Bulgarian community schools in Italy: maintaining language vitality and fostering cultural identity

The Bulgarian community in Italy has expanded considerably in recent decades,
with many Bulgarians moving to the country for work, education, or family reasons.
This migration has not only affected Italy’s demographic landscape but also led
to the creation of cultural institutions designed to preserve Bulgarian language and
cultural heritage. Among these institutions, Bulgarian community schools play a crucial
role in maintaining the link between Bulgarian children and their cultural roots.
This paper examines the significance and function of Bulgarian community schools
in Italy, focusing on how they operate, the challenges they encounter, and their role
in the broader Bulgarian diaspora.