A team of educators from the Center for Personal Development Support – Burgas has returned from an international training in Istanbul, Turkey. The event, which brought together educational specialists from various Bulgarian cities, including Varna and Pavlikeni, was dedicated to the innovative topic "Play – A Method for Learning, Personal, and Social Development". The training provided an opportunity to exchange best practices and get acquainted with different educational philosophies.
Visit to "Maya" Kindergarten
At the beginning of the program, the Bulgarian specialists visited the private kindergarten "Maya" in Istanbul. Greeted with warmth and professionalism by the hosts, they had the opportunity to immerse themselves in a modern and well-organized educational environment where play is at the heart of the daily process. The educators from Burgas conducted a detailed tour of the facility, which demonstrated an educational philosophy that differed from the one traditionally applied in the Bulgarian system. The visit provided a chance for direct professional dialogue with their Turkish colleagues, and the Burgas educators expressed their gratitude through symbolic gifts, presented with respect and appreciation.
The training itself, led by authorized trainer Maria Zhekova, took place in stages, skillfully combining theoretical concepts with practical sessions. A key focus was placed on the fundamental role of play in the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development of children.
The specialists discussed not just the types of games but also their multifaceted function in the educational process. Special attention was given to play as a tool for stimulating imagination and creative thinking.
New Strategies and Applicable Skills
As part of the program, various play strategies were also presented that can be adapted in both formal and informal education. Through individual consultations, Q&A sessions, and interactive practical activities, the participants had the opportunity to apply what they had learned and feel the real value of the play-based approach in pedagogical practice. This allowed the educators not only to acquire new knowledge but also to transform it into applicable skills.
Participation in this international event left a strong professional and emotional impact on all those present. The educators from the CPDS – Burgas returned inspired and enriched with new ideas, strategies, and approaches. Back in Bulgaria, they are ready to apply what they have learned in their future work with children, with the ambition of introducing new methods for holistic personal development in a spirit of play and respect.