Making dreams come true

The local government in Aba, Hungary, is currently fulfilling a lifelong dream. By expanding the local elementary school and combining art education with regular studies, it hopes to improve the life conditions of disadvantaged children and stop the migration of young people from the region.

The local government of Aba is directing all their attention toward two local schools in the region; the Aba Samuel Elementary School and the Sarviz Artistic Elementary School. Over the last five years the two schools have had a close cooperation with a strong focus on combining art education with regular studies. With € 1,7 million in support from the EEA and Norway Grants they can further develop their successful cooperation.

Renovation and expansion
The project called "Integration of Multiply Disadvantaged children" will expand and transform the present 8-grade Aba Samuel Elementary school to a 12-grade school. They will add a new wing, build more classrooms and equip the attic. They will also renovate the Sarviz Artistic Elementary School and provide it with necessary equipment.  In parallel, they wish to integrate the art faculty with the general educational institution. This means that a specialisation of art will become available for the children.

Helping the disadvantaged
This is the fulfillment of a long-time for the two schools, and their hope is that the project will improve the life conditions for socially disadvantaged groups and stimulate young people to stay in the region.

Aba is a major community in the Sarviz Valley where the proportion of socially disadvantaged groups is considerably high. The cooperation between the two schools will help integrate disadvantaged children through the elementary level art education. The aim is to provide children with an opportunity to obtain a higher qualification, and improve their chances on the job market.