More than 300 people were reached by two information campaigns organised by the team of PULSE Foundation – Kardzhali branch, under the project “Path to Knowledge: Literacy and Opportunities for Adults in Kardzhali”, funded by the “Education” Programme 2021-2027.
The initiatives took place in September 2026 in Momchilgrad and Chernoochene Municipality under the motto “Literacy Without Borders”. Their main aim was to reach people over 16 who wish to improve their literacy, acquire new knowledge and skills, and widen their opportunities for professional fulfilment.
On 5 and 6 September, the foundation’s team took part in the livestock breeders’ festival “Farmfest”, held in the Momchilyunak forest park near Momchilgrad. During the two-day campaign, the specialists spoke with visitors about the opportunities to join training, presented the goals and activities of the project, and explained the benefits of gaining an education in adulthood.
Information about the project reached more than 200 people, including residents of the region and representatives of various institutions. Some of them expressed readiness to help spread it among people who could benefit from the opportunities offered.
The meetings showed that there is interest in education, but it is often accompanied by hesitation and mistrust. Some people initially refused to take information materials or talk to the team. Gradually, however, some of them became interested and began to ask specific questions. A wish was also expressed for online learning opportunities, which would make it easier for people with limited mobility or commitments that make regular attendance difficult to take part.
The campaign was carried out with the support of Momchilgrad Municipality and the “United Bulgarian Livestock Breeders” Association.
On 16 September, the information initiative continued in Chernoochene Municipality, where more than 100 further people were reached. Among them were residents of various settlements, mayors of village administrations and representatives of local institutions.
During the meetings, the team presented the opportunities for literacy and adult education and talked with citizens about the importance of education as a prerequisite for better employment and social inclusion.
The participation of representatives of local government was particularly important. The Secretary of Chernoochene Municipality, Mr Rushen Feyzulla, and the representatives present expressed readiness to help spread the information so that it reaches more people in the municipality’s settlements.
One of the most important conclusions from the two campaigns is that a lack of education is not always linked to a lack of desire to learn.
In conversations with people, various concerns stood out – whether they would cope with the learning material, whether the training would involve costs, and how they would combine participation with work and family obligations. Unemployment, financial difficulties and insecurity also affect willingness to take part.
These meetings confirmed the need for an individual approach, accessible information and trust-building. For many people, returning to education after years away from school is a serious step that requires not only motivation but also support.
The project “Path to Knowledge: Literacy and Opportunities for Adults in Kardzhali” aims to improve access to education, social inclusion and employment opportunities for people over 16 from vulnerable groups. It provides for activities to identify and motivate participants, courses in literacy and in acquiring competencies from the lower-secondary stage – grades V, VI and VII – as well as support for career guidance and professional fulfilment.
The information campaigns held are an important step towards reaching the people who most need these opportunities. They also showed the importance of cooperation with local authorities and institutions in overcoming barriers to access to education.
For PULSE Foundation, education is not only an opportunity to gain knowledge, but also a path to greater independence, confidence and a better future. Because it is never too late to take the first step towards knowledge.
This publication was created under Contract BG05SFPR001-1.007-0003-C01 “Path to Knowledge: Literacy and Opportunities for Adults in Kardzhali”, co-funded by the European Union under procedure BG05SFPR001-1.007 Adult Literacy (through selection) of the “Education” Programme 2021-2027. Sole responsibility for the content of the publication lies with PULSE Foundation, and it can under no circumstances be taken to reflect the official position of the European Union and the “Education” Programme.