The annual Rotary Danube Alliance Conference, held in Ulm, Germany, on 3–5 July 2026, brought together Rotary leaders and members from across the Danube region to strengthen international cooperation, exchange best practices, and explore new opportunities for humanitarian service. The event was attended by Rotarians from seven countries in the Danube region.
The program featured presentations on the Rotary Danube Alliance’s successful initiatives, including the EndPlastic Soup project and its role in environmental action, as well as the Global Grant project “Surgery for Life” for Vidin’s hospital, and future initiatives addressing youth development, environmental sustainability, healthcare, and community service. There was also an interesting presentation by Catherine Adelmann of the University of Applied Sciences in Ulm on local innovation projects for sustainability. The event provided valuable opportunities for networking and the development of new cross-border collaborations.
The conference welcomed high-level Rotary leadership, including the District Governor of the host district in Germany, three Past District Governors, and two Assistant District Governors. Their participation underscored the growing importance of the Rotary Danube Alliance as a platform for collaboration among Rotary clubs and districts across Europe.
Among the speakers was Hristina Malchevska, ADG, District 2482 and Past President of Rotary Club Sofia International, who together with Dora Scusz, Rotary Club Budapest-Center, delivered a presentation highlighting the importance of international Rotary cooperation and the role of the Rotary Danube Alliance in fostering sustainable partnerships. In addition, Maya Borislavova and Stoyan Ivanov presented the Global Grant project “Surgery for Life” in Bulgaria, demonstrating how international collaboration can improve access to specialized medical care and create lasting humanitarian impact.
The conference was also attended by Past President Claude Badan and members Inna Badan and Domagoj Stefan from Rotary Club Sofia International, who joined the Bulgarian delegation and participated in the discussions and networking sessions throughout the event.
The Rotary Danube Alliance Conference once again demonstrated that collaboration across borders is one of Rotary’s greatest strengths. By bringing together leaders, experts, and committed members from different countries, the Alliance continues to inspire new projects, stronger partnerships, and sustainable solutions that improve lives throughout the Danube region and beyond.
On 17 June, Rotary Club Sofia International had the pleasure of welcoming Helene Visser, Jacqueline, and Graham Cladon from Rotary Club Blouberg, South Africa.
The highlight of the evening was the signing of the Inter-Country Committee (ICC) Charter between Bulgaria and South Africa. The Charter was signed by Nina Miteva, PDG and ICC coordinator for Bulgaria, Hristina Malchevska, Rotary Club Sofia International Foundation Chair, ICC Chair for Bulgaria, and Helene Visser, ICC Chair for South Africa, reaffirming Rotary’s shared commitment to friendship, peace, international understanding, and future cooperation on humanitarian projects. Claude Badan, President of Rotary Club Sofia International, exchanged club flags with the guests and expressed gratitude for their wonderful support of local communities.
The visit also celebrated the successful cooperation between our Rotary communities. Rotary District 9350 in South Africa supported the Global Grant project “Paradise for Children”, while Rotary Club Blouberg and Rotary Club Port Alfred generously contributed donations to the project. We highly appreciate the support from South Africa and value the long-standing friendships and commitment that have developed through our collaboration.
What began as a vision has become a reality with the successful completion of the Global Grant “Paradise for Kids.”
The project was implemented at the Rehabilitation Center for Children with Oncohematological Diseases in Opitsvet, creating a more sustainable and inspiring environment for young patients and their families. Through the establishment of a solar park, a bio garden of 100 planted trees, and training and environmental awareness initiatives, the project promotes renewable energy, nature-based learning, and responsible environmental practices within the rehabilitation center.
This remarkable achievement was made possible through the dedication and collaboration of more than 18 Rotary Districts and Clubs from nine countries, united by a shared commitment to making a lasting difference. The project has a value of 55,000 USD, and the solar park officially opened on 31 May.
The successful implementation of the grant is a powerful example of what can be achieved through international cooperation, shared values, and the Rotary spirit of Service Above Self.
We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who believed in this vision and supported it from the very beginning. Your generosity, friendship, and unwavering commitment have transformed an idea into a meaningful project that will benefit children and their families for many years to come.
The completion of “Paradise for Kids” is not the end of a project – it is the beginning of a lasting legacy of hope, sustainability, and international Rotary cooperation. Together, we have demonstrated that when Rotary members and partners unite around a common purpose, meaningful and sustainable change becomes possible.
Some partnerships cross borders not just on paper, but in the most tangible way possible – with a fully loaded truck. That is precisely what happened in the spring of 2026, when Rotary Club Stege from Denmark sent a major shipment of medical equipment to the Multiprofile Hospital for Active Treatment “St. Petka” in Vidin, one of Bulgaria’s most underserved healthcare regions.
The project, coordinated under the MED-Bul Vidin initiative and carried out between March and April 2026, brought together Rotary Club Stege, Rotary Club Vidin, and Rotary Club Sofia International in a joint effort to address a long-standing problem: the hospital’s reliance on outdated, insufficient, or difficult-to-access medical equipment, which had been hindering quality diagnostics, treatment, and patient care.
The donation was remarkable in both its scale and breadth. Among the items delivered were an ultrasound machine, syringe and infusion pumps, portable aspirators, vital signs monitors, SpO₂, ECG and blood pressure equipment, an otoscope and ophthalmoscope, a spirometer, medical refrigerators, hospital beds and bedside cabinets, wheelchairs, walkers, infusion stands, lead X-ray aprons, laboratory clothing, autoclave pouches, syringes, catheters, and more. The estimated value of the donation stands between €50,000 and €100,000 – contributed entirely by Rotary Club Stege and supported by local partners.
The beneficiaries are many. The medical staff – doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians, and support personnel – will work more effectively and safely with access to modern tools. And the true measure of success will be felt by the thousands of patients from the Vidin region who, year after year, will receive faster, more accurate, and better-quality care – without needing to travel to another city to get it.
The effort on the ground involved five members from Rotary Club Stege, two from Rotary Club Vidin, and one member from Rotary Club Sofia International, who collectively gave their time to make the logistics possible.
This is Rotary at its most direct – identifying a real need, building the right partnerships, and delivering something that truly matters.
Our ‘more youthful’ partner club Rotaract Club Sofia International just turned 17 years of age! This was quite an achievement, and quite a party too.
On the last 19th of April, most if not all the Rotaractors of the Sofia International Club gathered to celebrate together with at least 50 guests other Rotaractors and friends, for a memorable party, comprised of a welcome cocktail (or two glasses of nice wine), a warm welcome speech by the President of the Club, and raffle.
In due time like Cinderella before midnight came the Birthday Cake, a wonderful personalized logo sweet treat. Clearly a nice conclusion, not for all but at least for a slightly older visitor like me, from the ‘senior’ Rotary Club Sofia International (RCSI) – nonetheless feeling absolutely at home and welcomed as a former Rotaractor and President of the Rotaract Club of Gorizia (district 2060), feeling proud as an exception to wear beside the Rotary pin, also an old Rotaract one (the one with the big R in the center, that the President still uses on his collar today). The time passed pleasantly fast, with the very educated and smart Rotaractors of RCSI, something to be proud of at their 17th anniversary.
An old-time Rotaractor always appreciates the vibes and the energy of RotarAct – as in the name, Action is the very essence of sharing our Rotary wheel logo of movement, by putting into action the ‘rotary engine’ in motion, of course in their own way, that can only be a good thing to add to the Rotarian family in general, and to RCSI in particular. This is why, in my humble opinion, our Rotarian family should be united to serve as one, no matter the logo to be purely gold and blue or with a red background. Blue and red are actually synergic like water and fire, similarly to the energies that the more mature and experienced can join with the vibrant initiatives and energy of younger generation – now either students or young professionals and tomorrow potentially leaders of ethically and morally strong businesses – that hopefully one day may join our RCSI, as a natural continuation of their life in the Rotarian family that extends in the World from East to West, like the path from the youthful dawn to the maturity of sunset of a full circle of a Rotarian’s life.
Winter can be a difficult season for many families in rural Bulgaria. For the students of Nikola Vaptsarov Secondary School in the village of Ruzhintsi, snowy days sometimes meant something no child should face – having to stay home from school simply because they did not have the right shoes to walk in.
It was school principal Venislav Kostov who first brought this reality to the attention of members of Rotary Club Sofia International. His message was simple and honest: many of the children, from grades 1 to 11, lacked proper winter footwear. What followed was a quiet but meaningful mobilization.
Club members reached out to friends, relatives, and the community, organizing a collection of second-hand shoes in good condition. A private student center in Sofia’s Oborishte district also lent its support, helping gather pairs that families could no longer use but that still had much life left in them. In total, ten pairs were collected – among them a set of well-preserved summer skates that brought an unexpected smile to the effort.
But the response did not stop there. Fellow Rotarian Ivan Dyakov stepped forward and sent 19 pairs of brand-new shoes directly to the school – a generous gesture that more than doubled the impact of the initiative. In the end, approximately 30 children received footwear, ensuring they can attend school throughout the winter months without interruption. The school expressed its heartfelt gratitude – and, with hope in its voice, also asked whether summer shoes might be possible in the season ahead.
Beyond the shoes themselves, the project carried something more lasting: parents and children at the student center learned about Rotary and its charitable mission, planting the seeds of awareness in a community that may one day give back in its own way.
The project, carried out between January and March 2026 entirely through donations and approximately 30 hours of volunteer work, is not considered finished. Rotary Club Sofia International has committed to continuing the initiative until the need for footwear at the school is fully met.
Because sometimes, Service Above Self begins with making sure a child can simply walk to school.
For more information, please contact us at info@rc-si.org.
On 22 March, marking World Water Day, Rotary Club Sofia International, together with Rotaract Club Sofia International and Interact Club Sofia International, successfully carried out the environmental initiative “No Butts – Let’s Keep Nature Clean” in Sofia’s South Park. The event was part of the wider #NoButts campaign of the Rotary Danube Alliance, aiming to raise awareness about one of the most widespread yet underestimated forms of pollution – cigarette butts.
Cigarette filters are among the most common pollutants in urban environments. They contain toxic chemicals and microplastics that often end up in rivers and water systems, posing a serious threat to ecosystems and public health. Through this initiative, the participants sought not only to clean a public space but also to educate and inspire more responsible environmental behavior.
The campaign brought together Rotarians, Rotaractors, Interactors, and volunteers, who dedicated two hours to collecting cigarette waste in one of Sofia’s busiest parks. Thanks to their enthusiasm and commitment, the team collected over 9,000 cigarette butts, preventing the contamination of approximately 4.5 million liters of water.
At the end Stamen Tassev gave presents – nice winter hats – one for the youngest and one for the eldest participant at the action.
Beyond the clean-up activity, the initiative also included informal awareness efforts, engaging passersby and explaining the environmental impact of improperly disposed cigarette waste. The collected data will contribute to the broader efforts of the Rotary Danube Alliance in tracking and addressing pollution across the region.
The event demonstrated the power of collaboration between different generations within the Rotary family, as well as the importance of community involvement in tackling environmental challenges. Special recognition goes to all volunteers for their energy and dedication, as well as to the organizers and supporters who made the initiative possible. With actions like these, Rotary continues to show that meaningful change starts locally – but its impact can reach far beyond.
On 21 February 2026, the beautiful city of Haskovo hosted the Rotary District 2482 District Team Training for the 2026–2027 Rotary year.
This event marked the first official gathering of the District Team for the new Rotary year and provided an excellent opportunity for team members to meet in person, align their vision and way of working, and begin the year with confidence, inspiration, and a shared commitment to service. The goal is not only to fulfill leadership roles but also to build trust, support the clubs, and leave a lasting impact across the District.
We are especially proud to share that Mrs. Hristina Malchevska, a member of our club, will serve as Assistant District Governor for Zone 1. This important leadership position reflects her dedication, experience, and commitment to Rotary values, and we are confident that she will make a significant contribution to the success of District 2482.
We are equally proud that our Vice President, Mrs. Ani Hristova, has been appointed for a third consecutive year as Chair of the Rotary Friendship Exchange. Her continued leadership demonstrates her passion for fostering international friendships, promoting cultural exchange, and strengthening connections among Rotarians around the world. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to both Hristina and Ani, and wish them every success in their new Rotary responsibilities.
Mrs. Hristova attended the training in Haskovo together with Mrs. Iliana Vakavchieva, the most active member of the Rotary Friendship Exchange team and one of Mrs. Hristova’s closest collaborators in coordinating the program. We are also delighted to share that District Governor Mr. Plamen Tsvetkov personally congratulated Ani and Iliana and encouraged them and the wider Rotary Friendship Exchange team, recognizing their dedication and outstanding work.
Congratulations to both – we are proud to have you as part of the Rotary Club Sofia International family, and this achievement reflects the very best of the Rotary spirit.
On 18 February 2026, our Rotary Club held its 13th formal meeting at the Novotel Hotel.
During the evening, our Club Secretary, Mr. Domagoj Stefan, delivered an interesting and diverse presentation covering several areas from his professional and personal experience. The lecture included insights into various business sectors, such as telecommunications and the gaming industry, as well as an introduction to his home country, Croatia, its culture, and its traditions.
Mr. Stefan also shared some of his personal interests and passions, including his journey with foreign languages and cultural exchange, reflecting the international spirit and curiosity that are deeply connected with Rotary values.
The presentation provided an excellent opportunity for members to learn more about each other, exchange experiences, and discover new perspectives. As always, the evening continued in a warm and friendly atmosphere, filled with interesting discussions, fellowship, and the strong sense of community that characterizes our club.
Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to another memorable Rotary gathering!
How truly wonderful it is for each of us to be at home – no matter how much we travel around the world.
This is what our Vice President shared with us after her visit to her hometown of Haskovo.
Ms. Hristova was warmly welcomed by the President of Rotary Club Haskovo-Aida, Mr. Plamen Petkov. Together with the members of the club, he greeted her with genuine smiles and heartfelt hospitality, creating an atmosphere of openness and friendship from the very beginning.
The meeting was officially opened by President Petkov, who first gave the floor to our Vice President. She spoke about herself and briefly presented the activities and spirit of our club.
Following this, Mr. Petkov introduced the agenda of the meeting and highlighted the key initiatives carried out by Rotary Club Haskovo-Aida.
The club is currently actively involved in three major initiatives:
• Eye examinations for children in kindergartens in Haskovo, aimed at the prevention of a rare eye condition. When diagnosed at an early age, this condition can be completely prevented from causing long-term damage to children’s eyesight.
• Prostate health prevention and examinations for men, offered entirely free of charge and conducted at a medical center owned by a club member.
• The installation of a table tennis table, which will be purchased and assembled by the club and placed at a modern outdoor sports playground located in Kenana Park, equipped with contemporary fitness and recreational facilities.
A cherished tradition of Rotary Club Haskovo-Aida is that each member, following alphabetical order, introduces themselves and their profession. During this meeting, the floor was given to Ms. Nikoleta Kavakova – a wonderful young lady with a radiant smile, intelligent and curious eyes, and remarkable passion.
Ms. Kavakova is a Private Enforcement Agent.
In Bulgaria, a Private Enforcement Agent is a legal professional entrusted by the state with the compulsory enforcement of court decisions and other enforceable legal acts. Although operating as independent professionals, they are an integral part of the justice system and act under delegated state authority. Their work includes enforcing court judgments, collecting debts, and executing official legal documents.
Private Enforcement Agents operate under the supervision of the Minister of Justice, and their territorial jurisdiction corresponds to that of the relevant regional court. They primarily collect private claims, which distinguishes them from state enforcement officers. The profession is regulated by the Law on Private Enforcement Agents.
The profession was established approximately 20 years ago, and currently there are exactly 179 practicing Private Enforcement Agents in Bulgaria. It is a highly dynamic and, in the truest sense of the word, a challenging and sometimes dangerous profession. Ms. Kavakova shared that she and her colleagues are occasionally exposed to threats from debtors.
Despite the seriousness and difficulty of her work, Ms. Kavakova presented her profession with remarkable ease, confidence, and – most impressively – with a warm smile. She shared several striking real-life cases from her daily practice, showing not only professional competence but also personal grace and strength. She left a lasting impression as a very kind, positive, and inspiring person, who manages to bring humanity and dignity to a demanding profession.
In her capacity as Chair of the Rotary Friendship Exchange Subcommittee, Ms. Hristova also presented the Rotary Friendship Exchange Program, emphasizing the incredible opportunities it offers for cultural exchange, international understanding, and personal connections. She warmly invited Rotary Club Haskovo-Aida to participate in upcoming exchanges.
The meeting took place in the true spirit of Rotary – friendship, respect, and shared values.
Rotary Club Sofia International extends its sincere gratitude to Rotary Club Haskovo-Aida for the wonderful hospitality shown to Ms. Ani Hristova, Vice President of our club.
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Some partnerships cross borders not just on paper, but in the most tangible way possible – with a fully loaded truck. That is precisely what happened in the spring of 2026, when Rotary Club Stege from Denmark sent a major shipment of medical equipment to the Multiprofile Hospital for Active Treatment “St. Petka” in Vidin, one of Bulgaria’s most underserved healthcare regions.
Our ‘more youthful’ partner club Rotaract Club Sofia International just turned 17 years of age! This was quite an achievement, and quite a party too.
Winter can be a difficult season for many families in rural Bulgaria. For the students of Nikola Vaptsarov Secondary School in the village of Ruzhintsi, snowy days sometimes meant something no child should face – having to stay home from school simply because they did not have the right shoes to walk in.
How truly wonderful it is for each of us to be at home – no matter how much we travel around the world.
