The Bulgarian state cannot win without a strong, developed and protected school – in the big city or the small village. The Bulgarian state must stand behind the Bulgarian school, said Vice President Iliana Yotova at the solemn concert on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the Bulgarian Teachers' Union. This was announced by the press secretariat of the presidency.
The Vice President pointed out that there are still places in Bulgaria where children do not have access to education. “There are places where discrimination affects not only children, but the school environment as a whole, where equal opportunities are just fairy tales“, said Yotova.
“It is in your hands to teach our children what statehood is, what national memory is – from perfect command of the Bulgarian language to building identity and self-confidence of Bulgarians. It is in your hands to fight illiteracy, aggression, apathy. “Knowledge about the world starts from you to our children, and knowledge brings freedom. Only free people like you can create meaning, create our future“, emphasized Iliyana Yotova. She noted that teachers build people with virtues, individuals with a critical outlook, not subject to prejudice, free in spirit and thought, people with self-confidence, competitive in a rapidly developing world. “By shaping tomorrow's generations, you predetermine policies, politicians, statesmen“, the Vice President emphasized.
In her speech, Iliyana Yotova emphasized that with its 35-year history, the Bulgarian Teachers' Union is an example of unity and defined it as a wise advisor to the authorities, but also its critic and assistant for adequate actions and decisions. “Bulgarian teachers have gone through very difficult moments in their completely justified pursuit of better and more dignified working conditions, opportunities for development, and a place in society. The Union has always been the strong and categorical voice of this struggle“, the Vice President pointed out, highlighting the active and dedicated work of its chairwoman Yanka Takeva.
Iliyana Yotova congratulated the Bulgarian Teachers' Union and its members on behalf of President Rumen Radev. “I assure you that we are together in the mission to put the Bulgarian teacher and the Bulgarian child back in the center. Let us continue to motivate the development of the profession, to return public appreciation – as Bulgarian traditions dictate and as you deserve“, said the Vice President.
Earlier this month, Iliyana Yotova held a meeting at the Bulgarian Embassy in the British capital with representatives of Bulgarian schools from London and the region. Your mission is huge, you not only teach children in Bulgarian and give them knowledge about Bulgaria, but you also build a Bulgarian identity, said the Vice President.