With some of the most popular artists in Bulgaria is launching a new campaign against drugs in schools. This was said by the Minister of Education and Science Prof. Galin Tsokov at the symbolic opening of the Ministry of Education and Culture initiative. Behind her are some of the most famous creators, artists and musicians in the country – Vesela Babinova, Zahari Baharov, Louisa Grigorova, Mihaela Fileva, Svilen Noev, Vladimir Ampov – Grafa, Victoria Terziyska, Todor Dimitrov – Turin, Vladimir Zombori and Nina Nikolina.
„The campaign is completely different from all so far, because with it we aim to influence the students and make them think - how a certain mistake and behavior can lead to such serious consequences,” Minister Tsokov noted at the opening.
In a prepared presentation video for the campaign, the artists send motivating and inspiring messages to young people – they are encouraged to believe in themselves, not to give in to bad habits and learn to say “No” when they are pushed to go down that path. The creators emphasize the importance of seeking timely help, because it is life-saving. Young people should not be ashamed and should talk openly about their problems, which actually shows strength and awareness on their part.
Within the campaign “Just say “No“ three films were made based on the stories of 11th grade students, recreated by Zahari Baharov, Luiza Grigorova and Vesela Babinova. They tell about unforeseen and difficult events in the lives of young people, which push them to go down the path of drugs. These are stories based on real life events that anyone can experience. But also stories that can be motivation because they show the personal victory of each of the characters – how they manage to heal, return to their loved ones and be happy again.
55 students participated in the initiative with stories, and 3 of the stories were filmed. “This is our goal – to show the truth, to show the harmful effects of drugs and let it go to the hearts of the students and their parents. To see that the consequences are serious, sometimes lifelong, and it takes a lot of effort, strength and support to overcome and get the children back to life. And that is why it is so important for them to know and to be able to simply say “no”, Prof. Tsokov.
The films will be sent to schools in the country. They are suitable for high school students. Screenings can be organized as an extra-curricular activity attended by teachers, psychologists and other professionals, and the topic then developed into a talk or discussion where the young people can ask their questions. Videos can also be viewed during class time.
The minister thanked all the artists who joined the campaign. “They show not only that they are important for our culture, but they are people who have a civic position and attitude towards the children and students of Bulgaria,” said Prof. Tsokov. Their participation will give even greater strength to the campaign, because students will feel their messages with emotion and will be inspired by their example, he added.
Popular personalities will also visit various schools in the country to engage in discussions and talk to students, it was revealed during the event.
„Let's say „No“ of drugs, and “Yes“ of a healthy lifestyle, of art, of sports", the minister sent a message. In his words, the MES has been developing and implementing national programs for developing the talents of our children for years – with extracurricular activities, interests, sports, art, so that they have neither the need nor the time to learn bad habits.
„Only for 2024. over 300,000 students were involved in initiatives, measures, programs and events related to the topic of drug prevention. More than 4,400 specialists have been trained to work with students and even more to work with their families. The Ministry of Education and Culture strives to continuously increase the number of psychologists and pedagogical advisors in educational institutions in the country, and currently the system has 1,400 psychologists and over 900 pedagogical advisors. “All this will not be such a success if we are not together,” concluded the minister. He also thanked all the institutions with which he worked together to overcome the problem - the Ministry of the Interior, the National Revenue Agency, the “Customs“ Agency. etc.
During the event, singer Nina Nikolina emphasized that parents are an extremely important factor in the upbringing and education of children. “Children should be familiar and aware that this road is very dangerous,”, she said. For his part, Todor Dimitrov – Torino appealed to all children and students not to let drugs be an obstacle to their success, dreams and goals they have.
Deputy Minister of Education and Science Dr. Emilia Lazarova was also present at the opening event.