site.btaVice President Iotova Meets with Representatives of Bulgarian Schools and Associations in Athens  

Vice President Iliana Iotova on Saturday met with representatives of Bulgarian schools and associations in Athens. The meeting was also attended by Bulgarian Ambassador to Greece Valentin Poryazov. The participants presented their activities related to teaching and preserving the Bulgarian language, traditions and customs. They also outlined the main problems they face in their work. 

Valentin Banev, a lecturer in Bulgarian at the University of Athens, said that second languages are taught as elective courses. In his words, they are "fighting for literally every single student." Another problem is that the Greek administration officially recognizes only certificates issued by Greek institutions.  

Iotova thanked everyone and said that Bulgaria relies on schools abroad to preserve the Bulgarian identity abroad. She said that it is satisfying that a spiritual community is formed around schools and societies. At the meeting the Vice President said that Bulgarian courses abroad "melt like spring snow".  At the end of the meeting, Iotova urged participants to send news to the BG World service of the Bulgarian News Agency about each event in Sunday schools, because this is the way to find out more about their activities and the work they do.