Bulgaria's Equal Access to School Education in Times of Crisis Project

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted education systems around the world to shift to distance learning and exposed disparities in access to digital technologies and skills. In Bulgaria, concerns arose that some students and teachers lacked devices and the digital proficiency needed to effectively participate in online teaching and learning. Funded through REACT-EU, the Equal Access to School Education in Times of Crisis project (2021-2023) sought to address these challenges by improving digital access, supporting teachers, enhancing distance learning, and fostering parental involvement. This evaluation looks at what the project achieved. It finds promising practices and clear progress in closing technology gaps and strengthening basic digital skills, particularly for disadvantaged students. However, deeper changes—such as transforming teaching methods and increasing parental involvement—were harder to achieve. Many teachers needed more advanced training, and parents faced barriers beyond just digital skills. The project made Bulgaria’s education system more resilient to future disruptions, but lasting impact will require ongoing investment and a broader approach to digital learning. This report offers key lessons for policymakers and educators working to strengthen equitable digitalisation in education.