site.btaNearly 59,000 First Graders Start School on September 15

September 14 (BTA) - Nearly 59,000 first graders start school in the new school year which opens on September 15, Education and Science Minister Krassimir Vulchev said here on Monday. The school year starts for a total of 700,000 pupils and 89,000 teachers.

Various measures are in place to prevent against coronavirus infection in school. Vulchev noted that any measure that was suggested triggered heated public debates. Responding to expected protests against wearing of face masks in school, Vulchev stressed that his Ministry is ready to engage in more discussions and that Bulgaria has opted for one of the most liberal regimes for wearing of masks in schools. He recommended that pupils stay more outdoors, in the school yard, instead of inside.

By Monday, the parents of more than 250 pupils have decided not to send them to school. For such children the Ministry has provided a Remote Learning Centre.

On Monday in Stara Zagora Vulchev, Agriculture, Food and Forestry Minister Dessislava Taneva, National Assembly Deputy Chair Emil Hristov, MPs and others attended the official opening of the academic year in the Thracian University. RY/ZH//