On April 28, 2025, the first activity under the project "Promoting Intercultural Education through Culture, Science, and Sport in Dolna Mitropoliya Municipality" was launched, led by the PROJECTEKA. The initiative focuses on working with children and students to implement intercultural education in a multicultural environment.
As part of the activity, two clubs began offering interest-based sessions: “Lyuboznayko” (for children from preschool to 5th grade) and “Who Am I” (for students from 6th to 10th grade). Led by pedagogical experts and project team members, the sessions include educational games, creative activities, exercises for developing speech and social skills, and activities for early career guidance. Special emphasis is placed on using didactic games and interdisciplinary links to motivate children’s participation in the learning process and encourage verbal expression.
Thematic meetings and discussions also began, during which students meet successful young professionals from the local community. These interactions provide children — including those of Roma origin — with inspiring role models who highlight the value of education and offer alternatives to negative social patterns.
In parallel with the clubs, partner community centers and libraries are also hosting activities. There, children explore traditional holidays, customs, and folklore through reading, dramatizations, handmade crafts, and thematic workshops. Students are encouraged to share their impressions and experiences, promoting both reading and cultural awareness.
Throughout the school year, interschool activities are planned in the villages of Riben and Baikal, along with educational excursions to key cultural and historical landmarks across the country. These events aim to strengthen children’s sense of belonging to the local community, develop teamwork, and promote the acceptance of cultural diversity.
The implemented activities are already showing positive results — children are improving their communication skills, developing creative and social competencies, and learning more about themselves, their cultural identity, and the world around them. Play and art have proven to be powerful bridges across differences, helping children connect without fear of the “other.”
The next phase of the project includes training for pedagogical specialists on acquiring and applying competencies for democratic culture and intercultural mediation. The goal is to strengthen teachers’ capacity to work in multicultural settings and to build a sustainable model for intercultural education in Dolna Mitropoliya Municipality.
Educational institutions:
Secondary School "Vasil Aprilov" (Dolna Mitropolia) - offers junior secondary and general secondary education.
Primary School "Hristo Smirnenski" (Orehovitsa) - primary and lower secondary education.
Primary School "St. St. St. Cyril and Methodius" (Stavertsi) - primary and lower secondary education.
Kindergartens:
Kindergarten "Happy Childhood" (Trastenik) - pre-school education for children of early age.
Kindergarten "Valcho Ivanov" (Stavertsi) - kindergarten working for early education and socialization.
"Sun" kindergarten (Orehovitsa) - kindergarten focused on preschool education.
Education Programme 2021-2027
Priority axes: Inclusive education and educational integration
Title of the procedure: Promoting intercultural education through culture, science and sport
Procedure code: BG05SFPR001-1.004
Contract № BG05SFPR001-1.004-0025-C01
Project title: Promoting intercultural education through culture, science and sport in the municipality of Dolna Mitropolia