News

21 January 2026

Ombudsman Velislava Delcheva held an open lesson – a practical exercise in the "Civic Education" class for high school students at 2nd Secondary School "Emilian Stanev" in Sofia.

"Hello, I am your Ombudsman — do you know why? Because the Ombudsman is not the person who only takes care of electricity, heating, water, high bills, quick loans, and all those issues that actually concern your parents. The Ombudsman is the defender of the rights of every citizen of Bulgaria. You are children, but you are also citizens of Bulgaria, so I am also your Ombudsman. You also have rights, and it is my duty to protect your rights," said the Ombudsman.

The meeting was attended by the school principal Orchidea Delieva and PhD Eleonora Lilova, head of the Sofia City Regional Department of Education.

During the lesson, Velislava Delcheva introduced the students to the activities of the institution of the Ombudsman in detail and, through specific cases and examples, explained how young people can protect their rights and be active and responsible citizens. She underlined that the voice of students was important and should be heard when decisions affecting them directly were being made.

The Ombudsman also drew attention to the institution's role in protecting vulnerable groups in society – people, children with disabilities, and people at risk of poverty, who need not only social support but also good treatment.

The students had the opportunity to ask questions and received detailed answers on topics related to the appointment of local public mediators (city ombudsmen), the election of the national ombudsman, and the possibilities for responding to problems with infrastructure, broken sidewalks, and waste management in Sofia.

When asked how one person can be responsible for so many complicated issues, the Ombudsman explained that 60 experts worked at the institution, assisting her in her daily activities.

"It is extremely important to trust institutions, and I sincerely hope that the Ombudsman will be the bridge that gives us the confidence that things can happen in Bulgaria after all," concluded Velislava Delcheva's practical lesson.

The principal of 2^nd Secondary School "Emilian Stanev" Orchidea Delieva thanked the Ombudsman and highlighted the importance of such meetings for students, noting that "along with the educational material and process, it is very important to give you the right direction on how to cope in life."

"I am sure that this meeting will leave a visible mark on you and that you will remember from time to time, when something happens in your life, that the Ombudsman is indeed the person who can help you," said PhD Eleonora Lilova, head of the Sofia City Regional Department of Education.