UNICEF: Educational performance of students in Bulgaria has deteriorated

On the eve of the first day of school, UNICEF warns of deteriorating educational results for students in Bulgaria. The United Nations Children's Fund also reports in a country report that dropping out of school, increasing incidents of violence and lack of basic knowledge and skills are among the main challenges facing adolescents in Bulgaria.

Data from this year's national external assessments reveal a deterioration in the performance of pupils completing grade 4, further deepening so-called educational poverty.

The data for pupils completing Grade 7 show marginal progress in Bulgarian language and an average score of 35 in mathematics, just above the 30-point threshold, UNICEF said. The organisation warns that almost one in two young people in Bulgaria lacks basic reading and maths skills.

5.7% of children aged 7 to 10 are not in school, UNICEF said. Figures from the Ministry of Education for 2022, presented at a joint conference with UNICEF, show an increase in almost all types of violence reported in schools, including physical, verbal and cyber bullying, reaching over 3,300 recorded incidents last school year.

The organization notes that we have made very little progress on the commitment to transform education.

"Schools need resources, support and training for teachers, as well as curriculum updates to make them relevant and appropriate for students. In addition, violence and bullying at school are among the main factors that hinder children's ability to learn and reach their potential. Together with the Ministry of Education, UNICEF Bulgaria is implementing programmes to make education more inclusive and accessible for every child and to build a safe and positive environment for the whole school community," said Christina de Bruin, UNICEF Representative in Bulgaria.