Deputy Prime Minister Ivo Hristov Opens the 2026/2027 School Year at a School from Amalipe Center’s “Mission: Excellence – Inspired to Succeed” School Network

There are several dates in everyone’s life that remain unforgettable. One of them is 15 September. This year, too, 15 September arrived with plenty of sunshine, smiles, anticipation and excitement, but also with many questions about the school year ahead. The schools in the “Mission Achiever: Inspired to Succeed” School Network, developed by Amalipe Center with the support of the Trust for Social Achievement for almost 20 years, once again opened their doors not only to students, parents and teachers, but also to political figures, representatives of the diplomatic corps and civil society organisations. Together, we wanted to show children that they are as big as their dreams, regardless of where they come from. 15 September was also an opportunity for us, adults, to remember the time when we were children and needed support just as much, so that we do not forget that the children we send into classrooms today need someone to show them that they can succeed and that they will succeed!

15 September was also an opportunity to ask ourselves questions once again, share our concerns and exchange ideas about the challenges ahead in the new school year: What will the funding mechanism look like, and will government support for small schools and schools with a high concentration of vulnerable groups continue? Will school principals retain the autonomy to be managers rather than merely administrators? Will the partnership between schools and non-governmental organisations continue, so that our children can become better citizens? How will teachers, principals and educational mediators exchange good practices, seek inspiration from one another, share challenges and look for common solutions in person, rather than falling back into the online trap left by the memory of our COVID-era digital life?

School should be a place of solidarity, curiosity, virtue and mutual respect. These were the words with which Deputy Prime Minister Ivo Hristov addressed the school community and guests at St. St. Cyril and Methodius Primary School in Vetren, Pazardzhik Region. He encouraged the children not to be afraid of failure, because it is a step towards growth. He also noted that he could visit any school in Sofia and see Bulgaria as it is, but that he was glad to have come to Vetren because here he could see Bulgaria as it should be everywhere.

To support the schools in the “Mission Achiever: Inspired to Succeed” School Network, the celebration was also attended by H.E. Pierre Hagmann, Ambassador of Switzerland to Bulgaria. In his address, he described the beginning of the school year as a “moment of hope and opportunity” and expressed his positive impressions of the school and the educational environment it has created. The Ambassador emphasised that he was particularly pleased to see the school participating in the Amalipe Center’s network, which works in partnership with the Embassy of Switzerland. “Education is the most powerful way to make use of our opportunities,” Pierre Hagmann said, highlighting the importance of Bulgarian-Swiss cooperation in education. Among the initiatives supported through this cooperation, he mentioned educational mediators, dual vocational education, social inclusion and equal opportunities for all children. He also congratulated Principal Lena Parova on building a supportive team and creating an inclusive environment for all students.

Guests at the event also included Regional Governor Borislav Bogoslovov, Vaska Racheva, Mayor of Septemvri Municipality, Kiril Todorin, Chairperson of the Septemvri Municipal Council, Radoslav Lyutakov, Mayor of Vetren, Dora Dulcheva-Velichkova, Head of the Regional Department of Education – Pazardzhik, Deyan Kolev and Teodora Krumova from Amalipe Center, Sarah Perrine, Executive Director of the Trust for Social Achievement, Ognyan Isaev, Director of the Trust’s Education Programme, Milena Arav, School Team Support Specialist at Teach For All / “Together in Class” Foundation, and Stanislava Sukmankova, Chairperson of the school’s Public Council.

The guests were impressed by the fact that in a small town there is a school with 132 students, 50% of whom are from vulnerable groups – a school that is vibrant and continues to serve as a centre of the community, preserving traditions while also providing a modern educational environment. This includes the first STEM centre for natural sciences, opened as early as 2017 under the “School of the Future” project, as well as the school’s newest STEM centre, built under the Education Programme and opened in spring 2026.

And the best example of everything the guests wished for the children, parents and teachers was captured in the words of Desi Koleva, a former student and now a teacher. “As a person of Roma origin, I want to show you that our background does not determine our future. With education, hard work and belief in ourselves, we can achieve anything. Study, dream and never give up!” Desi said.

During a subsequent informal meeting, Lena Parova and Deyan Kolev shared their concerns about the future of small schools and presented proposals for optimising state support for them: by increasing the funding standard per class and institution, introducing a standard for schools that are the only school in a particular settlement, increasing funding for vulnerable groups and continuing support for educational mediators. Sarah Perrine and Ognyan Isaev from the Trust for Social Achievement highlighted the importance of supporting upper-secondary students, particularly those who travel to school. This requires coordinated efforts with municipalities, which are responsible for transport arrangements. For her part, Dora Dulcheva-Velichkova, Head of the Regional Department of Education – Pazardzhik, expressed support for Lena Parova’s efforts to achieve such a high standard of education in a small school, halt processes of secondary segregation and continue reaching all children. Participants stressed the importance of non-governmental organisations in promoting civic education. Deyan Kolev highlighted the need to restore dialogue with civil society.

Member of Parliament Nihal Yozergan attended the opening of the new school year at Evridika Vocational High School of Clothing and Design in Kardzhali. Other official guests included Georgi Yanev, Deputy Regional Governor of Kardzhali Region, and Milena Chelebieva, Regional Pedagogical Coordinator for Kardzhali Region at Amalipe Center.

Following the official opening, the guests visited several classes, spoke with students and teachers, and toured the classrooms and educational facilities. Nihal Yozergan addressed the students and teaching staff with her wishes for a successful, peaceful and inspiring school year.

“It is an incredible feeling. I am filled with pride and excitement because I grew up in this city and received all of my school education here. I have cherished childhood memories here, and this is where I developed as a person,” the Member of Parliament said.

Ms Yozergan emphasised that a child’s background or mother tongue should never be an obstacle to their development. In her view, every child should have an equal start and a genuine opportunity to develop their abilities.

“It does not matter here whether your mother tongue is different from Bulgarian. There is no reason to feel worried or to bow your head. It is an opportunity to learn many other languages, but you should always place a strong emphasis on Bulgarian, because it is at the heart of our education and gives all of us an equal start and a chance to succeed and develop in our great and dignified society in our homeland, Bulgaria.”

Ms Yozergan encouraged the cooperation between Evridika Vocational High School of Clothing and Design and Amalipe Center, as well as the participation of students from the school in the Open Heart Festival. Through this participation, children showcase their talents, crafts and shared European values to audiences across Bulgaria. Georgi Yanev, Deputy Regional Governor of Kardzhali, congratulated the students, teachers and guests and presented the school principal with an official greeting on behalf of Biser Nikolov, Regional Governor of Kardzhali Region.

With a festive atmosphere, excitement and many smiles, Vladimir Dimitrov – The Master Vocational High School in Sofia marked the beginning of the 2026/2027 school year. The first school day brought together students, teachers, parents and official guests, including H.E. Mr Arthur den Hartog, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the Republic of Bulgaria. His presence highlighted the importance of international partnerships and the exchange of good practices for the development of modern vocational education and for expanding opportunities for young people. For the school, the celebration was particularly significant as this is the first school year under its new name.

Other official guests included Ms Nurselin Kazak from the Ministry of Education and Science, Dr Eva Zhecheva from the Ombudsman Institution of the Republic of Bulgaria, and Eng. Velina Tomova from the Regional Department of Education – Sofia City. In their addresses, the guests wished the students a successful school year, curiosity, perseverance and the courage to turn their dreams into goals. They highlighted the role of education not only in acquiring knowledge and professional skills, but also in developing confident, responsible and active young people.

For the students, the first school day marked the beginning of a new stage – for some, their first step into school life, and for others, another stage on their path towards professional development. With the ceremonial school bell, the high school once again opened its doors to knowledge, creativity, friendships and new opportunities, sending its students a message of development, partnership and belief in the potential of every young person.

With a festive atmosphere and many smiles, Ivan Vazov Primary School in Izvor village, Radomir Municipality, opened the new 2026/2027 school year. The first school day brought together students, teachers, parents and guests, who shared the excitement of the beginning of a new school year. The special guest of the celebration was H.E. Flemming Stender, Ambassador of Denmark to the Republic of Bulgaria. Ambassador Stender’s presence was a sign of support for the school and its efforts to create a calm, supportive and inclusive environment for its students.

The first school day marked the beginning of another year in which children will have the opportunity to acquire knowledge, develop their abilities and build confidence in their own potential. Ivan Vazov Primary School is a long-standing partner of Amalipe Center and a member of the “Mission Achiever: Inspired to Succeed” School Network. The school combines tradition with a modern educational environment and works to create equal opportunities for every child to develop.

The new school year began with wishes for health, success, curiosity and many reasons for students, teachers and parents to be proud.

 

With great excitement, anticipation and smiles, students crossed the threshold of Nikola Yonkov Vaptsarov Technical Vocational High School in Radomir to begin the new 2026/2027 school year. The first school day brought together the school community and official guests, who shared the festive moment with students, teachers and their parents.

Among the guests were Kirill Stoev, Mayor of Radomir Municipality; Eng. Yuliana Efremova, Head of the Regional Department of Education – Pernik; and Ms Sophie Brown, representative of the Embassy of the United Kingdom. Their presence highlighted the importance of vocational education and of partnerships between schools, institutions and international partners in supporting young people.

Nikola Yonkov Vaptsarov Technical Vocational High School is part of Amalipe Center’s “Mission Achiever: Inspired to Succeed” School Network. With its long-standing history and traditions in vocational education, the school continues to create opportunities for students to acquire knowledge and practical skills that will support their future professional development.

With a ceremonial programme and many smiles, 59th Vasil Levski Secondary School in Sofia opened the new 2026/2027 school year. Among the official guests were Nataliya Efremova, Minister of Labour and Social Policy; Valeri Tucker, Diplomat in the Political Section of the Embassy of the United States in Bulgaria; Antonia Birbaumer, Deputy Ambassador of the Republic of Austria to Bulgaria and Director of the Austrian Cultural Forum; Aylin Dzhafer, Donor Partnerships Specialist at the Trust for Social Achievement; and Petya Gulamali, Director of the Employment and Entrepreneurship Programme at TSA. They were all guests at the invitation of the Center for Interethnic Dialogue and Tolerance Amalipe, represented by its Regional Coordinator Katya Dimitrova.

In her address, Minister Efremova emphasised the importance of education for the future of young people and encouraged them to make full use of opportunities for learning, extracurricular activities and personal development. She placed particular emphasis on the upcoming graduation of the school’s first cohort of twelfth-grade students.

“When the day comes for them to receive their diplomas, I want to receive a special invitation so that I can see them off together with you and promise them that I will help them find a job,” Minister Efremova said.

She thanked the teachers for their dedication and for their efforts to identify and develop the children’s talents, while calling on parents to support their children and work in partnership with teachers.

The presence of the official guests also provided an opportunity to present the results of the school’s efforts to create a more inclusive educational environment. This year, 59th Secondary School has made progress in the desegregation process – the new “Administration” vocational profile has attracted students from different backgrounds, and the newly formed class is already emerging as an example of tolerance, teamwork and mutual understanding.

Among the students who demonstrate the opportunities that education can create is Nikolinka Tsenkova, an active participant in school life and in Amalipe Center’s leadership academies, who has shown strong motivation to continue her education and build her future.

During the celebration, Katya Dimitrova also highlighted the importance of policies supporting regular school attendance and expressed confidence that the changes undertaken would contribute to more sustainable retention of children in the education system.

With the support of the Center for Interethnic Dialogue and Tolerance Amalipe, the beginning of the 2026/2027 school year at St. St. Cyril and Methodius Primary School in Malo Konare village, Pazardzhik Municipality, was marked by the official presence of Nadya Klisurska, Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Policy.

She congratulated the students, teachers and parents and wished them a successful and inspiring school year, emphasising the important role of the family in supporting children and in working in partnership with teachers.

After the first school bell, Deputy Minister Klisurska visited the first-graders and personally presented each child with a schoolbag filled with surprises. The school principal, Ms Apostolova, expressed her appreciation for the visit and shared the challenges involved in managing a school attended by children and students from vulnerable groups.

The discussion addressed issues related to enrolling and retaining students in the education system, as well as opportunities to support schools and children.

“Education is a path towards confidence, independence and successful fulfilment for young people. That is why creating equal opportunities for every child and supporting their development is an important shared responsibility – of the school, the family and the institutions,” Nadya Klisurska said.

St. St. Cyril and Methodius Primary School is part of the Amalipe Center network and actively works to create a supportive educational environment and equal opportunities for its students.

Ivan Popov, Executive Director of Programme “Education”, was an official guest at the celebration at the Vocational High School of Transport and Mechanical Engineering in Gradnitsa village. He congratulated the students and encouraged them to make full use of the opportunities offered by vocational education.

In his address, he emphasised that the knowledge and practical skills acquired through vocational education can give young people greater freedom in choosing a profession and pursuing their future careers. He paid particular attention to opportunities for training in the new STEM classrooms and to dual education, which enables students to study while gaining practical experience.

The school principal also announced important news for the students: the descendants of the school’s patron, Prof. Dr Marin Petrov Marinov, a co-founder of the school, are establishing two scholarships for students with the highest academic achievement, worth EUR 200 and EUR 100 respectively.

The Regional Coordinator of Amalipe Center addressed the young people with a message to believe in their own abilities and strive for development, encouraging them to become future leaders who contribute to positive change in their communities. During the celebration, the Chairperson of the Student Parliament, Ivana, received a symbolic gift – a tie – with wishes for success in achieving her dreams and in her future work in support of people in the community.

Following the official opening, the guests had the opportunity to tour the school’s renovated facilities. They were shown the newly built STEM centre with four fully equipped classrooms, the renovated gymnasium, as well as the relaxation and de-escalation room.

Among the interesting initiatives is the “mood box”, where students can anonymously share how they feel when they arrive at school each morning.

The high school is part of Amalipe Center’s “Mission Achiever: Inspired to Succeed” School Network and continues to develop opportunities for vocational education, student participation and a supportive school environment.

Shared by Schools in the Network

Guests at schools from the “Mission Achiever: Inspired to Succeed” School Network also included Prime Minister Rumen Radev and Minister of Education and Science Prof. Georgi Valchev, who opened the school year at Hristo Botev Primary School in Rakovitsa village; Member of Parliament from the GERB-UDF parliamentary group Denitsa Sacheva, who opened the school year at Hristo Smirnenski Primary School in General Toshevo; and many others.

Photos: Hristo Smirnenski Primary School in General Toshevo

“Beginning at Hristo Botev Primary School, Pobeda neighbourhood, Burgas – colourful, smiling, different and unique! With the pure meaning of the simple word ‘Thank you!’: to our colleagues – for their inspiring efforts, hard work and patience; to the children – for teaching us kindness; to those parents who understand that education is the only path to success! Thank you to our guests – to Mr Dimitar Marinov for another lesson in talent and inspiration, and for choosing to exchange the Hollywood stage for a presence in a Roma school; to Prof. Mihail Mihaylov and Ms Tanya Ivanova.”

Photo cover: British Embassy

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The “Mission Achiever: Inspired to Succeed” School Network brings together 259 schools from across Bulgaria. It is coordinated by the Amalipe Center with the support of the Trust for Social Achievement. The Network includes primary, lower-secondary, combined and secondary schools, as well as vocational high schools. Find out more about the Network [HERE].

The programme is funded by the Trust for Social Achievement.