On February 2,2025,the Museko Children’s Science Center was alive with excitement as 15 young artists where honored at the National Children’s Drawing Competition. The theme, “The Guardians of the Magic Forest: to keep the home of wild animals,” inspired curious and imaginative creations from children up to the age of 12. The event, held in partnership with UNICEF Bulgaria, celebrated not only artistic talent but also the importance of environmental protection.
The jury, composed of Bogdana trifonova, Alexandra Dimitrova, Kristina de Broyn (UNICEF representative for Bulgaria), Zdravka Varbanova, and Yana Yakimova (manager of IKEA Sofia), announced the grand winner: 9-year-old Gabriela Yoncheva. Her creation, “Leah,” a guardian of the magic forest, was brought to life as a plush toy, a tradition IKEA Bulgaria has upheld for four years.This initiative aims to stimulate creativity and demonstrate that dreams can become reality.
Kristina de Broyn emphasized the importance of play and environmental stewardship in her speech: “Every child has the right to play. The game is not only a source of joy and creativity, but also a vital part of the child’s progress and well-being. Let us ensure that every child, nonetheless of the circumstances in which he or she is, has the chance to experience the freedom and happiness that the game brings. And as we encourage our children’s right to play,we must help them realize the importance of environmental protection. By protecting our nature, we provide a brighter and more lasting future for our children and for the incredible wildlife that shares our planet.”
The competition encouraged children to envision a pure, diverse, and magical forest through their drawings. All entries, accompanied by brief descriptions, were showcased on the official website, where both the audience and the jury voted for their favorites.
Key Highlights of the Event
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Theme | “The Guardians of the Magic Forest: to keep the home of wild animals.” |
| Grand Winner | Gabriela Yoncheva, 9, with her creation “Leah.” |
| Partners | UNICEF Bulgaria and IKEA Bulgaria |
| Jury Members | Bogdana Trifonova, Alexandra Dimitrova, Kristina de Broyn, Zdravka Varbanova, Yana Yakimova |
| Special Awards | 15 children recognized for their imaginative and inspiring artwork |
The event not only celebrated the artistic achievements of these young creators but also underscored the vital connection between play, creativity, and environmental awareness. To explore the winning entries and learn more about the competition, visit the official website.Young Talents Shine in National Competition
A group of talented children from across Bulgaria have been recognized for their outstanding achievements in a recent national competition. The event, which celebrated creativity and innovation, awarded 15 young participants from various cities and towns.
The winners ranged in age from 5 to 10 years old, showcasing the diverse talents of Bulgaria’s youth. Among the recipients were Ognyan Velinov, 8, and Momchil Velinov, 10, both from Kyustendil. From Sofia, Dimitar Todorov, 5, and Kalina Panayotova, 10, were also honored. Other notable winners included Jasen Stefanov, 10, from varna, and Gabriela Yoncheva, 9, from Burgas.
The competition, organized with support from IKEA Bulgaria, aimed to inspire creativity and foster a sense of community among young participants. For more details about the event, visit the official IKEA Bulgaria website.
Key Highlights of the Competition Winners
| Name | Age | Hometown |
|———————-|———|——————–|
| Ognyan Velinov | 8 | Kyustendil |
| jasen Stefanov | 10 | Varna |
| Dimitar Todorov | 5 | Sofia |
| Tsvetelina Lozeva | 7 | Sofia |
| Leda Hristova | 7 | Sofia |
| Kalina Panayotova | 10 | Sofia |
| momchil Velinov | 10 | Kyustendil |
| Georgi Piskov | 8 | Pazardzhik |
| Eva Turksoy | 5 | Pazardzhik |
| Daria Bandrova | 9 | Blagoevgrad |
| Gabriela Yoncheva | 9 | Burgas |
| Sofia Kehlibarova | 9 | Sofia |
| Presian Yalamov | 5 | Pleven |
| Maya Ivanova | 6 | Sofia |
| Inna hristova | 7 | Sofia |
the event not only celebrated the achievements of these young individuals but also highlighted the importance of nurturing creativity from an early age.As stated in the declaration, “UNICEF is not bonded and does not recommend specific brands, products or services.”
This competition serves as a reminder of the potential within every child and the value of providing platforms for them to showcase their talents. For those interested in learning more about similar initiatives, explore the IKEA Bulgaria website for updates and opportunities.
