My name is Nikol Kirilova, and I’m from the town of Lom. The Roma community here lives in four organized neighborhoods. Some people run small businesses, others work alongside Bulgarians in institutions and factories, and many go to Germany for work. Young people go to school — some even study at the city’s elite high school, PG “Naiden Gerov.” We all dream of a good future and a family, but only a few of us continue our education after 12th grade. Today, we are treated as equals, but it wasn’t always so — until 1996, there was a sign in the town center that read: “Gypsies, this is as far as you go.” That changed thanks to the efforts of the Roma-Lom Foundation and local activists.
My family is made up of five members — my parents, my grandmother, my brother, and me. My mother is a health mediator and works at the Roma-Lom Foundation, while my father is one of its founders, dedicated to advancing policies in support of the Roma.
At first, I dreamed of studying political science, because I believed change came through politics. But when my cousin became seriously ill, I realized the true meaning and weight of the medical profession. I had never studied Biology or Chemistry, and it felt too late to start from scratch. When the preparatory courses program for Roma applicants* was announced, I applied and was accepted — scared, but determined to try.
The hardest part was living between Lom and Sofia — the long commutes, the lack of a social life, and the constant feeling that I was falling behind. In the beginning, I was discouraged, but the support of Prof. Ivaylo Tarnev, Assoc. Prof. Vanya Kotseva, my teachers, and my family restored my hope. Gradually, ambition became my driving force.
The moment I was admitted was filled with tears, laughter, and gratitude. People were genuinely happy for me and amazed at how quickly I had achieved success.
Today, my goal is clear — to finish Medicine and return to my home region, where I can provide quality healthcare not only for the Roma community but for everyone. I have no fears — I have support and ambition. I know that my success will be an example for young people, proof that hard work pays off, and that Bulgaria will gain another doctor who heals with a mission.
A year later
My first year at the Medical University of Pleven, specializing in Medicine, was dynamic — full of emotions and satisfaction from the goals I achieved. Socializing was easy, because my classmates are open and kind. I’m left with happy memories, along with knowledge that will guide me in the future.
The greatest challenge was the massive amount of study material in such a short time. During my first exam session, I still didn’t know how to organize my study time properly, but little by little, I adapted to the pace of student life.
I’m proud of my annual result — a GPA of “Very Good” (5.00). I’m also proud that I found good people around me who give me incredible support. I received scholarships from various organizations and from Prof. Ivaylo Tarnev, which gave me peace of mind and extra motivation to grow. But the most valuable thing for me are the friendships I’ve built. Everyone knows I am Roma, and they accept me without any prejudice.
Nikol is a participant in preparatory courses in Biology, Chemistry, and Bulgarian Language & Literature, part of the project “Candidate-student courses for young people of Roma origin for admission to medical universities in Bulgaria”—funded by TSA and implemented by the Health Problems of Minorities Foundation (HPMF).
In the 2024/2025 academic year, all 6 participants in the course were admitted to study Medicine or Pharmacy – their top choice.
Over the past 20 years, more than 100 young Roma girls and boys have taken part in the Biology and Chemistry preparatory courses organized by Prof. Ivaylo Tarnev and his HPMF team.
Over 60 of them have gone on to study Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and other health-related fields. Today, most are working as doctors in leading Bulgarian hospitals, in smaller municipal hospitals, and in emergency medical centers.
The project seeks to help overcome barriers to preparation and admission for Roma students aspiring to study Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy. We provide highly motivated young people with free access to life-changing preparatory courses. Despite these efforts, many youth still face difficulties, as they come from working poor families and towns with limited opportunities.
Support young people like Nikol - the future doctors, pharmacists, and dentists of Bulgaria—you can make a donation to:
Bulgarian Postbank
IBAN: BG88BPBI79401064780501
BIC: BPBIBGSF
Reference: “Medical students”
The account belongs to the National Network of Health Mediators.