Violence and bullying at school is a problem not only in Bulgaria, but also in many countries in Europe and the rest of the world. Eight-year-old Johan Tansoe, who was born in Norway, but studied in a Bulgarian school in Burgas for about a year, became a witness of an argument between his classmates. He returned home and asked his mother, Krasimira Nikolova, if there was a song in Bulgaria that sings about friendship and about children being better to each other, as was the practice in his Norwegian school. Newly arrived children from different cultures are welcomed there with a similar song to facilitate their inclusion in the new society.

His mother did not know about such a Bulgarian song and encouraged the boy to write the lyrics for one. Her acquaintance with singers Virginia Sabeva and Orlin Pavlov allowed her to offer them to join in the creation of the song.

"Orlin Pavlov also has a child and I know that he is actively involved in and supports charitable causes. In my opinion, most people felt close to this idea and that's why so many people responded and wanted to participate in this project as a charitable activity," Johan's mother says in an interview with Radio Bulgaria.

The song is called "Haide: Po-dobri" (Come on: Better) and makes a call to society:

"Haide comes as a kind of invitation to encourage the creation of a more benevolent and inclusive environment among children, where they show respect and understanding for each other. The focus of the campaign is on empathy, tolerance and understanding and these three key words stand out as elements of the entire ‘Haide’ campaign."

It started on the first day of school this year and will last for 10 years, as the idea is to create a new song every year with a message for children to be kind and tolerant to each other.

In addition to Virginia Sabeva and Orlin Pavlov, singer Mihaela Fileva, actors Nencho Balabanov and Alexander Georgiev also participate in the song, which is translated into sign language. "Stand by me and let’s be good!" is the message that all participants in the song send to everyone.

Photos: parentacademy.bg, Freepik.com