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The first five months of this year will be key for the development of Bulgarian education. Not because of political changes and the expected changes of education ministers, but because of the fact that, according to the new educational law the end of May 2017 is the deadline of identifying which primary schools will be transformed into "unified" (ie teaching students to 10 grade), and which schools will be "innovative". United and innovative schools have the potential to modernize Bulgarian education to a much greater extent than any education minister. Therefore months to the end of May 2017 will be really important.

Center "Amalipe" was one of the generators of the idea of "Unified Schools" as a chance to increase the number of boys and girls from rural areas having secondary education. The organization assists dozens of primary schools included in its network, to transform them into unified ones. So we often receive inquiries on specific problems faced by schools in this important transformation. Below, you will find some answers to frequently asked questions about unified schools. They are consulted with lawyers and colleagues from the Committee on Education and Science to the National Assembly and the Ministry of Education.

1. When is the deadline?: The Law on pre-school and school education allows transformation of existing primary schools in unified ones, ie training students from 1st to 10th grade. The question period of the legislature to happen in a relatively simple procedure is May 31, 2017. Of course, such a transformation will be possible in the coming years, as well, according the requirements of Chapter 18 of LPSE and standard for institutions.

Art. 8, para. 3 of the Transitional and Final Provisions of LPSE states: "Proposals to transform the municipal primary schools under Article 26, paragraph 1, item 3 of the repealed Law on Public Education in schools of art. 38, para. 1 pt. 1 of this Act may be made during the year, but no later than May 31, 2017. After this deadline,  proposals are submitted according the deadline, given in Chapter Eighteen"

2. Who decides? The municipal council offers, but the order is issued by the Minister of Education. Opinion of the regional department of education is also needed, but it has no binding effect: opinion may be negative, but it does not stop the decision of the Municipal Council.

3. Can RDE stop the transformation of primary school into unified one? No. The law does not give such powers to RDE and they have no such function. Paragraph 4 of Art. 8 of the Transitional and Final Provisions of LPSE says "found by the entry into force of this Act primary schools according art. 26, para. 1, item 3 of the repealed Law on Public Education can be converted into unified schools of art. 38, para. 1, p. 4 of this law after analysis and opinion of the regional department of education and decision of the relevant municipal council." 

Note: RDE-s are required to give 'analysis and opinion, not "agree / favorable opinion"! I.e. opinion could be negative or neutral, but it does not stop the decision of the City Council.

The idea to require analysis and opinion of RDE-s was offered between first and second reading of LPSE of school directors (including forums organized by the Center "Amalipe") worried about "political personnel policy at the local level." As a defense mechanism MPs included RDE, with a view to offering schools that are missed by municipalities, not to halt the proposed municipal schools.

4. Are the criteria for unified schools, that are currently distributed by RDE, obligatory? No, they are indicative and probably will be changed. LPSE did not introduce restrictions for primary schools, which can be transformed into unified ones.

Distributed by RDE criteria are indicative and not final. Currently working group involving experts from the Ministry of Education and the National Association of Municipalities discuss the indicative criteria. They are expected to be finalized during the next meeting of the working group. Even finalized, these criteria are indicative and not binding. The restructuring of the school network is primarily local government rather than the Ministry of Education. The criteria will be offered to municipalities that will take "difficult decision" by the respective municipal councils. Currently discussed criteria for unified schools are extremely restrictive and would cancel the idea of setting up such schools. It is unlikely that they will be adopted by municipalities and the National Association of Municipalities. Center "Amalipe" will also advocate for their significant relief.

5. Is it possible for a unified school to offer vocational education? Yes, first degree of professional qualification or part of proffession.

The possibility of vocational education in the Unified schools is key, but it would need teachers and facilities. The easiest way to meet these challenges is to sign partnership agreements "unified school - vocational school", so teachers of certain vocational school will lead classes for first degree of professional qualification in the unified school, then students will probably continue 11th grade in the same vocational school. I.e. so will both schools benefit. 

Note: This does not conflict with Art. 144, para. 1 pt. 3 of LPSE "In high school, as well as in unified school, may be approved state plan for admission for training classes for professional qualification under the following conditions:

3. ... if there is no other school in the municipality, which offer the same training". The word used is "training" rather than "proffession". Unified School offers training in first degree and vocational school - training in the third degree of professional qualification. Even if it comes to the same profession, the training offered is different, ie the requirement of Art. 144, para. 1 pt. 3 of LPSE is met. Moreover - this is a real prerequisite students from the integrated school to continue into a second high school stage.

Development of unified schools is a way to detain in classrooms more young people from small towns. Also - a way of improving the quality of education and the attractiveness of schools there. This process is particularly important for the settlements, inhabitted by more conservative groups of Roma and other minorities, for which education - especially for girls - is acceptable when it is provided in the locality in which they live. Given that the Bulgarian economy has increasingly acute need for skilled labor, and our society needs educated citizens, the development of unified schools is a key national objective!

The deep sense of Vassilitsa is the survival - of a culture, a tradition, of a nation and its deep mystical spirituality, preserved over the centuries. Here's how schools of the Center "Amalipe" Network greeted ministries, embassies, organizations and other institutions to set the beginning of a new year full of health and to deal with challenges and be more united as a nation .

Vice President Margarita Popova accepted for the fifth consecutive year at "Dondukov" 2 street students their teachers and headmasters. Children were graduates of the school "Hristo Botev" Kirchevo village, Lovech and presented survakari traditional customs; they performed folk songs and made their wishes for health, welfare and prosperity in the New Year. "I wish you could meet tonight Vassilitsa together with your families and parents who love you with all their hearts." said Margarita Popova. According to her, the school and the education that it provides are the key factors for children to grow and develop as completed citizens. The Vice President said that she will continue to support the existence of schools in small settlements and their eventual transformation into unified schools, even after the end of her mandate. Theodora Krumova, program coordinator of the "Amalipe" thanked Ms. Popova for her dedication and support. She gave the Vice President specially designed 'Book for friends ". The visit of the students continue at the Ministry of Culture, where they greeted employees of the ministry for health and prosperity.

A representative group of students participating in the groups of "Ethnic Folklore - Roma folklore" from the school "Vassil Levski" - Yablanitsa joined the initiative of Centre "Amalipe".  They presented their greetings on the occasion of Roma New Year in state institutions. The group led by Vl.Vasilev - headmaster and Ts. Vulcheva - deputy headmaster was welcomed in Education and Science Commission in the National Assembly. They were hosted by Mrs. Milena Damianova - Chairman of the Commission and her colleagues Galya Zaharieva and Petar Chobanov, Tsvetan Tsvetanov and Svetoslav Ivanov. The special program was opened by Silvia Ivanova. In the sounds of popular Roma melody Joana, Anelia, Elenka, Nicoletta, Mariela and Yolita presented their dance. In addition to the dancing skills and wonderful costumes of children, the member of the parliament had the opportunity to listen to the performance of the talented Monica. The program ended with traditional wishes, prepared by the students themselves.

The young survakar Mladen Miltchev told how to decorate the cornel twig and what twisted threads, strings of popcorn, prunes, peppers and apples, small buns and coins symbolize. On behalf of students and parents from school "Vasil Levski" the hosts received a big basket with halva and Turkish delight, produced in the Yablanitsa town and a package with souvenirs made in school during extracurricular activities. The visit to the National Assembly on the occasion of Vassilitsa ended with friendly conversation between the MPs and the students. Ms. Damyanova greeted the group from and did not hide her admiration to the vision and wonderful program that has been prepared. She expressed satisfaction with the work of Centre "Amalipe" and effectiveness of program activities Reduce the dropout of Roma children from school. On behalf of the Center "Amalipe" Mrs. J. Danova thanked for hosted and wished fruitful cooperation in the next National Assembly. At the end of the meeting the students from the school "Vasil Levski" had the opportunity to learn about the history of parliamentarianism in Bulgaria to examine the exhibits and came closer to the jobs of Deputies.

Students from the school "Hristo Botev" in Stamboliyski congratulated the team of the Ministry of Education and Science regarding the Roma New Year - Vassilitsa. The children performed two dances and played out a modern version of the story "Grandpa pulling turnips." They wished the team a successful year, and then called wishes for good health to deputy ministers Dian Stamatov and Krassimir Kiriakov. In return the students received educational games and books. After the ceremony, the graduates of the school "Hristo Botev" asked the deputy ministers for their favorite subjects and teachers at school. "I loved learning and classes in Bulgarian language and literature. I loved to hike, "said Deputy Minister Kirjakov. Dian Stamatov explained that he liked music and biology, but the second subject has become his passion. They added that they have wonderful memories of their teachers.

124 School "Vasil Levski" in the town of Sofia wished health, prosperity and luck of the Center for Educational Integration of Children and students from ethnic minorities. Manuela Radeva and Penka Ivanova - Head of "Policies for strategic development" to MES accepted the students and wished them the fruits of labor and their efforts to fulfill their dreams and desires, and especially to keep that trembling, called human happiness. Children sang the song Vassilitsa and introduced the legend of Vassilitsa.

Children from primary school "Petar Beron" Samokov gave a brief folk-theater program for Vassilitsa, accompanied by wishes for health and wealth in the Structural Funds. The children were accepted by the entire team of the Structural Funds, who were impressed by the talent of the children and gave them gifts. Later the small actors congratulated and wished health to the Head of Regional Office of Education ​​- Sofia area Hristo Andreev and his team. Mr. Andreev congratulated the children and wished them to be healthy and eager to learn. He also wished to the director of the school many other projects such as "Every student will be a winner", to stop early drop out of the educational system.

Our cooperation is traditionally because part of the symbolism of Bango Vassili is to build bridges between us, said Deputy Minister of Defense Prof. Dr. Orhan Ismailov to the students from school "St. St. Cyril and Methodius " in the village of Aprilovo who visited the Ministry of Defense on the occasion of Vasilitsa - the Roma New Year. The students congratulated the management and employees of the Ministry of Defense with traditional songs and dances. "Traditions should be respected; you must know who you are. So thank you for your performances today, and for showing us part of your millennial traditions for health and fertility" - said Deputy Minister Ismailov. He wished the children good and successful year. "The most important thing to remember is that education is the foundation of integration into society. And I want to thank your teachers who are making tireless efforts to give you good education and that provide knowledge and skills that will be useful in the future, "said Deputy Minister Ismailov. The meeting was also attended by Deputy Defense Minister Desislava Yosifova, Permanent Secretary of Defense Dobromir Totev, Chief of Defense General Konstantin Popov, generals and heads of departments in the Ministry of Defense. On behalf of the Center "Amalipe" Ivan Todorov thanked for the nice words of Vice Minister, adding that it is very important to know our traditions and to be proud of them.

Minister Zornitsa Rusinova welcomed survakari of metropolitan 124th Primary School "Vasil Levski" on the occasion of the upcoming holiday Vassilitsa known as Roma New Year. She wished the children to study hard to complete secondary and higher education with high grades and fulfill their dreams. "Be strong and let you have the strength to create a little miracleevery day!" respondedthe smallsurvakari.

A group of students from the school "Hristo Botev" in the village of Kirchevo visited the Agency for Social Assistance (ASA) in case of the Roma New Year - Vassilitsa. The children told the legend of Bango Vassili and in high spirits performed traditional folk songs. Greetings for health and good luck received Mrs. Anna Ananieva, deputy executive director of ASA. In turn she greeted the children and their teachers on the occasion and wished them health, prosperity and success in school and in life. Thechildrenweredelightedwithgifts.

The students from the Professional School of textile and leather goods in Sofia congratulated the management and employees of the Agency for Employment with program, including musical performance with accordion and clarinet, as well as traditional Bulgarian survakari greeting. The management of the Agency congratulated the children and wished them health and success in school. At 12 a.m. students visited the Hungarian Cultural Institute, and congratulated the Director Ms. Dyord Dimitrov.

The Commission for Protection against Discrimination was attended by survakarcheta students from Elementary School "Dr Petar Beron" Samokov. Representatives of the management and the administration of the Commission were also attending. The children were accompanied by Denitsa Ivanova from "Amalipe" and their leaders Iskra Simeonova - Angelova, Ivanka Laskin and Emilia Simeonova. They presented the tradition of welcoming Bango Vasil in the family. Then wished to those presented health, success and prosperity. The students gladly accepted and thanked for gifts prepared by the Commission.

Students from the school "Vasil Levski" Vidrare village and Neli Nikolova - representative of the Center "Amalipe" - congratulated His Excellency Detlef Lingeman, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany. The students had prepared a special program and congratulations to His Excellency and his team with wishes for good health and good luck in the Roma New year. The warm welcome of longtime friends continued with treat with traditional German specialties and a pleasant conversation and ended with a promise of future meetings. Later, the students visited the office of the Bulgarian Center for nonprofit law where they were greeted by the entire team.

The children from school "Hristo Botev" in Stamboliisky performed traditional songs and dances and wished the US Ambassador, Eric Rubin and his colleagues a fruitful 2017 year. Students from school "St. St. Cyril and Methodius ", village of Aprilovo congratulated on the occasion Vassilitsa Ambassador of the Netherlands Thomas van Oorshot and his team. Impressed by their performance, the ambassador thanked the children and wished them success in school and Happy New Year.

The students from the school "Hristo Smirnenski" Gulyantsi town participated for the first time this year in celebration of the occasion Vassilitsa in the town of Sofia. Led by their headmaster Mrs. Emilia Krasteva and their teacher Galya Marinova, students visited the Embassy of Great Britain.

Visibly worried with "stage fright", the children grabbed the hearts of those presented at the celebration and robbed deserved applause. They performed words for health and luck, a few songs, including "Hubava si moya goro", and told the legend of Bango Vasil. Later, students visited the Institute "Open Society". There they were welcomed in a casual atmosphere by Program Director Mr. Dimitar Dimitrov and his team. The children had the opportunity to relax and talk with the team of "Open Society" for their dreams and thrills, and to reflect on the adventures that await them in the world of "Amalipe." The group of school "Hristo Smirnenski", Gulyantsi was accompanied by Miryana Vasileva, project assistant in Center "Amalipe."

The children from the school "Vasil Levski" Karadzhovo village debunked all the myths of the day and the psychology of the Nordic countries. Ten beautiful girls sang, danced and wished luck to the ambassadors and their wives and employees of the embassies of India and Denmark. Efforts of the students during the extended vacation were rewarded. These hardworking children won the hearts of the two countries. Since the fatal Friday 13-th, there are peoplein India and Denmark who would talk about them, and for Bulgaria, and would share the love, awakened by the smiles and eyes of these girls.

The students from elementary school "St. St. Cyril and Methodius ", Aprilovo village visited the Bulgarian - Swiss Chamber of Commerce, where they presented a role play regarding the Roma New Year. The event was hosted by Boni Bonev, president of the BSCC and the Ambassador of Switzerland, HE Dennis Knob. Later, the children rejoiced employees of the State Agency for Child Protection. In high mood, the students filled the small theater scene, danced and sang a song performed in English. The Chairman of the State Agency for Child Protection, Mrs. Ofelia Kaneva congratulated them and wished them health, prosperity and success in school and in life. The children were delighted with treats and small gifts.

The children of Elementary School "Dr Petar Beron" from town of Samokov visited the office of UNICEF in Bulgaria to congratulate for the Roma New Year - Bango Vasil. They presented a dramatization of custom Vassilitsa and legends connected the holiday. The whole team of UNICEF adopted the children warmly and said that their visit was pleasant, colorful and very refreshing. The kids were greeted personally by the representative of UNICEF for Bulgaria Ms María Jesús Conde.

The team of Iva Boneva - Executive Director of the Center for Professional Education welcomed and applauded the wonderful performances of the students. For their talent, the boys and girls received gifts - books by popular authors and a notebook "to write all the good things that happen at school". The guest school "V. Levski" from the town of Yablanitsa had the opportunity to talk about everyday life at school, their commitments as students, for the pleasure to dance together, for the dreams, they want to implement in Bulgaria.

TSA opened the doors of their office for the sudents from Vocationla school for textile and leather goods in Sofia. The survakarcheta were warmly welcomed by Sarah Perrin, the executive director of the TSA and the whole team of the foundation.

Since 2009 Center "Amalipe" has organized national celebrations of Vassilitsa as the Day of the Roma culture. These include dozens of schools, centers for community development and volunteer clubs "Youth is tolerance". Thus the organization presents the richness of Roma culture and its links with the culture of other ethnic groups in Bulgaria.