The Bulgarian community in the UK has grown considerably in past decades, and hence – the need to preserve the Bulgarian language and cultural identity. A significant role in this process is played by the Bulgarian schools which have been helping parents hand the bond with Bulgaria down to the new generations.

The Bulgarian school Chuchuliga (Skylark) originated in Croydon, London, nine years ago when there were 16 children. Now, there are more than 200, and because of the positive example and its excellent results, the school has now opened three branches in Southern and Southeastern England as well.

“Four subjects are taught – Bulgarian language, literature, history and geography of Bulgaria, because that is the requirement of the Ministry of Education and Science,” says Valentin Kozhuharov, administrator and Bulgarian language and literature teacher at the school. “Alongside the mandatory subjects we also have Bulgaria studies, and man and society. At the same time, for the children or their parents who are finding English difficult, we also teach English, and we offer the study of the Bulgarian language to those who do not speak the language and need to study it before starting preschool or first grade etc.”

The students’ level of proficiency in the Bulgarian language to a large extent depends on their parents. The language spoken within the family is very important, as is whether there is a third language spoken – most often Turkish - and whether the children were born in Bulgaria or in the UK.

“Whatever the language proficiency level, we always endeavor to trach the children to speak and to write in Bulgarian correctly,” Valentin Kozhuharov says.

The first things the students learn at the weekend school are about the Bulgarian alphabet and its legacy spanning many centuries.

“It is through them that the children begin to get to know their country as the place where our parents and grandparents grew up,” Valentin Kozhuharov says. “Once they get acquainted with the language, they gradually start acquiring knowledge of the culture, the customs and the traditions of Bulgaria, about its past and the challenges of the present day. Many of the students are very interested and read about the battles and the conquests of our nation geographically, but also culturally. That is how they find out there aren’t many countries with such an ancient and glorious history like Bulgaria.”

Valentin Kozhuharov admits it is not easy to create a credible representation of something that we cannot see or experience personally. This process is aided by the educational films of Bulgarian publishing houses and online platforms showing the beauty of the country, and celebrating days like Unification, Independence Day, the Day of the Bulgarian Alphabet, Education and Culture.

The Bulgarian school Chuchuliga is now getting ready for the new school year, which will start a little after 15 September. The enrolment of students takes place in January, and during the summer holidays the efforts are targeted at providing text books for the growing number of children studying in Croydon, but also in the three branches of the school in Caterham, Tunbridge Wells and Maidstone.

Diana Tsankova
Photos: Bulgarian school Chuchuliga in London