Start of the School Year: 700,000 Students

Today, at the beginning of the 2025/2026 school year, over 700,000 students crossed the school threshold, marking the start of an emotional day for thousands of families across the country.

Greeting from the Minister of Education

The Minister of Education and Science, Krasimir Valchev, delivered a celebratory greeting, emphasizing the immense importance of this day, not only for the students but also for the entire Bulgarian society. "The first school day has always been one of the brightest and most beloved holidays", the Minister stated, describing it as a celebration of knowledge, hope, and optimism for the future.

He highlighted the role of education as a path to personal growth and success in life, providing not only knowledge but also shaping a value system, critical thinking skills, and civic engagement.

Special attention to first-graders

Valchev paid special attention to the first-graders, for whom this day is particularly exciting. "To all of them, I wish above all health, perseverance, and inquisitiveness. Let's teach them together that to know the right answers, you must not be afraid to ask questions. Education is not a race for grades, but an opportunity to discover your place in the world", he emphasized, rejecting the competitive and grade-focused approach in favor of revealing the potential of each child.

His call for curiosity and the courage to ask questions is a sign of the need for a more flexible and individually-oriented education system.

Recognition for teachers

The Minister did not fail to express deep gratitude to the teachers, calling each flower they receive, "a small symbol of our society's respect for your work and self-sacrifice". He understood the challenges facing teachers and infinitely appreciates their boundless dedication. "Our society has entrusted you with the most important mission – to make our children knowledgeable and capable, and at the same time to build them as good people. Teach and educate our children in goodness!", Valchev stated, elevating the moral and educational role of the teacher to a key social responsibility.

Address to parents

Parents also received a special address. The Minister emphasized the importance of respect for teachers, linking it to the upbringing of respect for authority and for parents themselves. "If we do not raise our children to respect teachers, they will not respect any authority, they will not respect their parents either. One of the best ways to support our children's education is by showing them respect for their teachers. Believe in them. Only in this way will we achieve truly great success", Valchev pointed out, emphasizing the need for partnership between teachers and parents for the successful education of children.

Bulgarian schools abroad

The greeting also included Bulgarian schools abroad – over 405 Sunday schools in 43 countries on six continents, where the school year had already begun on September 1st. The Minister wished the teams of these centers of Bulgarian culture "never to lose this love for the homeland and to instill it in the tens of thousands of children who read and learn Bulgarian thousands of kilometers from our country".

He did not forget the teams of kindergartens and nurseries, calling them "caretakers of our future", since "the first seven" years are fundamental for overall educational development.

His call to directors, teachers, pedagogical and non-pedagogical specialists, parents, and students was for health and much success in the new school year.

According to BTA, the new school year has begun in over 2300 schools in the country, with about 57,000 first-graders, a total of over 716,000 students, and 95,500 teachers.