site.btaBulgarian Schools Abroad Conference to Focus on Stronger Institutional Dialogue and Long-Term Education Policies

The 19th Annual Conference of the Association of Bulgarian Schools Abroad (ABSA), scheduled for July 22 at St. Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia, will bring together Bulgarian schools abroad, government institutions and partner organizations to discuss the future of Bulgarian education outside the country, with this year's edition placing a special emphasis on building a more active and sustainable institutional dialogue. "Our expectation above all is that the conference will mark the beginning of an even more active and sustainable dialogue between Bulgarian institutions and Bulgarian schools abroad," Zornitsa Gogan, Chair of ABSA's Management Board, told BTA.

"We are convinced that when institutions and Bulgarian schools work as partners, sustainable solutions can be found."

The conference's central theme, "Bulgarian Schools Abroad – A Space for Identity, Culture and Belonging," reflects the role of Bulgarian schools in preserving national identity while supporting children growing up in multilingual and multicultural societies.

For the first time, the conference will include a roundtable bringing together representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science, the Executive Agency for Bulgarians Abroad, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and parliamentary committees on education and on policies for Bulgarians abroad to discuss long-term strategies for Bulgarian education overseas.

According to Gogan, the discussions will focus on establishing a consistent state policy for Bulgarian schools abroad, ensuring predictable and sustainable funding, securing recognition of Bulgarian-language education within host countries' education systems, expanding opportunities for graduates to access higher education in Bulgaria, and strengthening teacher training and educational quality.

It is important for us that these issues are viewed not as separate initiatives but as part of a shared vision for the development of Bulgarian education abroad," she said. "We want to place these topics on the agenda while being an active and constructive partner in finding lasting solutions."

Beyond policy discussions, the conference will continue its traditional role as a professional forum where teachers and school leaders exchange experience, showcase new educational resources and establish partnerships.

The programme, which was developed following a survey of ABSA member schools conducted by the association's newly elected board, will feature presentations of best practices from Bulgarian schools in different countries, alongside practical teaching tools tailored to the needs of diaspora education.

Among the highlights are the presentation of the Rechenitsa integrated system for teaching Bulgarian as a foreign language, developed by Sofia University, and Our Bulgaria, a new textbook for third- and fourth-grade students created specifically for Bulgarian schools abroad. Participants will also learn about programmes designed to increase students' motivation to study the Bulgarian language, history, geography and culture, successful European education projects and international partnerships, as well as innovative teaching methods, including project-based learning, academic mentoring and digital educational platforms.

One of the conference's objectives, Gogan said, is to ensure that participants leave not only with new ideas but also with practical tools they can apply in their daily work.

ABSA also plans to expand its support for member schools over the coming year through new initiatives, including regular online meetings for exchanging best practices and a new series, Experience Without Borders: In Focus, showcasing successful educational models and innovative teaching methods from Bulgarian schools around the world. The association also intends to strengthen partnerships with universities, public institutions and cultural and educational organizations.

Gogan said Bulgarian schools abroad are far more than places where children learn the language.

"For us, the Bulgarian school is much more than a place where the language is taught. It is a space where children develop a sense of belonging, maintain their connection with Bulgaria, and build values, friendships and self-confidence," she said. "We are building a living connection with Bulgaria that can endure for future generations."

She added that Bulgarian schools help children preserve their national identity while becoming active citizens of the countries where they live. "These two identities do not contradict one another; on the contrary, they complement and enrich each other," she said.