On December 9–12, 2025, the municipality of Yambol hosted the first national training for educational mediators, organized as part of the project “Support for Educational Mediators in Kindergartens through an Internship Model,” funded by the Trust for Social Achievement (TSA).
The aim of the training was to strengthen the professional and communication skills of mediators working in kindergartens and to encourage quality interaction with children, parents, and communities.
The official opening of the event was attended by Stancho Stavrev, Mayor of Tundzha Municipality, and Stoyan Petkov, Deputy Mayor of Tundzha Municipality, who emphasized the importance of mediation as a key element for improving the educational environment and social inclusion.
Also present was Evgenia Volen, director of the Early Learning and Care Program at the Trust for Social Alternative Foundation, who welcomed the participants and outlined the main strategic goals of the project—developing the capacity of mediators and strengthening their role in childcare facilities.
The training brought together 30 participants, including 22 educational mediators from different regions of Bulgaria, who exchanged experiences and actively participated in all modules of the program.
On the first day, the event was officially opened with an introductory module and a discussion on the role of the educational mediator, after which the participants took part in working sessions on negotiation and conflict resolution.
During the training, participants visited the Social Services Center in the village of Kozarevo, with the support of the Municipality of Yambol, to learn about good practices and local initiatives for working with children and families.
In the following days, the program continued with sessions dedicated to:
- effective communication and trust-building techniques,
- data collection for advocacy,
- simulated “24 hours as a mediator,”
- modules from the “Embracing Divercity” program—including topics on identity, cultural sensitivity, the role of the mother tongue in education, and countering stereotypes.
The program included both theoretical and practical modules that encouraged reflection and sharing of good practices.
During the training, participants discussed the role of the mediator in building a learning community, supporting families, and effective partnerships between kindergartens, schools, and local communities. The final day ended with a summary of key conclusions, shared experiences, and strategic recommendations for applying what was learned in daily work.
INVITATION:
Following the successful completion of the first training, we are pleased to invite members of the REIN Bulgaria Network to participate in the second free training for educational mediators in kindergartens.
The training will take place from March 10 to 13, 2026, in North Central Bulgaria and will include three intensive days focused on developing professional and communication skills related to working in a multicultural educational environment.
The costs of the training—accommodation (in double rooms), lunch, dinner, and coffee breaks—will be covered by the organizers.
Travel expenses will be covered by the participant (personally or through the kindergarten).
Educational mediators from preparatory groups in schools are also eligible to participate.
Please confirm your participation by filling out the registration form HERE by February 28, 2026, at the latest.
