In addition to financial support, the company supports the foundation through mentorship provided by its experts.
The Bulgarian technology company SiteGround has donated 300,000 leva in support of the “Teach for Bulgaria” cause for better education in Bulgarian schools over the past three years (for 2022, 2023, and 2024).
The funds have been invested in the training and development of teachers, principals, and school teams from across the country through the “Schools as Examples” program, focusing on modernizing their management and teaching practices aimed at academic progress and the well-being of every student. Since its inception in 2020, the program has reached over 100 schools nationwide, with nearly 44,000 students enrolled. Twelve hundred and five teachers and principals have undergone training, and in September 2024, the largest intake to date will begin their participation: 41 schools from 33 locations across the country.
“For ‘Teach for Bulgaria,’ it is a recognition and privilege to have the support of a successful Bulgarian company like SiteGround and its founders. For our country’s economy, it is of paramount importance for schools to prepare the future managers and entrepreneurs with high-quality education, as the best ideas materialize into successful business solutions from capable, motivated teams, and good teams are built by people with the right skills, attitudes, and knowledge,” said Traian Traianov, executive director of the foundation.
SiteGround has been a long-time partner of the organization, investing not only financial resources but also supporting the work of “Teach for Bulgaria” through mentoring and training provided by its experts. Tеnko Nikolov, CEO of SiteGround, has been a member of the Foundation’s Board of Directors since 2022 and has actively contributed to the strategic development of its priorities and activities. In his words: “Business is responsible for supporting the continuous improvement of education to ensure that it has the necessary workforce to achieve a better life in our society. Our work in this direction has been ongoing for years, and I believe that with the advent of new technologies, we will be able to use even greater resources to support Bulgarian students in acquiring future skills.”
As part of this strategy, Yasen Kiprov, head of the artificial intelligence team at SiteGround, delivered the first in a series of inspiring lectures to seventh-grade students at 40th Secondary School in Sofia.
Kiprov discussed a wide range of topics, including various applications of artificial intelligence in different areas of life. He shared personal experiences from his professional journey and emphasized the importance of continuous learning and adaptation to new technologies.
Yasen Kiprov also provided valuable advice on students’ career development, highlighting the importance of developing qualities such as curiosity and commitment.
At the end of his presentation, he encouraged students to use the opportunities provided by digital technologies to be successful and prepared for the challenges of the future.
SiteGround is one of the largest investors in Bulgarian education. In addition to its regular support for “Teach for Bulgaria,” the company has donated up to 12 million leva over five years to the first Bulgarian Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Technologies (INSAIT). The amount will cover the expenses for the remuneration of world-class scientists attracted by the institute to teach in our country for a period of five years. SiteGround also provides donations to various non-governmental organizations that support career guidance for young people, as well as entrepreneurial projects and mentoring.