Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Zafirov, ambassadors, and representatives from the Ministry of Education and UNICEF attended the opening ceremonies for the new school year at schools in the “Every student will be a winner” Network

During the opening of the new school year, schools from the Center Amalipe Network were visited by ambassadors, representatives of the diplomatic corps, the Ministry of Education and Science, and others. The visits were held in various locations across the country and aimed to highlight the importance of accessible and quality education for all children, regardless of their background. They also demonstrated the institutions’ commitment to integration and providing equal opportunities in Bulgarian schools.

The first day of school at St. Cyril and Methodius Primary School in Ihtiman turned into a celebration with the participation of students, teachers, and special guests from Bulgarian and international societies. Among them were Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Zafirov, the Austrian Ambassador to Bulgaria, representatives of the regional and municipal authorities, the head of the Sofia Regional Education Office, the UNICEF director, and representatives of the Trust for Social Alternative and ‘Together in Class.’

All guests expressed their appreciation to the AMALIPE Center for Interethnic Dialogue and Tolerance for their efforts in supporting the education and social inclusion of children from vulnerable groups. The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the importance of such initiatives for equal opportunities and respect among different communities. A similar position was shared by the deputy regional governor, the mayor of Ihtiman, and the head of the Regional Education Office, who emphasized the need for partnerships between institutions, organizations, and schools.

The Austrian Ambassador, the UNICEF Director, and representatives of other organizations also encouraged joint efforts for better education. Katia Dimitrova, regional coordinator of the Center for Interethnic Dialogue and Tolerance “Amalipe”, thanked the Deputy Prime Minister for his support and recalled the last meeting of the Council for the Development of Civil Society, which gave a new impetus to civil initiatives. The event in Ihtiman became a symbol of unity and shared concern for the future of children.

P. R. Slaveykov 5th Elementary School, Pernik opened the new school year festively and joyfully, gathering students, teachers, and parents for the first day of school. The event highlighted the importance of education for development, knowledge, and inspiration for young people.

The special guest of the celebration was Ms. Greta Gancheva, Director of the ‘Inclusive Education’ Directorate at the Ministry of Education and Science. She congratulated the students and wished them great success in the new school year, emphasizing the importance of inclusive education for all children.

Textile and Leather Products Vocational High School, Sofia, started the new 2025/2026 school year with a formal ceremony led by the principal, Mrs. Dimitrova. The event brought together students, teachers, and community representatives, highlighting the importance of education for development, creativity, and a successful start for all students.

Among the official guests were the Ambassador of the Republic of Ireland, Ms. Catherine Banon; the Ambassador of the United States, Mr. Martin McDowell; and Valeri Angelov, ‘Community Development’ Expert from the Amalipe Center. They congratulated the students and teachers and supported the school’s mission to provide equal opportunities for education and development for every child.

 

St. Cyril and Methodius Primary School in Vetren opened its doors on the first day of school with a festive celebration that brought together students, parents, and teachers. The event highlighted the importance of accessible education and its role in building confidence and uniting diverse communities.

Among the official guests invited by the Amalipe Center, the largest Roma organization in Bulgaria dedicated to education and equal opportunities for children, were representatives of the British Embassy in Bulgaria: Olivia Dait-Asaj, First Secretary and Head of the Political Department; Vili Angelova, Counselor; and Nona Bankova, Communications Expert. They met with students, parents, and teachers to support the mission of the Amelipe Center and to remind everyone that every child deserves a chance to learn, dream, and succeed.

124 Vasil Levski Primary School in Sofia opened the new school year with an exciting celebration in the schoolyard, which brought together students, teachers, and parents for the first day of school. The event created a festive atmosphere and highlighted the importance of education for the development and success of young people.

Among the official guests were Mr. Thomas Georgiopoulos, Deputy Head of the Belgian Embassy in Bulgaria, and a representative from the Poduyane district. They congratulated the students and teachers, demonstrating the institutions’ support for the school and the local community.

 

Alekо Kostantinov Professional High School in Mezdra opened the new school year with a ceremony attended by students, teachers, parents, and local community representatives. Among the official guests were the head of the Swiss Cooperation Office, Mr. Thomas Stauffer, and Atanas Atanasov, a local community development expert at the Amalipe Center. The school is part of an educational network supported by the Trust for Social Alternative and the AMALIPE Center for Interethnic Dialogue and Tolerance.

In their statements, the guests emphasized that vocational education provides young people not only with knowledge but also with practical skills for success in life and in the labor market. Since 2014, Switzerland has been supporting Bulgaria in the development of dual education through initiatives such as the #DOMINO program under the Swiss-Bulgarian Cooperation Program, which prepares students for the requirements of the modern economy. The program also supports inclusive education to ensure equal opportunities for all children, including those from vulnerable communities.

“Hristo Maksimov” Primary School, Samokov, opened the new 2025/2026 school year with a presentation of the STEM center’s capabilities in the school. Seventh-grade students kicked off the festive events by demonstrating their skills to their younger classmates, including third-graders, and the event’s official guests.

Among the attendees were Ms. Sarah Andersen, Deputy Head of the Danish Embassy, and Ms. Evelina Vassileva, Senior Expert on the Organization of Secondary Education at the Regional Education Office of Sofia Province. The students Bozhidara Aldimirova, Raya Kabadiyskaya, Daniel Alexandrov, and Stilian Ochushki showed excellent performance, and their work and preparation were highly appreciated by the teachers Boriana Spasova and Petya Yankova.

Ivan Vazov Primary School in Izvor village opened the new school year with a traditional, festive, and joyful ceremony, entirely organized by the students, from raising the flag to the beautiful Bulgarian dances. The event brought together students, teachers, and guests, highlighting the importance of education and inclusion for the development of young people.

Among the official guests were the first counselor of the French Embassy in Bulgaria, Anne-Charlotte Montant, and the institutional cooperation attaché, Céline Branchi, who were warmly welcomed by the school’s principal, Ms. Milena Andonova. Ivan Vazov Primary School is part of the network of the Amalipe Center, a leading organization for the dissemination of Roma culture and the protection of Roma rights in Bulgaria.

The new school year at Vladimir Komarov Secondary School in the city of Veliko Tarnovo began with a festive mood, filled with smiles, children’s voices, and dancing. The celebration was opened with a blessing of holy water, performed by Father Iliya, who brought blessings and light to all the students and teachers.

Among the official guests of the celebration were the director of the Regional Center for Inclusive Education, Mrs. Doncheva; Deputy Mayor Mr. Kamarashev; the managers of the social centers, Stanka Todorova and Miglena Encheva; a representative of the Amalipe Center; as well as other friends of the school. Their presence highlighted the strong bond between the school and the local community, which supports the children in their education and development.

With many smiles, warm emotions, and a festive atmosphere, the Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov Technical High School—Gorna Oryahovitsa celebrated its 100th anniversary. Gorna Oryahovitsa opened the new school year. The first day of school brought together the management, teachers, students, parents, and guests, who shared the joy of the holiday. As soon as they crossed the threshold, everyone was greeted with a loaf of bread and salt, a symbol of hospitality and good wishes, and the music and good mood added to the festive atmosphere. The most special moment was the entrance of the newly admitted eighth graders, who were the first to cross the school threshold, followed by their older classmates. The school administration gave an eighth-grade class a symbolic gift – an hourglass – to remind them that the time spent in school is valuable and should be used with a desire for knowledge, hard work, and friendships.

Among the official guests of the celebration was Plamen Nikolayev, an expert on educational and youth activities. In his welcoming speech, he wished “good luck” to all students and teachers, emphasizing the importance of education. The teachers and management greeted everyone with great warmth, and the positive atmosphere was infectious. Thus, the beginning of the new school year became a real celebration that left everyone with a sense of inspiration and hope for successful days in the classrooms.