site.btaRector Stefanova: Bulgarian Sunday Schools Abroad Can Count on Sofia University’s Support

Bulgarian Sunday schools abroad can count on support from Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski, Rector Eliza Stefanova said on Wednesday. She was speaking at the opening of the 19th Annual Conference of the Association of Bulgarian Schools Abroad (ABSA).

Stefanova said Sofia University was pleased to host the important event for another year.

Speaking on behalf of the academic community, Stefanova welcomed the conference participants to Sofia University, which she called a temple of knowledge.

“We recognize the efforts you are making for this cause, and I want to express my deep gratitude for the dedication you bring to your work. This is also reflected in this year’s conference theme, which emphasizes that every Bulgarian child, wherever they are in the world, should know their roots, language, ancestry and history. I assure you that you can count on the support of Bulgaria’s oldest higher education institution, Sofia University. Your educational mission has left a lasting mark on the hearts and minds of generations of Bulgarians,” Stefanova said.

“I commend your dedicated efforts to carry out your educational mission with care. Please accept my sincerest wishes for good health and continued professional success in your noble cause. I also hope that, as we have seen in recent days, more and more of your pupils will return to Bulgaria. This year, once again, we have seen children who, thanks to your efforts, have become part of the Bulgarian community here again. You can count on us. We will always stand by you,” Stefanova said, concluding her address to teachers and guests from Bulgarian Sunday schools abroad.

Support is provided to 401 Bulgarian Sunday schools in 43 countries across six continents, attended by nearly 40,000 pupils and receiving more than EUR 8 million in State funding, making this one of the Bulgarian State’s most successful policies for engaging with the diaspora, Deputy Education and Science Minister Senya Terzieva said at the opening of the ABSA conference at Sofia University.