New school year in Bulgaria began

The new school year in Bulgaria began. Some 700,000 students will go in the classrooms on September 16.

Approximately 60,000 students will start school for the first time.

In the school year 2019/2020, 5,400 schools will operate in the country. The renovations in most of the school buildings have been finalized. More than 50 schools however will start the year with renovations still ongoing.

Prime Minister Boyko Borissov congratulated all students on the new school year.

"Happy first day of school," he wrote on Facebook.

"Children and teachers are of paramount importance, and we are pleased to put a lot of effort into making schools enjoyable and modern," his message said.

"I wish everyone a successful school year," Borissov added.

Bulgaria’s President Rumen Radev also congratulated the students and teachers.

The Bulgarian School is not just a temple of knowledge, but a sacred place where children become conscious persons. It depends on the school whether they will be provided with sufficient knowledge, striving for new and continuous self-improvement. Will they be worthy citizens of the country, ready to meet the contemporary challenges and to build the future of our society, he said.

I thank all the teachers and those who with love and dedication promote the noble mission of Bulgarian education. A mission without which Bulgarian spirituality and the future are unthinkable, the President went on.

Dear parents, without your positive role and support, all efforts in the field of education would be in vain. Don't forget it!

And you, dear students, continue with passion and inspiration along the challenging but noble path of knowledge. Be inquisitive and do not bend over obstacles, but turn them into a stepping stone to success. Defend in words and deeds the territory of spirituality, dignity and humanity and whatever you do, let it be with thought of Bulgaria, he noted.