Tsviatko Samardzhiev

I am Dashkal Tsviatko Samardzhiev. I was born in Gabrovo on 15 March 1816 in a poor family. I studied in the kehilla school, but when Neofit Rilski came to the town, I became his pupil and was among his most beloved. When he left for Koprivshtitsa, I followed him to continue my education. I returned to Gabrovo and from 1842 to 1845 I was the only teacher in the town. I taught according to the mutual teaching method, where the faster students help the others. Few people know that I was one of the founders of the first girls’ school in Gabrovo in 1856 and the first to adopt the sound method of teaching. My whole life was devoted to education, and that is why I am called simply “Daskak Tsviatko”. My monument in Gabrovo is a tribute to every Bulgarian teacher.