Description
Krasna Polyana District (Sofia Municipality) has a high proportion of Roma. The region is known for its Roma ghetto, one of the biggest in the country. The project contains activities for the children aged 4-6 for pre-school educational activities, health and social assistance, infrastructure improvement, deliveries of educational materials. The project aims to expand the network of additional educational and socio-psychological services towards early integration, which will result in stimulation of the motivation for Roma parents to participate actively at the educational process. The work of Roma mediators and consultations with children and parents will contribute to a lasting commitment of all participants towards an inclusive education and stimulation of creativity and personal development.The project will present a model for integration of Roma children aged 4-6 in pre-school activities in one of the areas with the highest percentage of Roma inhabitants in the capital.
Summary of project results
“Fakulteta” neighborhood is located in “Krasna Polyana” district and is inhabited entirely by Roma population. The necessity of integration of the population through education is the primary priority of the municipal administration. The primary aim of the project was to provide adequate pre-school preparation for 50 Roma children between the age of 4 and 6, who had never attended kindergarten. Its long term goal was to prepare those children for attending the 1st grade and change the attitude of the Roma community on the importance of education.In addition, the project aimed to increase the parents’ skills in healthy child upbringing and actively involve them in the process of their children’s education and social integration. In order to ensure the facilities necessary to achieve the main aim of the project, two multifunctional classrooms for early pre-school preparation, and a canteen, were reconstructed, furnished and equipped, and two other classrooms were equipped in the 75th Elementary School. 50 children from the neighborhood who have never been to kindergarten before were selected according to predefined criteria. They were taught for 2 academic years based on the official preschool curriculum (with doubled Bulgarian language lessons). Pedagogical services were provided by 2 early education teachers working in the school. Additional social support for the children was provided by a psychologist, speech therapist, physical education teacher, Roma mediator and a doctor. Various activities, such as joint celebrations with children from other kindergartens and visits to the zoo, museums, etc. were organized. Parents were also actively involved in collective activities with their children, such as art workshops, sports festival, visits to theatrical performances, etc. Тhe School became a center for preschool preparation of Roma children from the neighborhood. The children acquired good knowledge of Bulgarian and mathematics, which helped them successfully enter the first grade.The children’s social skills, self-esteem, and confidence in their own abilities increased significantly. They expanded their common knowledge and creative abilities. They enhanced their coordination and athletic skills, and were also taught healthy eating habits and how to establish a daily routine.The parents increased their skills in healthy child upbringing. They were involved in the process of education and social integration and felt being an important part of the process.
Summary of bilateral results