Ministry of Education and Science publishes a concept for the study of the subject “Virtues and Religions”, Virtues/Ethics Programme

The Ministry of Education has published and publicly presented a concept for the introduction of the subject “Virtues and Religions”, Virtues/Ethics Programme. It answers many questions that have been widely discussed in recent weeks and which were not answered at the discussion organised by the Ministry on 24 April. The document is short (5 pages), and it stresses that substantive discussions are yet to take place. What are the main things that become clear after the presentation of the concept paper?

In recent weeks, the stated desire of the Ministry of Education to introduce a compulsory subject including religion has sparked lively discussions as well as many fears/concerns from parents, public figures, civil society organisations. The April 24 forum organized by the ministry raised more questions and further deepened concerns. The Concept Note released today (May 7) sheds more light on the content and the steps ahead. It is also likely to allay the concerns that have been building up on various sides. The Concept Note makes clear that:

1. “Virtues and Religions” will be taught through three programmes and parents will be able to choose one of them;

2. The subject will be taught as Compulsory Elective classes. Children/Parents will choose between one of the three options listed above. The introduction of this unit of study will be at the expense of optional classes. It is stated in the concept that it will not be at the expense of another compulsory subject or an increase in the number of teaching hours.

3. The process of introducing “Virtues and Religions” will start from Grade 1 and will be done in phases. The concept does not fix a time limit from which this will start happening. The originally stated intention to have first graders studying “Virtues and Religions” as early as the fall of this year has drawn much criticism and is not included in the document. When presenting it, Minister Valchev stressed that the Ministry of Education plans to submit a proposal for changes to the Law on Pre-school and School Education this month, as this is one of many topics (20 in total) that will be proposed.

It is also not clear from the concept whether there will be piloting in a number of schools before the mass introduction of the subject.

4. The concept of the Virtues/Ethics programme is non-denominational and non-religious. It emphasizes civic and common human values. The main objectives of the programme are also non-religious: Education in virtues, Formation of ethical consciousness and development of moral responsibility, Giving students knowledge about Christianity and other world religions, about different philosophical views, and to develop the ability to reflect on ethical issues, Creation of a positive and supportive environment, Development of social-emotional skills, Preservation of cultural, historical and spiritual heritage. The global themes around which learning will take place are also non-confessional: Self-knowledge, Friendship and Coexistence, Moral norms and ethical rules, Values and virtues, Conflict resolution, Contemporary moral challenges.

The above is a serious development (or better communication) against the background of the originally stated (or promoted) intention. Perhaps the reaction from parents and public figures has led to the offering of a truly non-religious and non-denominational program.

5. The concept envisages a Virtues/Ethics curriculum yet to be discussed and developed after serious discussions with stakeholders. The stated intent is valid and good; it is important that it be implemented in a manner different from the April 24 forum.

At the same time, the concept relies on existing programs in Christianity and Islam for the other two options. Criticisms by experts of these programmes are not taken into account at this stage.