site.btaUNICEF Warns of Poor Educational Results for Bulgarian Students

On the eve of the first day of school, UNICEF warns that poor educational outcomes, dropout rates, increased incidents of violence and lack of basic knowledge and skills are among the main challenges facing students in Bulgaria. The UN Children's Fund media release also found very little progress on the commitment to transform education.

Data from this year's national external assessments in Bulgaria reveal a deterioration in the performance of students completing grade 4, further exacerbating so-called "educational poverty", and marginal progress for grade 7 students in both Bulgarian language and mathematics, according to a new report by the organisation.

Although the Ministry of Education and Science reports a 40% reduction in the dropout rate through the collaborative institutional mechanism for enrolment and inclusion, the latest data from the National Statistical Institute (NSI) shows that 11.2% of children aged three to six and 5.7% of children aged seven to ten are out of school, UNICEF said.

The organisation is calling for action and investment so that every teacher is supported and equipped with the knowledge and skills they need, and every child learns in a safe and inclusive environment.

That is why UNICEF Bulgaria is launching a campaign focusing on the role of teachers - the main drivers of change in every school. The aim of the campaign is to call for support and appreciation for teachers so that they empower students and build a more inclusive and positive school environment.