site.btaCaretaker Education Minister, UNHCR Representative in Bulgaria Sign Cooperation Memorandum

Caretaker Education Minister Galin Tsokov and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees' (UNHCR) Representative in Bulgaria, Seda Kuzucu, signed a Memorandum of Cooperation between the two institutions, the Ministry of Education and Sciences said on Thursday.

''One of the main goals of Bulgarian education is to be inclusive for all children, and we hope to realize this priority even more successfully,'' Tsokov said.

''Inclusive education enables displaced young people to contribute fully and rebuild sustainable lives wherever they are. Through our partnership, we are demonstrating our shared commitment to ensuring this opportunity is available to all people,'' Kuzucu said.

Free education and training in State and municipal kindergartens and schools is provided for all children and students with international and temporary protection in Bulgaria, as well as additional Bulgarian language training after enrolment, the press release notes.

During the ceremony the topic of higher education was also touched upon. A total of 520 students from the Bulgarian community in Ukraine were admitted as freshmen to higher education institutions in Bulgaria this academic year. Another 34 Bulgarians from Ukraine have enrolled to study for a Master's degree at Bulgarian universities, and 8 have been accepted as PhD students.

UNHCR expressed its gratitude to the Ministry of Education for its partnership in providing training to teachers of children and students who have received or are seeking protection in Bulgaria.

Activities under the memorandum are aimed at facilitating access to education, including enrolment of children and students in kindergartens, schools and universities. The two sides will also work to improve outreach and inclusion by providing training in Bulgarian language and literature to address gaps in learning content. Vulnerable groups, including children and students with special educational needs, will also be supported. Activities and initiatives to improve the educational outcomes of children and young people will be encouraged, the Ministry said.