The Bulgarian education system faces the challenge of educating children not only with knowledge, but also with virtues. This is the position of the "Education" union of the "Support" Confederation of Labour, whose representatives express their approval for the introduction of the subject "Virtues and Religion" in Bulgarian schools.
The Ministry of Education and Science (MES) has adopted a strategy for upbringing, and the introduction of this subject is the next step. The union recalls that similar subjects such as "Religious Studies", "Civic Education" and "Patriotic Education" have had a place in the past.
According to the union, a huge part of teachers and society support this approach, seeing in it a way to integrate moral and religious values. Institutions also recognize the deficit in upbringing at school.
There is a consensus on the need to form good people, in addition to competent professionals. Moral education is seen as an integral part of education.
The Bulgarian Orthodox Church is perceived as an important moral compass, which is expected to play a more active role in the building of values. The support for the introduction of the subject reflects the need for a stable moral foundation.
Concern is noted regarding the lack of value orientation and the need for partnership between the school and the church. The union points out that attempts to reward good upbringing meet resistance from liberal structures.