Veliko Tarnovo University receives national award for lifelong learning initiative

Veliko Tarnovo University ‘St. Cyril and Methodius’ has been awarded first prize in the ‘Lifelong Learning Initiative’ category at the second Annual Awards of the National Agency for Quality Assessment and Accreditation (NAOAA).

The award recognizes the ‘Veliko Tarnovo – territory for lifelong learning in the social sphere’ practice, developed by the university’s Faculty of Economics. This model establishes a partnership between secondary and higher education and the professional social services sector. It connects the social activities class at ‘Vladimir Komarov’ secondary school with university training and a network of over 40 social services within the Veliko Tarnovo municipality.

This collaborative framework allows students to bridge academic learning with practical professional environments, facilitating career orientation, skill development, and real-world application in the social sector. Professor Maria Ilcheva, Director of the Institute for Advanced Scientific Research at the university, noted that the award recognizes the academic staff’s efforts to provide modern, quality education through innovation and active partnership with local social services.