BTA: Bulgarian Sunday Schools Abroad Pillar of Identity and Education, Says Vice President Iotova

Sofia, 5 dec. /BTA/. The system of Sunday schools is the most successful policy for Bulgarians abroad, Bulgarian Vice President Iliana Iotova said during her visit to Vienna, as reported by the President's press secretariat here on Wednesday. During her visit, Iotova met with representatives of the five Bulgarian schools in Austria.

“Every Bulgarian school abroad becomes a spiritual center that unites and strengthens the entire Bulgarian community,” Iotova said, emphasizing the vital role of these institutions in preserving Bulgarian identity and promoting the national culture and spirit.

Supporting Identity Through Education

Iotova praised the work of Bulgarian teachers abroad, highlighting their essential contribution to fostering Bulgarian identity among young generations. “The work of Bulgarian teachers abroad is extremely important and valuable – you build the Bulgarian identity in our children. In today’s troubled world, those who know their roots are much stronger, as it gives them confidence. You are also developing young people who can compete with their peers not only in Austria but also in Bulgaria and across Europe,” she said.

She also underlined the opportunities available for students who complete Bulgarian Sunday schools to pursue higher education in Bulgaria, bridging the gap between expatriate communities and the homeland.

Challenges Facing Bulgarian Sunday Schools

Representatives of Bulgarian schools in Austria shared their students’ achievements and activities dedicated to Bulgaria but also raised several challenges. These included teacher shortages, the need to adapt Bulgarian educational programs for schools abroad, the requirement for suitable textbooks, and the necessity for increased funding from the Bulgarian government to support their activities.

Expanding the Global Reach of Sunday Schools

“This academic year, there are 396 Bulgarian Sunday schools worldwide. I hope that next academic year, the Sunday school in Singapore will be number 400,” caretaker Minister of Education Galin Tsokov said during his visit to Singapore in November, as part of a delegation led by President Rumen Radev.

Iotova’s Visit to Vienna

Vice President Iotova is visiting Vienna on December 4 and 5, where she is attending the 10th jubilee international conference for students, PhD candidates, and lecturers in Bulgarian studies. Held under her auspices, the conference gathers representatives from 25 universities, mainly from Europe, as well as from Japan and India.