On 1 June 2026, the Youth club "To Be Friends" at PULSE Foundation celebrated its twenty‑sixth anniversary – a celebration of friendship, volunteerism, children’s energy, and the young people who change the world through kindness, empathy, and active civic engagement.

The event took place in an atmosphere of warmth, inspiration, and shared history, bringing together generations of volunteers, partners, friends, and representatives of youth organizations who, over the years, have walked side by side with the club in its mission for a world without violence and hatred.

Among the guests were representatives of the National Youth Forum, the International Youth Center – Pernik, SOS Children’s Villages Bulgaria, the Municipal Youth Council – Pernik, the Bulgarian Red Cross Youth – Pernik, as well as other partner organizations that support the development of young people and encourage their active role in society.

 Each year, the celebration carries an even stronger message, as it coincides with International Children’s Day – 1 June. In her emotional greeting on behalf of Ekaterina Veleva, Chair of the organization and the first facilitator of the youth club, Executive Director Mariana Evtimovа congratulated the young volunteers and urged them to preserve the child within themselves – the ability to dream, to create good, and to change the world through humanity and love.

“Little singers sing songs and change the whole world” – with these words, Ekaterina Veleva reminded everyone that young people are the bearers of hope, light, and change. In her message, she emphasized the importance of friendship, freedom, peace, and the need to protect the childlike energy and purity within us and within society.

This year, the young people also shared a special message – instead of traditional gifts and flowers for the anniversary, they asked for support for their mission and activities through a donation. This support will help create new opportunities, projects, and inspiration for the young people who continue to believe that friendship, kindness, and active civic engagement can change the world.

 Вече 26 години Младежки клуб „Да бъдем приятели“ е пространство за развитие на млади хора, които избират да бъдат активни, съпричастни и ангажирани с каузите на човешките права, ненасилието и толерантността. През клуба са преминали над 1200 доброволци, превърнали се в лидери, професионалисти и посланици на добротата в своите общности.

The club continues to be a place of learning for friendship, empathy, and civic engagement, where young people discover their voice and the power to create positive change. Through campaigns, training sеssions, volunteer initiatives, and non‑formal education, they demonstrate every day that the future is built with care, respect, and mutual support.

The twenty‑sixth anniversary of "To Be Friends" was not just a celebration, but a reminder that every generation of young people carries within themselves the ability to make the world better, more humane, and brighter.

PULSE Foundation expresses its gratitude to all volunteers, partners, supporters, and friends who over the years have been part of the club’s history and continue to believe that kindness, friendship, and love can change.