site.bta63,000-Plus Students to Study Arts and Sports Under National Programme Implemented by Education Ministry

In the next school year, 63,909 students will be involved in activities under the Education Ministry's national programme "Together in Arts and Sports", the Ministry said on Friday.

A total of 5 242 groups have been formed across the country, where children will be involved in various arts and team sports. The programme will be implemented for the third consecutive year, with the number of participants growing steadily.

The total budget of the programme is over BGN 25 million. With the allocated funds, schools purchase stage costumes, instruments, sound equipment, seys, sports kits and equipment. There are also funds for remunerating teachers and instructors. The rules allow for group leaders in the respective field to be from the school itself as well as outside professionals in the fields of music, dance, theatre, film, photography, fine arts and team sports (basketball, volleyball, football and handball).

Over the years, numerous sports teams, theatre studios, vocal and instrumental groups, and other teams have been established. Students' participation in interest-based activities helps boost their educational performance, according to the Ministry.