First European Learning Community Meeting

June 5th, 2025 marked the first international meeting of the consortium of four pilot countries participating in the Erasmus+ LEAD-IN project. The online gathering, hosted by Teach For Bulgaria, focused on fostering collaboration and exchange of insights on the achievement gap and the challenges that Bulgarian schools working with underprivileged students face.

The topic of the event was “Student-Centred Inclusive Leadership.” Participants were introduced to successful practices from Burgas, Varna, and the village of Dermаntsi. A discussion on the similarities between the challenges faced in the presented cases and participants’ own countries provoked a reflection on how prevalent and how manageable these issues are. A common conclusion that participants drew was that students’ wellbeing and success are highly dependent on their educators. “To observe a change in students, teachers must believe in their pupil’s ability to change. For them to believe, educators must feel that we believe in their ability to lead that change,” one of the Belgian principals stated.

The disparity of educational experiences and accomplishments was a focal point in all conversations, as well as the introduction by Teach for Bulgaria. Led by Stefan Lozarov, LEAD-IN content manager, the opening remarks discussed the state’s issues with outdated school curriculums and teaching methods, PISA results, and the high frequency of high school dropouts among minorities, who leave to find work to feed their families.

Where the state fails, local governments come to fill in the gap, as made clear by Municipality Educational Expert Vassilia Svileva, who talked about the established Student Committee of the Burgas Municipality (SCBM).

Made up of democratically elected representatives of school governments, this organization: is actively involved in sharing student input regarding the municipal strategy for youth; organizes initiatives to improve the school environment; foster stronger collaboration among student councils throughout the city. Among its crown achievements is the “Back to Childhood” initiative—a day dedicated to traditional, forgotten children’s games, organized by students for students.

The role of student parliaments in overcoming educational inequalities was reiterated by Principal Petia Daneva, who underscored the relationship between students and teachers, which these organizations foster. She listed a number of creative and social initiatives, which provide a calm, supportive environment where students can voice their concerns and grow as active, responsible, and ever-learning individuals.

The importance of a cohesive force in shaping the lives of students was highlighted by Deputy Principal Diyana Kordova, who recounted the steps her school continues to take to ensure its mission—equal access to quality education for all. She elaborated on how her institution worked together with students, parents, and teachers to involve children in clubs, festivals, and workshops. Kordova also underscored the importance of freedom and departure from old pedagogical practices for the achievement of positive change in student retainment.

“We know the path is not easy,” Kordeva said, “but with perseverance, care, and community support, we can give every child not just knowledge, but a chance at a better life.”

LEAD-IN

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