First Day of School: Bulgaria’s Political Leaders Address Pupils and Teachers

The country’s top officials also sent their greetings to students, teachers and parents on 15 September. President Iliana Iotova stressed that the dreams of all students are dreams for Bulgaria. Education reform is an absolute priority, Prime Minister Rumen Radev said at the opening of the new school year, outlining the planned changes: a new funding model in which money follows the pupil, a preparatory year before first grade for children who have difficulties with the Bulgarian language, and a single textbook for Bulgarian language and literature, history and geography.

“The date 15 September is timeless,” President Iliana Iotova said as she opened the school year in Ruse.

Iliana Yotova, President of the Republic of Bulgaria: "Knowledge, education is a torch that must be lit, and you, dear teachers and educators, carry precisely that spark to light it in the souls of children. I know that each one of you, when you enter school, has a dream of your own. And when we bring together the dreams of all students, that is the dream for Bulgaria, because you are our future. Love Bulgaria! Love it with all your heart and soul!”

Prime Minister Rumen Radev chose to open the school year in the village of Rakovitsa in the Vidin region. Radev called for education not to be discussed only on 15 September.

Rumen Radev, Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria: “Education, education reform is an absolute priority – one of the most important priorities of our government, because our aim is to change the existing model – one in which money follows the pupil – with a model that puts the quality of education, rather than the number of pupils somehow pushed through to Year 12, at the centre of education.”

He also outlined the forthcoming legislative amendments proposed by the government:

Rumen Radev, Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria: “Introducing a preparatory year before first grade for children who have difficulties with the Bulgarian language, so that they can have an equal start. Strengthening discipline and introducing clear rules in schools.”

We should have only one textbook on the Bulgarian language and literature, and only one textbook on Bulgarian history and on geography.

Parliament Speaker Mihaela Dotsova opened the school year in Berkovitsa. Dotsova told pupils not to set limits for themselves because they can overcome any obstacle.