Photo: Parents Association
Iliyana Nikolova, Executive Director of WCIF, received an award for special contribution to the protection of the rights and security of Bulgarian children in the digital environment. The award was presented at a special event on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the National Centre for Safe Internet (NCSI) and was held on 11th of February, 2025, which coincides with the International Day for Safe Internet.
WCIF has actively supported the development of the NCSI over the years. Since 2020, the Foundation has invested in the organizational capacity of the Parents Association, the founder and current coordinator of the Centre, helping to improve the management and expand the activities of the organization. This strategic support includes improving the teams and their work aimed at increasing the effectiveness and impact of the organziation. The support was carried out under the Strategic Support Programme and was implemented with the financial support of the OAK Foundation.
WCIF has also supported the organisations that are part of the consortium formed, which includes the National Network for Children and the Bulgarian Family Planning Association. Its aim is to create an even broader coordination of efforts in the field of child safety online.
During the event, more partners of NCSI who have supported its activities over the years were honoured. These include institutions, media, donors and other civil society organisations. A longstanding partnership award was presented to UNICEF. The award was accepted by Ms. Christina de Bruyn, UNICEF Representative in Bulgaria.
In addition to presenting the awards to NCSI partners, the event also showcased the achievements of the last two decades in protecting children and families online. Updates were also shared on the work of the Advisory and Hotline for Reporting Harmful Content.
The National Centre for Safe Internet is the only structure of its kind in Bulgaria for the protection and support of Bulgarian children online. The Hotline and the Advisory Line for Online Safety for Children 124 123 processed a record number of abuse reports. Safenet.bg’s hotlines and chat help thousands of parents and children with online profile problems, online abuse, harmful content, etc.
The event was attended by representatives of various institutions and organisations, including the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Interior, the State Agency for Child Protection, as well as local authorities and school principals from across the country. Mobile operators, cybersecurity companies, journalists and members of the NCSI Public Council also participated, strengthening the link between different sectors in online safety efforts.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)