Vratsa begins implementation of a national center for patriotism and religion in the village of Pavolche

Vratsa Municipality is moving from the planning stage to the implementation stage of the ambitious project to create a National Center for Patriotic, Ecological, and Religious Education. The new educational base will be located in the building of the former school in the village of Pavolche, situated near the historical Okolchitsa peak.

On May 7, the local administration signed a contract with the selected contractor – the Blagoevgrad-based company "Prestige Business - 93". The company was the sole participant in the tender, with an offer valued at nearly 980 thousand euros excluding VAT. The total value of the project, including design and construction, will exceed 1 million euros including VAT.

The project, which has been under discussion since 2019, aims to create a type of "green school" for students from across the country. According to the concept, the center will offer short-term programs combining practical outdoor activities, ecological training, patriotic values, and basic knowledge of the Orthodox tradition. The Mayor of Vratsa, Kalin Kamenov, emphasized that the program will not be in-depth religious instruction, but rather an introduction to Orthodox churches and proper conduct within them.

The old school building will undergo a complete reconstruction. The plan includes replacing the roof, windows, and installations, as well as creating sleeping quarters for approximately 50 people, classrooms, a dining hall, and an accessible environment. The deadline for the technical design is 40 days, and the construction itself must be completed within 150 days.

Despite the signed contract, the question of full funding for the project remains open. The municipality has sought support from the Ministry of Education and Science, but the department has notified that due to the lack of an approved budget, opportunities for public funds are limited. The administration plans to seek support through European programs as well.