Dear supporters,
Winter is on its way, but in this report, we are taking you back to the summer holidays. We want to share with you the story of the Summer START Academy in the Fakulteta neighborhood in Sofia organised by Teach For Bulgaria alumni. This year, for the 8th consecutive time, the Summer START Academy welcomed 45 students aged 7–14. The START Academy ran from the 8th to the 26th of July with the students from 75th Primary School "Todor Kableshkov".
Along with the traditional activities in Bulgarian language, Mathematics, and English, the big theme was “Zen in Everyday Life.” With it, the teachers wanted to encourage their students to explore mindfulness, healthy habits, and personal growth alongside academic learning.
During the three weeks, the children worked on creative group projects, such as developing brochures on healthy lifestyles, and lively activities like morning dance warm-ups. To broaden the children's worldwide, the teachers invited special guests to join the activities, including a plus-size model and a health advocate, who enriched the activities with motivational talks and interactive workshops, such as preparing healthy snacks.
Another activity that was a big hit among the students was learning about balanced nutrition and self-care and integrating these lessons into their daily routines. In teams with names such as "Sweet Melons," "Pizza Lab," and "Sporty Combo," the students collaborated on projects promoting healthy lifestyles. They created brochures, practiced presentation skills, and discussed ways to balance diet, exercise, and rest.
By the final week, the children were able to confidently present their projects to an audience and received certificates for their efforts. The Summer START Academy concluded with a reflective excursion to Rila Park in Dupnitsa, balancing relaxation and learning.
Thank you for your support for the Summer START Academies, which helps children build skills, confidence, and a love of learning each summer!
Gratefully,
The Teach For Bulgaria team
