On February 26, at the Cultural and Information Centre in Kazanlak, we opened a photo exhibition featuring portraits of children and young people from our social services in the city.
The exhibition showcases the strength and individuality of young people who rarely stand in front of the camera, and emphasises their personality rather than their diagnosis or social status. It is part of the celebrations of two important anniversaries marked last year – 20 years since the foundation’s establishment and 10 years since the opening of our family homes and sheltered housing in Kazanlak.
The official part of the event was opened by the foundation’s executive director, Adriana Gotzova, who welcomed the guests and highlighted the significance of the exhibition. She also read a letter from photographer Angel Zaharinov addressed to the children and young people who posed for his camera:
“We met at a very interesting moment. For you, because a stranger entered your personal space – your safest place – and, on top of everything, took your picture; and for me, because I was faced with a dilemma as a photographer. Over time, I had begun to lose sight of the meaning in taking photos… You gave meaning and a new perspective on photography for me. You came as you are, a little shy, and with that kindness in your eyes… I saw your eyes, I saw your character, and I captured it.”
As a gesture of gratitude and support from the local government, the mayor of Kazanlak Municipality, Ms Galina Stoyanova, was unable to attend the event but sent a congratulatory message, which was read by the deputy mayor for humanitarian policies, Ms Srebra Kaseva. In it, she expressed her sincere gratitude to the team of the Cedar Foundation:
“With professionalism, dedication, and love, you and your team are changing lives, restoring hope and faith in the goodness of disadvantaged children and youth. I express my endless gratitude to everyone working at the residential centres in Kazanlak. I respect you for opening your hearts and souls, embracing the destinies of others, and giving them a home and a family. I respect you for turning this difficult work into your cause.”
With words of gratitude and reflection, Neli Boneva, manager of our social services, spoke about the journey so far, our successes, and our future goals:
“Ten years ago, we took on the responsibility of creating not just a service, but a home. Over the years, we have built a stable and supportive environment with an individualised approach to each child and opportunities for development according to their potential. Our greatest success is not measured in numbers, but in the smiles of the children and young people and in their first steps toward independence. Today, we look back with pride, but also forward – with new goals and responsibilities – and we will continue to work to ensure that every child has the chance for a dignified childhood, development, and fulfilment.”
As a token of our appreciation, we also presented certificates to our partners and supporters, recognising their long-standing dedication to the cause. The “Proud Cedar Ambassador” award is given to individuals who actively support the foundation’s work and help bring about change in the lives of disadvantaged people.
There was also a particularly touching moment during the evening when a young man from our sheltered housing facility in the city stood before the guests and expressed his gratitude to the team:
“I am grateful to the foundation for standing by me all these years. I am proud that, thanks to their support, I have received love and care, and that they helped me find a job. I will never forget this help. I am their strong pillar of support, and I will give everything I can.”
After the official part of the event, guests had the opportunity to enjoy a cocktail and admire the photographs, which captivated them with their emotional depth and sincerity.
