News

4 February 2026

Ombudsman Velislava Delcheva awarded all students from the fourth grade of the capital's 51^st Secondary School "Elisaveta Bagryana" with honorary certificates "I am a little ombudsman." The children solemnly took an oath and received certificates confirming that they know their rights and responsibilities as citizens.

The event took place during the "Civic Education" class taught by Ms. Kalina Alexandrova, where the public defender gave an open lesson on the topic "Your voice matters."

"I am confident that the next ombudsman is here among you—that's for sure," Velislava Delcheva told the pupils.

The fourth graders were prepared for the meeting in advance and gave presentations on topics such as "Who to turn to if I need help," "My rights and responsibilities at school," and "My dreams for Bulgaria."

Using specific and understandable examples from the Institution's practice, the Ombudsman explained how the rights of both children and adults were protected. To reinforce what they had learned, the pupils actively participated in solving three practical cases.

The principal of 51st Secondary School "Elisaveta Bagryana" Veselin Stefanov, reported that the school had student councils for each stage—primary, lower secondary, and upper secondary—which proved that children were involved from an early age in making important decisions related to school life.

In her conversation with the pupils, Velislava Delcheva emphasized the role of the Ombudsman as a defender to whom children can turn when they are not heard or feel threatened.

"If you have an opinion and no one has asked you about it, the Ombudsman is one of the people you can turn to. The Ombudsman is also one who should protect you when someone bullies you at school or when you feel uncomfortable. Of course, you can always seek help from your parents, teachers, or the principal, but don't forget that the Ombudsman is also there for you," she said.

The public defender further explained that the Ombudsman's work begins with hearing all parties, after which they carefully examine the facts to determine the most equitable solution.

"The hardest part is deciding what is fair and what is just, because sometimes there is more than one correct solution," Delcheva added.

At the end of the meeting, the pupils asked questions, to which they received candid and sincere answers, including the question of what the Ombudsman wanted to be when she was in fourth grade.

"I remember it very well—I wanted to become a Bulgarian language teacher and give out failing grades. I don't know why—I just wanted to give out failing grades," replied Velislava Delcheva with a smile.