Bulgaria: United Through Art and Education

Smolyan, Bulgaria, 26 April 2024

The province of Smolyan, Bulgaria is home to  Pomaks (Bulgarian-speaking Muslims), Roma and Ukrainians, alongside ethnic Bulgarians. In the region, MRG is supporting local CSO Rodopchanka Women’s Club to promote diversity and inclusivity among local students.

During April, students from local schools participated in the first-ever educational seminars organized by the Rodopchanka Women’s Club. With the guidance of the local teacher Gergana Hristozova, students from three schools collaborated on art projects. The resulting exhibition showcased how knowledge can unite students of different genders, ethnicities, and socio-economic backgrounds, fostering friendships and promoting diversity.

Following this, 40 students, predominantly from the Muslim community, attended an educational seminar. The event became a forum of trust and support, with the participants not only absorbing information but also feeling valued and understood. Presentations by Albena Kalkanova, a psychologist from the Center for Personal Development Support at the Municipality of Smolyan, and Commissioner Nikolay Mitrev from the Smolyan Police, bridged individual needs with collective solutions.

Afternoon sessions featured engaging role plays and group activities. The ‘World Café’ session inspired students to share original project ideas, which will be further discussed at a school round table to seek funding. In another activity, students took on roles as screenwriters and actors to address topics such as aggression, gender equality, and religious tolerance, revealing hidden talents. The final activity, ‘Step Forward’, highlighted inequality of opportunity for different social groups, whilst encouraging tolerance. All participants received certificates for their active involvement.

Rodopchanka Women’s Club is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting women’s social integration and personal fulfillment, and safeguarding the rights of women and children. They also strive to positively impact areas such as education, healthcare, social security, and the economy, while supporting communication strategies for Bulgaria’s European Union membership at the local level.

Featured image: participants at the diversity art exhibition. Credit: Rodopchanka Women’s Club.