REACH OUT Piloting Activities Implemented at 10th Primary School “Aleko Konstantinov” in Pernik
The Bulgarian piloting phase of the REACH OUT – Empowering Teachers to Become Trauma-Sensitive Schools project was implemented at 10th Primary School “Aleko Konstantinov” in Pernik during February and March 2026. Following preparatory meetings with the school management and teachers, two project activities combining music, emotional expression and psychosocial support were selected for classroom testing: “Feelings in Music, Music in Feelings” and “Sounds of Resilience.”
More than 100 students from grades 5 to 7, aged 11–13, took part in the piloting activities. The lessons included individual tasks, pair work and group activities that encouraged students to connect music with emotions, personal experience and creative expression. As part of “Sounds of Resilience,” the students created their own musical products based on folk motifs, while parents also supported the home-based stage of the activity.
The piloting demonstrated a very high level of student interest and participation, with more than 85% of the students submitting almost fully completed worksheets. The teacher assessed the activities as age-appropriate, practically applicable and more engaging than regular curriculum-based lessons. Overall, the piloting created an open, creative and supportive classroom environment and confirmed the strong potential of the developed materials for future use and adaptation in school practice.
