12to_Uchilishte
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Joined: 24 Sep 2007
Posts: 71
Location: София
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 Posted: Mon Oct 08, 2007 11:24 am Post subject: The Bulgarian Teacher Strike |
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The Bulgarian Teacher Strike 2007
In recognition of World Teachers’ Day, teachers from 12 High School “Tzar Ivan Assen II”, in Sofia, Bulgaria would like to congratulate their colleagues worldwide.
As teachers, we are aware of the enormous impact we have on young people, our present and future. Giving quality education is crucial in helping students grow up as capable, competent young people with high moral values. As young members of the European Union, we strive to empower people towards active citizenship, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. As quoted in the UNESCO Recommendation concerning education for international understanding, co-operation and peace and education relating to human rights and fundamental freedoms: “Education should further the appropriate intellectual and emotional development of the individual. It should develop a sense of social responsibility and of solidarity with less privileged groups and should lead to observance of the principles of equality in everyday conduct.”
The Bulgarian teachers have always been working in accordance to those principles, however, the educational system in Bulgaria are undergoing crisis. At the end of last school year teachers and syndicates began giving signs that the educational system has major problems that must be faced quickly. After many attempts to negotiate with the Government the syndicates and teachers were left with no other solution but to start a strike on the 24th September, 2007. Teachers from all educational levels, students and parents are protesting nation-wide in defense of education. Teachers in all Bulgarian towns joined forces defending their rights to be able to work in conditions which will allow them to teach children according to the European standards. “Worthy labour, worthy salary” is the teachers’ moto. According to the syndicates data the average teacher’s salary in Bulgaria is EURO 180 (370 BGN). Syndicates are in a process of negotiating with the government for 100% increase of payments until July 2008. The Bulgarian teachers are grateful for the support received from syndicates and organizations from many countries such as: Romania, Greece, Turkey, Macedonia, Slovenia and others.
Our school has become a coordinating center for Sofia and has established an electronic network for coordinating activities nation wide http://stachkauchitel.forumer.com .We have hosted two meetings with teachers and representatives of the National Coordinating Centre. Our aim is to improve the quality of education for the students and to improve teachers’ social status. Every day meetings are organized nation wide, over 6000 teachers in Sofia alone. They demand the rights of the child and quality education to be set as a priority but not just on paper. Unfortunately, in some smaller towns and municipalities there has been some pressure on the teachers to stop their protest. However, there is always hope.
Yesterdays talks between our President, Mr. Georgy Parvanov, representatives of the National Syndicates Union – Yanka Takeva, Mr. Konstantin Trenchev and others, the Minister of Finance - Mr. Plamen Oresharski and Minister of Education - Mr. Daniel Valchev, agreed that the Bulgarian teachers get much lower salaries from the average in the public sector. Today talks continue with the Syndicates and the Ministry of Education. Commemorating the 5th October, World Teachers’ Day, over 10 000 teachers in Sofia alone will protest infront of the Ministry of Education - the Independence square. Towns from all over the country will organize protests, meetings and other activities to support the noble cause. The protesters are determined to endure until these social problems find some kind of adequate solution. |
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