The earlier children are included in the education system, the more successful and lasting their inclusion will be. This was said by the Minister of Education and Science Krasimir Valchev at a working meeting with the teams under the Coverage Mechanism at the Sofia University “Naiden Gerov“ in the Plovdiv district “Stolipinovo“.
According to him, kindergartens are among the most important institutions for the inclusion of children, because during the first seven years their communicative skills and socialization develop. “Teach them basic literacy and do not blindly follow the curricula if they have not developed it. Education requires daily and many hours of effort“, said Minister Valchev and thanked the teams for their dedicated work.
According to him, the role of teachers and mediators is key and he emphasized that the main burden falls on them. “When we look back, however, we see that all this was worth it and gives results. Both the people and the community will appreciate them, and we as institutions will support you even more“, Krasimir Valchev was categorical.
The Minister highlighted the importance of language integration in the process of covering children and recalled that it has been proposed to be regulated in the Preschool and School Education Act. He emphasized that the opinion of the people on the ground should be heard on this topic and it will be taken into account when drafting the bylaws so that the measures are implemented as effectively as possible.
According to him, the joint work of the institutions yields results, but it must be even more targeted and well-coordinated. Actions to include children in the system are a priority at the national level, which was also categorically stated at the interdepartmental meeting in the summer, convened by Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov. According to Minister Valchev, where mayors and regional governors are involved in this activity, the Mechanism operates more effectively. “When we work together, then truly good results are achieved“, he said.
The meeting was also attended by the mayor of Plovdiv Kostadin Dimitrov, the regional governor Prof. Hristina Yancheva and the head of the Department of Early Childhood Education and Care Ivanka Kirkova.