The National High School of Applied Arts "Treavna School" continues to operate without a permanent roof for nearly a year after the fire in April last year. In the conditions of cold and precipitation, students and teachers move between two buildings daily to conduct classes and practical classes.
"We are trying to ensure an adequate educational process, but winter will not forgive us this temporary roof," said the school's director Orfey Mindov to BNT.
The damage to the building is increasing – the moisture is now affecting not only the third, but also the second, and in places the first floor. Water collection containers are constantly placed in the classrooms.
The deadline for applying for the public procurement for reconstruction expired on December 30, with four companies submitting bids, but no contractor has been selected at the moment.
"We have been waiting for clarity for a month now. Even when a company is selected, there are still projects and coordination to be done, which means a new delay," Mindov pointed out.
The Ministry of Culture reported that the procedure is at the stage of work of an evaluation committee, but without specific deadlines for the start of the renovation.
Meanwhile, the educational process is taking place in two buildings, which creates serious difficulties.
"Children are moving around in the cold, are sick more often and are late for hours, but despite this, we fulfilled the program for the first term," the director added.
The additional costs are also burdening the school's budget.
"Heating with oil alone costs about 6,000 euros per month. The costs are practically double," Mindov also said.
The hopes that the building will be fully restored by the beginning of the 2026-2027 school year remain uncertain.