OUR STORY
The Balanced Development Foundation was born from a vision to redefine education in Bulgaria. Inspired by the need for an integrated approach to learning, we are dedicated to creating a tuition-free high school in the region of Vetrino that empowers students to develop as balanced individuals - intellectually, physically, and spiritually. Our foundation operates as a non-profit, driven not by profit but by the belief that every young person deserves access to free high-quality education that inspires growth, resilience, and purpose.
Our balanced approach focuses on fostering practical skills tailored to each student's unique interests, abilities, and potential. By emphasizing hands-on learning, we ensure that every student gains real-world skills while nurturing their intellectual, physical, and spiritual development. This individualized focus prepares them not only for success in their careers but also for a fulfilling, purposeful, and healthy life.
Our Goals:
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Build a tuition-free high school, setting a new education standard, accessible to every Bulgarian student.
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Support the Vetrino community by creating jobs, fostering cultural growth, and providing opportunities for youth to thrive and develop as well-rounded professionals with sufficient practical skill.
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Inspire change within Bulgaria's education system by demonstrating the benefits of balanced development, practical skills, and a focus on individual interests and potential.
Vladimir Tomov is the founder and director of the Balanced Development Foundation. As an applied mathematician at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory since 2014, he has led and contributed to numerous cutting-edge scientific projects in the field of predictive numerical simulations. He earned a Ph.D. in Mathematics from Texas A&M University in 2014 and a Bachelor’s degree in Informatics from Sofia University in 2008. He attended math high schools in Vidin and Varna.
The principles of the Balanced Development Foundation are synchronized with Vladimir's personal development philosophy, emphasizing the harmonious growth of mind, body, and spirit. Beyond his academic achievements, he actively enjoys soccer, cycling, badminton, track and field. He's also a regular reader, with some of his recent book titles shared on his Facebook page. His two teenage daughters will be the first participants in the foundation's organized summer camps and newly established high school.
Summer Camp 2025 Instructors and Staff (in Progress)
Iliyan Alekov brings over 20 years of experience in information systems development, software architecture, and project management, with additional deep expertise in personal finance and investments. As a certified developer, trainer and consultant, he has led teams, managed multinational critical projects, and delivered high-impact training on databases, middleware, and cloud technologies. At our camp, Iliyan will teach coding, computer skills, and personal finance, helping students build a strong foundation and develop essential skills in these fields.
Nikolay Petrov
Senior Lieutenant and military ship Commander; instructor in specialized hand-to-hand combat and survival skills.
Radoslav Ivanov
Specialist in sales, business development and negotiations; instructor in finance and entrepreneurship.
Nina Yankova
An international competitor and instructor in horseback riding and mounted archery.
Rayna Lazarova
Global event organizer with years of experience at UNICEF and expertise in nutrition and herbal medicine.
Petar Katsarski
Consultant in personal investments and budgeting; instructor in finance and entrepreneurship.
Milen Petrov
Manager and head coach of the park's teams in wrestling, sword fighting, archery, and spear throwing.
Evgeni Uchkunov
Fencing instructor and manager of the Ancient Zone in Historical Park.
Iliyan Stanchev
Competitor and instructor in traditional archery, historical fencing, and physical training.
Bozhidar Lalev
Competitor and instructor in traditional archery, historical fencing, and physical training.
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