site.btaForum Will Discuss Religion Classes in Schools on April 24

A discussion on religion classes in schools will take place on April 24, Education Minister Krassimir Valchev told journalists on Monday after he participated in a national conference marking the 35th anniversary of the Bulgarian Teachers Trade Union.

Under the existing Pre-school and School Education Act the subject of religion is part of elective classes.

 “We are considering including religion on the curriculum and expand it in terms of content,” Minister Valchev said.

Monday's forum discusses the income policy in the school and pre-school education system for the period 2007-2025 and the introduction of a virtues and religion subject at schools.

Asked by the BTA whether the subject would be taught from the first to the 12th grade, Minister Valchev replied that this will have to be set forth in by-laws.

Addressing the forum, Minister Valchev said that all other EU member countries have religion classes with the exception of France. “We will propose the inclusion of religion, which we already have, on the curriculum, but with an emphasis on the teaching of ethical, moral, historical and cultural competences. There will be a choice between programmes with elements of religious education and without,” said Valchev. He noted that all Bulgarian and European culture is a product of Christian civilization.

The forum was also attended by Confederation of Independent Trade Unions President Plamen Dimitrov, Bulgarian Teachers Trade Union leader Yanka Takeva, representatives of the social partners and union members.