site.btaEducation Minister Pays Surprise Visit to School in Roma Neighbourhood, Speaks of Need of Sweeping Changes in Schooling Coverage

Education minister Galin Tsokov Monday paid a surprise visit to two schools in the Stolipinovo neighbourhood in the southern city of Plovdiv and as he did so he spoke of a need of a personalized approach, adapting to students' insterests and sweeping changes in the coverage of the education system.

Stolipinovo is arguably the largest Roma neighbourhood in the Balkans.

The Minister told teachers that he chose to make a surprise visit because he "hoped for an honest and unscripted conversation" with them. He also told the teachers that they can rely on all kinds of support but the crucial thing is to eliminate "formalism and take more measures to keep children in schools". 

The teachers told the Minister that many of the students are struggling with the Bulgarian language and the curricula need to be better suited to their needs. They also said that the students show keen interest in sport and art classes but the school facilities are inadequate.

They said that there are things in the school that one can be proud of: a former student has become a teacher, several students play the piano and the school football team is among the best in the region.

Several weeks back, the teachers in one of the two schools sent an open letter through the news media, saying that they feel being left to their own devices by the other competent institutions as they struggle with student absenteeism. They also said they hoped to talk to the Education Minister.