Hristo Botev primary school in Sarafovo, a district of Burgas, has signed a twinning agreement with a school in Naples after a five-day Erasmus+ training course for its teachers, the school said.

The Italian partner is Istituto Comprensivo Statale 9° "Cuoco-Schipa", a school that covers several stages of education. Hristo Botev school called the twinning the most important result of the trip and a step towards a richer learning environment and more chances for children to grow.

The trip is part of project No. 2026-1-BG01-KA122-SCH-000433489. Cosvitec Università & Impresa helped organise it. The teachers took three courses: on children's social and emotional development, on inclusive education, and on building a positive setting that supports every child.

In the first two days, the teachers worked on empathy, communication and coping with difficulties in communication. Through role-play, hands-on exercises and reviews of real cases, they practised recognising emotions, active listening and building relations based on mutual respect.

The third day focused on violence and bullying in school. The teachers discussed how to tell apart a conflict, systematic bullying, social exclusion and discrimination, and then how to step in early. Games and the study of specific cases gave them ideas for working with children and pupils.

On the fourth day, the teachers from Sarafovo visited the Cuoco-Schipa school. Their hosts showed them how they use music, theatre and creative activities to include every child. Pupils sang a song about the world, children and light, which was also performed in sign language. The younger pupils staged a Halloween story, while the older ones, from the lower secondary stage, gave the guests handmade cards and letters.

The last day dealt with coping with stress, professional burnout, meaning complete exhaustion from work, and teachers' mental health. At the end, the participants received certificates for the courses they had completed.

The agreement marks the start of a long-term European partnership. The two schools will run joint initiatives and education projects and will swap good teaching practices.