First entirely newly built municipal school in Sofia in 30 years opens doors

A site in Sofia designated decades ago for a Home for Bulgarians Abroad is now giving more than 400 children the opportunity to attend a new school, starting on September 15, 2026. The newly built 204th Primary School “Angel Karaliychev” opened its doors in the capital’s new Manastirski Livadi neighbourhood, on the site of the unfinished Home for Bulgarians Abroad.

The decision to build a Home for Bulgarians Abroad, called “Rodna Stryakha” (Native Hearth), was taken in 1981 as part of the celebrations marking 1,300 years of Bulgaria. Donations were collected from Bulgarians living abroad to fund the construction, but the building was never completed. The site was subsequently provided to Sofia Municipality by the “13 Centuries Bulgaria” National Endowment Fund for the construction of a school and kindergarten. Thus, a place originally conceived as a link with Bulgarians abroad has been given a new public purpose as an educational space for the next generation.

On the first day of the school year, Patriarch Daniil blessed the pupils, parents and teachers, stressing the role of education not only in imparting knowledge but also in shaping character.

Sofia Mayor Vasil Terziev attended the festive ceremony for the start of the school year, saying:

"Sofia is once again a city of knowledge, curiosity and new opportunities. This September 15 holds special significance for me and for Sofia. We welcomed the new school year at the 204th Primary School in the Manastirski Livadi-Zapad neighbourhood, the first entirely newly built municipal school in Sofia in the past 30 years. The school now also has its name, that of beloved Bulgarian writer Angel Karaliychev."

Edited by Miglena Ivanova, R. Petkova