President Iliana Iotova addressed the National Representative Committee concerning the 170-Year Anniversary of National Community Centres, asserting that the future of these institutions remains bright despite modern challenges. She noted that the Bulgarian community centre, which has endured for 170 years, owes its survival largely to the dedication of Bulgarian patriots and cultural figures involved in educational activities. Iotova stated that these centers significantly contributed to the formation of the Bulgarian community long before the reestablishment of the Bulgarian State.
The meeting, attended by Committee Chair Prof. Nikolay Doynov, institutional representatives, and media, focused on several critical areas. Participants discussed the necessity of establishing measures for the financing of public community centers, alongside strategies for the conservation and renovation of existing buildings.
Attendees emphasized the legal framework governing these centers and expressed a strong desire among Bulgarian communities abroad to establish new public centers. Currently, only a branch of the Prosveta 1870 National Community Centre in Svilengrad, Southern Bulgaria, exists in Edirne. Iotova stressed that the further development of Bulgarian community centers should be a priority for all national institutions.
Committee members voiced hope that the National Assembly and the incoming government would prioritize cultural policies. While commending the President for her sustained support of community initiatives, the discussions also covered organizational details for the anniversary celebrations. Iotova confirmed the Presidential institution’s full backing for all planned events, reinforcing the enduring importance of these centers to the global Bulgarian community.
Topics: #community #centres #bright
It’s encouraging to hear the President’s positive outlook on the future of community centers.