There are many Bulgarian schools in the United States, with the oldest one founded by the Bulgarian diaspora in Chicago. In addition to the well-known Sunday schools, there are many other forms of educational initiatives through which the Bulgarian language is taught and our spiritual culture and traditions are promoted. There are over 20 Bulgarian schools and educational centers across the United States.

Most Sunday schools were established after the year 2000, which is linked to the growing number of compatriots choosing to work in the U.S. Today, we are to tell you about one such school that opened its doors in the capital city, Washington, back in 2002 .It all began through a pilot program, started by a group of enthusiastic educators who believed that wherever there are Bulgarians, there should also be cultural and educational institutions. Their initiative sparked strong interest among Bulgarian families who wanted their children to study the Bulgarian language, history, literature and culture.

Now, nearly a quarter of a century later, the Bulgarian Educational and Cultural Center "St. Kliment Ohridski" in Washington D.C. has its own traditions, and even former students are now bringing their own children to study there. ''We are constantly developing our teaching methods across various subjects and doing everything possible to maintain the children’s interest in Sunday school. After all, today’s children are very different from those of previous generations. That’s why our teaching team faces significant challenges", says Meglena Lyubenova, Deputy Director of the Bulgarian Cultural and Educational Center "St. Kliment Ohridski" in Washington. 

"The idea behind establishing such a center was to bring together all Bulgarians in the area. It’s like a small corner of Bulgaria. What motivates children to come is, to a great extent, their national identity. Many of them feel proud to be Bulgarian, and that begins at home. When a family values Bulgarian traditions and takes pride in its roots, that is passed on to the children. The school plays a significant role in supporting parents in this effort. We strive to create a place where every Bulgarian can find something for themselves."

Meglena Lyubenova has been part of the school since its founding. She knows all the families and children who have studied there over the years. Currently, 160 children of Bulgarians living in Washington are enrolled at the school. However, there are some challenges, mainly related to the great distance between the United States and Bulgaria. While in Europe there are various programs aimed at preserving the national identity of migrants, such programs do not exist in the United States or Canada. That’s why teachers in Washington and other cities must find their own ways to keep the Bulgarian spirit alive among the diaspora. Meglena Luybenova has more:

Published and translated by Kostadin Atanasov

Photos: Facebook / Bulgarian Educational and Cultural Center "Kliment Ohridski" Washington DC