site.btaEducation Minister Shares Plans for School Infrastructure Investments

Investments are planned for the infrastructure of the school network in the country, said Education Minister Krasimir Valchev on Sunday during the discussion panel "Technological Transformation of Bulgarian Education: Basic Skills, Talent Development, and the Professions of the Future", held within the Annual Meeting of Local Authorities in Albena resort, on the Black Sea. The event is organized by the National Association of Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria.

He emphasized that extracurricular schools (so-called “schools” or training centers) play a special role in preparing children in mathematics and natural sciences, but they need support because they are losing teachers. According to him, this is why investment in the professional qualification of such personnel is necessary.

"The country needs technological industries to move forward, but for that, we need well-prepared children and high schools where they can study," he added. Valchev stated that it is also important to seek the support of universities and businesses.

A major problem is students’ lack of motivation to study mathematics and natural sciences, the Minister further commented. He believes one reason for this is the fast pace at which the material is taught. Screens also demotivate, Valchev pointed out, stressing that society does not need users of devices, but creators of them. “Our students spend the most time in front of screens for non-educational purposes, and their skills suffer because of that,” he added.

He also said that parents need to understand that high schools focused on learning languages are not necessarily the best option for children, even though a humanitarian foundation is also important for young people.

The Ministry of Education and Science is also proposing an annual assessment of the work of school principals, with poor results being grounds for dismissal, Valchev said. He emphasized that term limits are a good thing, but school leaders must take care of the quality and innovation of education while in office. “There must be mechanisms for accountability for the results achieved,” the Minister said.