02:00 Mon 11 Jul 2005 - Roy Hill 

BULGARIAN teenagers - the future of Bulgaria, but no one seems to actually consider what they think, believe, want or even need. So, I've taken some time to ask the Bulgarian youth about what the world is to them, their plans for the future, and what they think about current political issues around the world.
A Bulgarian teenager has no significant differences from teens in other countries around the world; one difference however is the amount of freedom they get. For instance, you can see young boys and girls drinking and smoking everywhere, even in public places like parks, schoolyards and squares, and no one seems all that bothered by what would get them arrested in a foreign country. They can pretty much do whatever they want. Discos, parties, drugs, violence - all are well known in Bulgarian youth society. That freedom has its bad sides-health hazards, bad habits, and sometimes even physical injuries.
But what do the teens say about it? Some say they smoke or take drugs because they like it, others say they just can't quit. The drinking ones say they do it for a bit of fun and are not bothered about the dangers of alcohol. You can rarely find a Bulgarian teenager who has never had alcohol, unlike in western European countries, where the maximum amount drunk by a teen is two beers. After all, one of the things Bulgarians are famous for is their ability to take in massive amounts of alcoholic substances without getting drunk, which reflects on the youth.
Even with the bad habits of drinking and smoking, Bulgarian teenagers are very much aware of the dangers of these, as well as politics and issues around the globe. When asked whether it is in Bulgaria's interest to join the EU, most answered that it will indeed improve on Bulgaria's reputation and national economy, but it would take a very long time to achieve what the Bulgarians really want: visa-free access to all EU nations, years on end, maybe even decades. Others think that the EU is simply going to use Bulgaria and ruin the economy, which is already crumbling due to corruption and crime. Most Bulgarian teens think of the EU- the western European nations- as a gateway to a better future for them. They all have plans, after finishing school, to attend foreign universities and finish their studies there.
Teens expect to be accepted as equals in those countries, but the truth could not be more different. In western Europe young and brilliant Bulgarian minds are forced to work in restaurants, as cleaners and housemaids. A Bulgarian student who has already received a diploma in Architecture and Maths, is forced to work as a gardener. Bulgarian teenagers acknowledge all this, yet still cherish the idea of a life abroad. Maybe because the standard of living there is a lot higher than the one in Bulgaria, maybe they feel more secure there. No one can say really, but the fact that the most brilliant Bulgarian teenagers leave the country in search of accomplishments abroad is and always will be true.
Another reason may be the lack of a proper learning system and sports/education facilities. The schools are literally falling apart. The decaying sports grounds have been turned into wastelands and junkie hangout spots. The few good grounds are becoming more and more expensive to use. Even the professional sport clubs have trouble providing adequate facilities for teenagers. Strangely enough, even with the current sporting grounds, or lack thereof, most Bulgarian teens play sports on a regular basis. Football, basketball and volleyball are among the most-played sports in Bulgaria, martial arts clubs are also taking their part. Tennis courts are being built all around Bulgarian cities. The government is finally taking notice of the problem, but the schools are still in a desperate state. At least the teenagers think so. They say, "It's filthy, I can't stand it" and "when will they renew our desks and blackboards?" Indeed, some schools still have the same blackboards that were used 15 years ago.
Outside of school, teenagers always have a good time. Whether in a park with friends or in a computer club, or even at home. The activities are limitless, and when evening comes, as in many countries around the world, it's time to party. Quite honestly, Bulgarian teens are one of the best party-crowds I've ever seen. It's never boring at a Bulgarian party, even with the illegal alcohol and cigarette consumption. Music, dancing and, of course, good company are a must for every party. Teenagers like a very wide range of music. Most of them listen to Bulgarian folk-singers; others are hardcore metal-heads. Some like hip-hop, and there are always ballad fans. But the majority are "chalga" fans. As to the non-party types, there are a variety of nice quiet hangout spots all around the place. Some like to go biking in the mountains for instance. Others prefer a good film in one of Bulgaria's first-rate cinemas. Teenagers like movies like anyone else. The most watched movies here in Bulgaria seem to be thrillers, comedies and action films. The romantic and dramatic flicks don't seem to appeal that much to the Bulgarian youngsters. Besides the cinemas, some of the other favoured spots are the computer clubs: teenagers spend hours on end in front of a monitor. The most played games at the moment are World of Warcraft, Grand Theft Auto San Andreas, NFS Underground and many others. They create a great pastime for teenagers, and even some adults.
Bulgarian teens have a somewhat odd relationship with adults. Some really detest older people, some on the other hand consider them far better than people their age. Either way, it's really up to the adults to do their best to improve the standard of life here in Bulgaria, so that the teenagers have a stepping-stone to improve this beautiful country further. One thing is certain - they've got the potential for it.

Roy Hill (16) from Sofia attends a German-language school and is an avid footballer. His parents are Bulgarian and English.

Source: http://www.sofiaecho.com