Description
The school dropout rate is very high in case of Roma children, in many cases due to lack of learning conditions at home. 35,7% of the Roma population consists of children under 15 and thus is crucial to investment in education of Roma children in terms of their integration into society. Education is very important among adults too, especially to increase the degree of employment. The project aims to improve the educational process for 190 children in Untesti village by rehabilitating and developing a center of "after-school" activities and providing alternative curricula. Furthermore, the project focuses on enhancing and supporting the integration of 115 parents of Roma children from Untesti village by them providing information, both theoretical and practical, about the European Union, entrepreneurship, education of children, hygiene, environmental protection and combating violence.
Summary of project results
Vaslui County is one of the poorest counties in Romania. 89% of the Roma population (compared to 54% of the rest of the population) in Vaslui lives in severe poverty, has a low level of education and has lower chances to integrate in society, access the labour market and live a decent life. The project aimed to improve the access to quality education for 190 Roma students and their parents from Untesti village, Bogdanesti commune in Vaslui County. In order to achieve that, an Educational Centre has been rehabilitated and endowed with didactic materials and IT equipment for ensuring a modern learning environment, facilitating the implementation of a „School after school” programme for primary and gymnasium students. Also, the project involved children in cultural activities during Bogdanesti Commune Day (the artistic programme was prepared in the Centre). The formal and nonformal educational activities contributed at decreasing the dropout rates and reducing the existing gaps between school and Roma parents. The adult education process consisted of home visits in the Roma community from Untesti as well as of organising workshops on several themes: school dropout, child labour, health education, environment, domestic violence, civic education and entrepreneurship. Local public debates were organised, aiming to raise awareness on the importance of education. A student’s magazine was elaborated in order to promote the activities developed by the Educational Centre. A cultural event was organized and with the fundraised money 140 students and 10 teachers had a one day trip in Bucharest, visiting the Parliament building and the “Grigore Antipa” National History Museum. This event was highly appreciated, as for more than 90% of the Roma students this was the first time when they left their community and they had the chance to observe the world outside their home village. The funds for sustaining the activities of the Educational Centre are secured by the partner of the project, the Local Authority of Bogdanesti.
Summary of bilateral results