Not an easy decision, as you can imagine.

So, this is also a farewell letter to all of you who have helped us, had faith in us and made possible for the FDBF to become one of the most respected and recognized NGOs in the country, a contributor to the democratic development of Bulgarian society through the promotion of civic initiatives, of political pluralism, free press, social programs, public tolerance and educated youth. What has been developed and nurtured over the years fills us with gratitude for your trust and support, and also with great pride for the achievements and initiatives that have marked our existence, many of which have lasting effects for the future. To wit:

• We were the first and largest Bulgarian Foundation to address the plight of street children and homeless youth.
• We contributed to the reform of the child welfare system in the country with new programs for re-training childcare professionals and the introduction of foster care.
• To help build democracy and a sound civil society, a goal to which we are deeply committed, we have been steadily in the forefront of national, regional and EU political affairs through seminars, conferences, round tables and civic petitions.
• In this connection we have initiated and/or helped the publication of over 70 noteworthy books on economics, history, political science and philosophy that would not otherwise have reached Bulgarian readers, as well as a few TV documentaries.
• For years we have worked on the issues of drug prevention and drug treatments for our youths, producing a guide for parents and teachers “What We Should Know About Drugs”, still considered the best and most widely used compilation of information on this pressing problem in Bulgaria.
• We have helped some 80 worthy Bulgarian students and scholars to study and work in universities here and abroad.
• For ten years, from 1994 through 2004, our Excellence in Journalism Prizes gained recognition as the most authoritative journalism awards in Bulgaria. These have now been replaced by the more embracing annual Civic Honor Prize, which is endowed and will continue to exist in the future, as will several of our “babies” that are now sufficiently grown up to fare for themselves as independent organizations, but which will always need your care and support.

These include:

• The Alliance for Children and Youth (www.acybg.org), with its 16+ Youth Day Care Center, the only one that provides assistance to homeless unemployed youths in their attempts to lead a dignified existence.
• The Bulgarian School of Politics (www.schoolofpolitics.org), founded to promote the development of a modern political and governmental culture based on the shared values of pluralism, tolerance and open dialogue. Its hundreds of graduates and students include members of parliament, regional governors, mayors and municipal administrators, party functionaries, journalists, lawyers, social workers, etc.
• The Institute for Studies of the Recent Past (www.minaloto.org), created to promote research and fill the gap in modern Bulgarian history, specifically the period under communist rule 1944-1990. It is doing magnificent work with a team of dedicated young historians whose acclaimed works are now published regularly by the Institute.
• Outward Bound-Bulgaria (www.outwardbound.bg) was launched in 1994. With its motto “To serve, to strive and not to yield!” its mission is to help people discover and develop their potentials to care for themselves, others and the world around them by engaging in challenging experiences in unfamiliar settings. More than 10,000 people have so far attended these courses, including special programs for socially disadvantaged children and youths. Outward Bound-Bulgaria is a treasure for this country. Please give them your support!
• Lastly, Junior Achievement-Bulgaria, (www.jabulgaria.org), founded with our help, offers unique educational programs in economics and entrepreneurship to youngsters. More than 80,000 students in 350 schools throughout Bulgaria have so far taken part in Junior Achievement-Bulgaria programs, and any help to spread and improve their activities is important and welcome.

Dimi and Yvonne Panitza, Founders