EDUCATIONAL CONTRASTS WITHIN BULGARIAN SOCIETY

Abstract

In the reality of the difficult times in which we live in Bulgaria, the division of society on various issues is a fact, and matters related to education are no exception. In the search for solutions, responsible individuals and institutions propose changes that give rise to extremely contrasting opinions. The aim of the present paper is to attempt to determine the significance of education as a factor for progress, development, and the opportunity to contribute to society. In order to achieve this aim, the following tasks were set: a definitional clarification of the term education; a definitional clarification of the term contrast; the conduct of a survey on educational issues among students from Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski,” majoring in Preschool and Primary School Pedagogy, second year, part-time study; analysis of the survey results; and drawing conclusions. With the aim of examining the opinions on educational issues of future teachers in educational institutions—kindergartens and schools—an anonymous survey was conducted in September of the 2025/2026 academic year. The total number of surveyed students was 36, with an age range from 19 to 53 years. The opinions of the students are extremely important, especially considering that the majority of them—23 participants—are not only future teachers but also parents, which allows their perspectives and impressions to be expressed on the basis of their parental experience as well. A total of seven questions were asked. The paper presents and analyzes the results of the conducted survey. Based on the material presented, it can be concluded that the role of education is exceptionally significant, which obliges those engaged in the teaching and educational process to pay special attention to the opinions of the directly involved practicing specialists from educational institutions. Without disregarding the opinions of parents, clear boundaries should be set regarding intervention and the work of competent professionals, because worthy and good people are needed in our society more than ever. Far from the feeling that all important issues have been addressed and without any claim to exhaustiveness, it is evident from the discussion that the problems in the field of education in Bulgaria are numerous and that their resolution is imperative. The data from the study conducted among pedagogy students (some of whom are also parents) clearly demonstrate their positions on the examined issues. The results of the respondents’ opinions, as well as the discussion topics addressed by the author in the present paper, confirm the importance of a shared awareness of the degree of significance of education for the development of society.