities and contribute to the success and sustainability of future projects.
The team has extensive experience in managing EU projects, which positions them at the forefront of effective cooperation.
Foundation “Garden of Cognition” and Nova Vision are partners and successfully implemented their latest project “Step Up Youth Work” under the Erasmus+ program in 2024 together with partner organizations from Portugal, Serbia, Croatia, Italy, Romania and Germany.
Contacts:
Address: Beştepe Mah. Nergiz Sokak. No: 7/2 , Ankara, Turkey
https://novavis.org/
Email: info@novavis.org
The Municipality of Maritsa is located in the Plovdiv Region and comprises 19 settlements: Benkovski, Voyvodinovo, Voysil, Graf Ignatievo, Dink, Zhelyazno, Kalekovets, Kostievo, Krislovo, Manole, Manolsko Konare, Radinovo, Rogosh, Skutare, Stroevo, Trilistnik, Trud, Tsaratsovo, and Yasno Pole.
As one of our valued partners, the Municipality of Maritsa supports the implementation of initiatives focused on education, personal development, social inclusion, and the active participation of children, young people, and the local community. Through this partnership, we are able to create more opportunities for learning, creativity, and sustainable community development.
We believe that cooperation between civil society organizations and local government is essential for building stronger, more active, and better-connected communities. We sincerely appreciate the Municipality of Maritsa for its trust, shared values, and commitment to the causes we advance together.
In recent years, the educational programs of the Garden of Cognition Foundation have been implemented in partnership with Kuklen Municipality. Thanks to the active support of the municipal leadership and the personal commitment of Ms. Maria Belcheva, Mayor of Kuklen Municipality, we are able to create opportunities for quality education, personal development, and social inclusion for children and young people.
Kuklen Municipality is located in Southern Bulgaria, in close proximity to the city of Plovdiv, and includes the settlements of Kuklen, Galabovo, Dobralak, Ruen, Tsar Kaloyan, and Yavrovo.
The region is characterized by its cultural diversity, with representatives of different ethnic communities living together in harmony. This reflects the mission of the Garden of Cognition Foundation to promote intercultural dialogue, equal access to education, and the development of an inclusive learning environment.
Contact Information
Address: 43 Alexander Stamboliyski Street, Kuklen 4101, Bulgaria
Website: kuklen.org
E-mail: kmet@kuklen.org
Phone: +359 (3115) 2120
Perushtitsa is a town in Southern Bulgaria, located in Plovdiv Province, known for its rich historical heritage, cultural landmarks, and archaeological discoveries. With its unique history and cultural significance, the town attracts visitors from across the country.
The Garden of Cognition Foundation partners with Perushtitsa Municipality to support the educational and personal development of children and young people in the region. Through active dialogue with the local community and the implementation of educational initiatives, the Foundation has established a long-term partnership with the two schools and the local community cultural center in the town.
In recent years, the Foundation’s team has implemented various educational activities aimed at developing knowledge, skills, and confidence among young people, while encouraging them to discover and reach their full potential.
The Garden of Cognition Foundation believes that the sustainable development of small communities begins with investing in their children and young people. That is why we work together with local institutions and communities to create an inspiring educational environment that encourages curiosity, confidence, and the active participation of young people in society.
Contacts:
Perushtitsa, p.k. 4225, ul. “Otets Paisii” №2
https://perushtitsa.egov.bg
email:obshtina@perushtitsa.egov.bg
Tel: 03143/27-86
It is located in Plovdiv region, 22 km southeast of Asenovgrad, 42 km southeast of Plovdiv, 53 km from Kardzhali. The village is located at the northern foot of the Prespa section in the Western Rhodopes, at 480 m above sea level. A constituent settlement of Asenovgrad Municipality
The village of Novakovo has a rich historical past. Traditions say that the village still exists as a Slavic settlement. At first, it was called “Kyuchuk Stambol – Nevesel”, which means “Little Tsarigrad”. The village was formed from the so-called Zagor neighborhood. During the Ottoman rule, it was called Indzhekoy. It was burned down, then it was resettled and named Novakovo. Birthplace of Angel Voivoda. In 1871, Vasil Levski founded a secret revolutionary committee in Novakovo. The Apostle relied most in his revolutionary mission on priest Angel Cholakov. The fighting priest participated in the preparation of the April Uprising. Later, with his sword and silver cross, he consecrated the historical act of Unification in 1885. A monument has been built in the center of the village. In addition to it, there is also a monument to those who died in the anti-fascist struggle and in the Patriotic War. Archimandrite Ambrose, abbot of the monastery “St. George-Zograph” Mount Athos, was born in the village of Novakovo in 1939.
A large part of the educational activities of the Foundation are implemented on the territory of the village of Novakovo.
Contacts:
Mayor: Milen Nikolov Demirev
Email: kmetstvo_novakovo@abv.bg
Tel.: 03344/ 2221
The People’s Community Center “Hristo Botev 1928” in the village of Novakovo is an active partner of the Foundation in the process of planning and conducting educational activities and initiatives. It was established in 1928 and is currently the engine of cultural, historical and public events and initiatives in the village. It establishes the connection between the children and youth, on the one hand, and the organizations and institutions of the neighboring small settlements. Joint activities and projects are planned and implemented.
Address: 12 Hristo Botev St., Novakovo village
Chairman: Vili Atanasova
Secretary and Librarian: Spaska Kaloferova
E-mail: kaloferova_spaska86@abv.bg
Phone: +359897254928
Facebook: People’s Community Center “Hristo Botev 1928”, Novakovo village
Foundation “Garden of Cognition” has already successfully implemented several projects and events in partnership with Secondary School “St. Paisii Hilendarski“ . Our common initiatives include both developing students’ knowledge and skills, as well as specialized activities with the teachers.
Secondary School “St. Paisii Hilendarski” is an educational institution in the city of Plovdiv, located near the city center. In it, children and young people have been receiving their elementary, primary and/or high school education for decades.
The achievements of “St. Paisius Hilendarski” School are in fields such as chemistry, choral singing and physical education.
Contacts:
Plovdiv city, Central District, 48 “Rodopi” Str.
Director: 032/624 431
e-mail: info-1690154@edu.mon.bg
web: https://paisii.info/
The vocational high school of agriculture in the city of Kuklen is a school with many years of experience in professional education in the field, with excellent specialists – teachers and a very good material and technical resources. With the support of the educational institution, for more than half a year, our team implemented the educational program “Future founders” aimed at developing competencies in young people in the area of entrepreneurship, development of projects and initiatives. This is a kind of first step towards many future activities.
Contacts:
Prinicipal: 0879360677
Еmail: 1601102@edu.mon.bg
web: https://bgobrazovanie.bg/profesionalna-gimnaziya-po-selsko-stopanstvo-gr-kuklen/
The Vocational High School of Viticulture and Enology “Hristo Botev” – Perushtitsa was founded in 1949, as a continuation of the traditions of agricultural education in the region. Today, the school is housed in a massive 4-story building with remarkable pedagogical equipment, and also has a teaching and production base of 132 acres of its own land, training workshops, a diagnostic department, offices, areas for agricultural equipment, a driving range and a lot of agricultural equipment.
The Foundation and the high school are successfully partnering in implementing various initiatives. During the 2024/2025 academic year, young people from the Vocational High School of Viticulture and Enology “Hristo Botev” are going through the educational program “Young Entrepreneur”. Through it, our team enriches the financial literacy of students and develops their entrepreneurial skills.
Contacts:
Address: Perushtitsa, Krayrechna Street №7
Начало
Email:info-1602402@edu.mon.bg
Tel:0877844348
Champions Factory is a large non-profit organization, leading innovative programs in education and sports development at the national and international levels. Fueled by a fundamental belief in human potential, their unique initiatives aim to empower people and communities. Each year, their projects involve over 30 organizations from across the country and over 1,500 young people.
Since 2023, the team of Foundation ”Garden of Cognition” has successfully partnered with the organization, implementing three national educational programs developed by Champions Factory.
Contacts:
Address: Sofia, Manastirski Livadi District, Mir Str. 27
https://championsfactory.bg/
Email: hi@championsfactory.bg
Association “Omega” is a Bulgarian non-governmental organization that works to support young people in the Kardzhali region, including them in projects to strengthen civic activity, intercultural dialogue and informal education. Young people are motivated to be active participants in social processes by working together on initiatives close to their interests, which supports their career and personal development. The association’s successes are the result of well-chosen ideas and consistent work of the team of young experts and volunteers with appropriate competencies.
city Kardjali
Chairman: Veselina Yurukova, tel. +359884444356, yurukova.v@gmail.com
Coordinator: Veselina Georgieva, tel. +359884921472
The activities of the “Open Spaces” Association are focused on the intersection between art and social change. The association aims to research and study the culture of isolated from society and minority groups, partnership to create opportunities for the development of their potential and their full inclusion in society, building bridges and creating conditions for dialogue and cooperation between different social groups, empowering young people through cultural and educational activities. Since 2015, the team, together with volunteers, anthropologists and artists, has been conducting various initiatives in the “Stolipinovo” district in Plovdiv, aimed at stimulating the creative potential of young people, supporting local artisans and researching the stories of people from the community.
“New Perspectives for Development” is a non-profit association. The main goals of the association are: work with young people, child and youth training, non-formal education, protection of natural and cultural heritage, promotion of cooperation between small businesses in the Rhodopes, increasing the quality of tourist services in the Rhodopes, marketing support for the activities of network members “The New Thracian Gold”. The association works actively with schools and youth organizations and is registered as a local tourist association and assists in the development of the Eastern Rhodopes as a destination for sustainable tourism.
city Kardjali
Chairman: Mihaela Kircheva, tel. 0887831026, mihaela.kircheva@gmail.com
Coordinator: Veselina Yurukova, tel. 0884444356