Vratsa, Gabrovo and Razgrad were the focus of the regular spring visit by the members of the Board of Directors of America for Bulgaria Foundation. ABF will focus our efforts in these cities in 2018 as we partner with local government, businesses and the non-governmental sector working in our six priority areas.
In Gabrovo, Mayor Tanya Hristova presented the large infrastructure projects in the region and outlined the priorities for development of the municipality in the field of environmental protection, the social sphere, education and culture. ABF directors visited successful enterprises in the city and the region, as well as cultural institutions such as the House of Humor and Satire, Etara, the Interactive Museum of Industry and met with representatives of NGOs, heads of cultural and educational institutions and companies.
In Vratsa, Mayor Kalin Kamenov, gave a briefing on what the municipality is doing in the field of infrastructure, social activities and culture. “We are making an effort to develop the educational infrastructure and modernize the learning environment. In the field of culture, we strive to give a European look to all the events in our city.” ABF held meetings with school directors and teachers from the city and the region and with representatives of the private sector.
In Razgrad, the Foundation already funded a number of projects due to the active support of the local community. The most recent example is the “Muzeiko” exposition, making its first tour stop in Razgrad as a result of the support of local businesses. The city also is working on the Fortissimo in Class program, and the latest project supported by the Foundation is the construction of the “Time for Adventures” Multifunctional Center – OU Vasil Levski School. In addition to the municipal administration and representatives of NGOs, the Board of Directors met with business leaders, visited Abritus museum and PFC Ludogorets soccer training center. Razgrad Mayor Valentin Vasilev met with the ABF team and voiced his support of future joint efforts.
The directors, Bulgarians and Americans, are successful entrepreneurs, financiers, bankers and active citizens, and oversee the organization and manage its $400 million fund. That’s why they come to Bulgaria twice a year and meet with our partners throughout the country.