Bulgaria, Sofia
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Model United Nations (Model UN) is a student simulation of United Nations work. Participants take on the role of diplomats from UN member states and debate political, economic, and social topics, drafting resolutions as potential solutions. Since 2017, the DS Sofia Model UN team has attended international conferences in Nürnberg and, previously, Geneva, Maastricht, and Luxembourg, often returning with prizes. Since 2017, DS Sofia also hosts its own conference every November, inviting delegates from other schools in Sofia and from abroad.
Sprach- und Kulturaustausch (language and culture exchange) is part of Erasmus+ projects. The programme also includes exchanges such as with Morbach. Sicher in der digitalen Welt (Safe in the digital world) and Demokratische Werte und Erziehung (Democratic values and education) are included in the programme. Fortbildungen (trainings) and Studienberatung und Austausch (study guidance and exchanges) support teachers and students, including an exchange with Morbach.
Digitale Helden connects about 150 schools across Germany and several European countries, including Bulgaria. The project's main goal is to improve online communication culture and to disseminate in-depth knowledge in data protection, sexting, and bullying. As digital media permeate more of life, topics such as online conduct, responses to bullying, and legal help in such cases become increasingly important. The project includes rules for the use of school chat groups, covering language use, no spam, respectful behavior, privacy, and consent for sharing photos or videos.
Schulsanitäter (school first-aiders) are DS Sofia students who have completed training and possess practical skills for emergencies. They apply their knowledge at school events such as Green Week, Ski Week, class trips, and experiential days, equipped with first-aid kits, and are on duty during the school day under the supervision of the nurse. After training, the Schulsanitäter become recognizable, trustworthy peers who care for minor injuries and sometimes physical and emotional discomfort; younger students seek them out as role models. Social projects at DS Sofia include charitable activities such as the Christmas market proceeds donated to general charitable organizations, the World AIDS Day ribbon sales supporting prevention and education groups, and Saint Martin's Day drives providing food and hygiene items; teachers' Christmas activities bring joy to Lovetch day center, with bake sales and a parents' flea market supporting causes.
Erasmus+ projects include Sprach- und Kulturaustausch (language and culture exchange), Sicher in der digitalen Welt (Safe in the digital world), and Demokratische Werte und Erziehung (Democratic values and education). Fortbildungen (trainings) and Studienberatung und Austausch (study guidance and exchanges) are part of the programme, including an exchange with Morbach. The activities broaden language skills, digital literacy, and civic awareness for students and staff, providing international experience and cross-cultural understanding.
Schulsanitäter train to provide on-site first aid during school activities, including Green Week and Ski Week, under nurse supervision. The program supports student wellbeing and safety, and trained peers serve as positive role models for peers. Young students seek out the Schulsanitäter for help, reinforcing a sense of responsibility and community. The school's charitable and service-oriented activities also contribute to a caring, wellbeing-focused school culture.
Deutsche Schule Sofia is a German-Bulgarian joint school in Sofia serving ages 5 to 18 with the German Curriculum. The school offers grades 1–12 under the German general education system, and preschool for three- to six-year-olds. Instruction in German follows German curricula and standards; after twelve years students take the Abitur, enabling access to higher education in Germany and Bulgaria. Bulgarian-speaking students study Bulgarian language and literature, history, and geography under adapted Bulgarian curricula. The Ministry of Education coordinates oversight, and the school is operated by the Association of Parents of the German-Bulgarian Encounter School Sofia. Facilities include a library, biology and chemistry rooms, a computer room, an art room, a music room, a canteen, and a school staff room, plus on-site preschool and a schoolyard. The school maintains a digital concept and runs iPad-based teaching. Distinctive programs include Erasmus+ exchanges, Model United Nations, and a November conference held annually.