The Chairperson of the Teachers' Syndicate and a long-standing member of the Economic and Social Council - Yanka Takeva - was awarded the Order of Stara Planina at a special ceremony in the Presidency. Yanka Takeva is the third member of the Economic and Social Council, who has earned this high recognition after Zhelyazko Hristov (1948-2010) and Konstantin Trenchev. On this occasion, the President of the ESC, Prof. Dr. Lalko Dulevski sent a greeting address to Mrs. Takeva.

"Allow me on behalf of the members of the Economic and Social Council and personally on my behalf to congratulate you on being awarded the Order of Stara Planina - first degree, the highest award in the award system of the Republic of Bulgaria.

The high distinction is a recognition of your contribution and endless efforts to raise the authority of the teaching profession, to modernize education and to form young Bulgarians as responsible and knowledgeable persons.

Under your guidance, Bulgarian Teachers' Union has established itself as the most authoritative organization of teachers that defends their professionalism and rights.

Please accept my enormous respect for you for your dedicated work, professionalism and will for the development of education and civil society.

Mrs. Takeva,

Allow me to use the occasion and thank you for your long-standing and constructive work as a member of the Economic and Social Council since its very beginning. Your sense of public responsibility, high professionalism and courage to defend your positions are an example for everyone.

I sincerely wish you to keep your brave and strong spirit, your adherence to the goals you have set, and the dedication to work.

I am confident that the Economic and Social Council will, in the future, find in you a loyal partner in the implementation of the European principles of civil dialogue, and Bulgarian teachers - a faithful and consistent leader."