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Description
The project "Inclusive school for all pupils!" is based on the urgent and dramatic need to prevent social and educational exclusion in the "Octav Bancila" Secondary School, Corni, Botosani County. According to Eurostat, no. pupils 14-18 year olds, in Romanian education, is below the EU27 average (67.4% compared to 79.1% in 2018), due to the limited access to education of the poor and rural pupils. Inadequate provision of pupils transport services makes it difficult access to education for pupils from villages. Early education in Romania is well below the EU27 average (72.1% compared to 92.3% in 2018, Eurostat); PTS rate increased from 17.9% in 2008 to 18.6% in 2018, big differences between rural and urban areas (27.9% versus 7.4%) Public expenditure on edu., the lowest in the EU; access to health services is difficult, (co-payment) (29% in 2019, TNS) Project aim: justice and social equity through the access of vulnerable groups to 5 integrated socio-educational services. The project proposes: educational and social inclusion through active measures addressed to the 70 pupils (children, young people, Roma) and families; educational resilience (190 pers) (2) type partnership school- (20 pers) - community (150 pers) - parents (50 pers), (3) change attitude of authorities (4 courses) advocacy for civil society, support group (20 pers) and 10 volunteers (6 civic activ) Partners: Corni School, UAT Corni Com., directly involved in activ. and results, direct and indirect beneficiaries, participates in some events in the co-financing the project. The project works on the inclusion of the group vulnerable in 2 ways: inclusion in school and school in the community, school is a major factor of social cohesion. Increasing the capacity of vulnerable groups (children, youth, roma) through wide access to quality, equitable and inclusive education, in relation to the needs of each child and family; develop functional skills: critical thinking and enhancing own abilities.
Summary of project results
The project addressed the critical issue of educational inequity in rural Romania, where children and youth, especially from marginalized groups such as the Roma community, face multiple vulnerabilities. Data from 2018 showed that over 50% of rural children lived in poverty compared to just 17% in urban areas, with 74% of all poor children residing in rural areas. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these disparities through the shift to online schooling, leaving many children with learning gaps and heightened risks of school dropout.
The project implemented a comprehensive and inclusive education strategy that addressed the needs of 70 rural students. This included establishing five key services: hot meals, school after school, homework support, psychological counseling, school and professional mediation, and medical assistance. These services were integrated into seven "school after school" activities designed to provide compensatory education and encourage school attendance through reward-based engagement.
The project improved the education and well-being of 70 rural students by providing essential services like hot meals, homework support, counseling, and medical assistance. These interventions reduced barriers to learning, increased school attendance, and enhanced academic performance.