Language Program for Refugee and Migrant Children

During the reporting period, the project had a direct and meaningful impact on improving educational access and social inclusion for refugee and migrant children.

By enrolling 13 new children, including eight unaccompanied minors, the project ensured they had access to structured learning and a stable, supportive environment. Introductory Bulgarian language lessons helped participants to develop the basic communication skills needed for daily life and school.

For five children who were illiterate in their mother tongue, the programme provided adapted learning approaches to support the development of foundational literacy skills. These methods helped to reduce learning barriers, increasing children’s engagement and confidence in the learning process.

Those preparing for the 7th grade National External Assessment strengthened their Bulgarian language and mathematics skills through focused academic support, which improved their readiness for this key educational milestone and increased their chances of continuing in the formal education system.

The Social Skills Workshop had a particularly strong impact on unaccompanied children, providing them with a safe space in which to develop their communication skills, emotional regulation and peer relationships. Participation in the workshop improved social interaction, trust and emotional well-being.

During the past academic year, our organization has provided systematic Bulgarian language training to refugee children. A special focus was given to newly arrivals and unaccompanied minors, many of whom entered the educational system with limited prior schooling. A significant achievement of the program is supporting their integration into the national education system. The program focused on strengthening reading, writing, and communication skills while also building confidence in using both academic and conversational Bulgarian.

At the same time, special attention was given to prepare the children who had been studying Bulgarian for a longer period for the national exams after 7th grade. Alongside language instruction, the program offered to some of them targeted support in mathematics, ensuring that learners were equipped with both subject knowledge and exam techniques.

The results were highly encouraging. All students successfully passed the state examinations in Bulgarian Language and Literature, and Maths. This achievement demonstrated not only their academic progress but also their determination to succeed despite challenging circumstances. The program proves that with consistent guidance, tailored teaching methods, and supportive learning environment, refugee children can reach important educational milestones.