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Description
The aim of the project is to help prevent school dropout and to better integrate children at risk of school dropout and children with SER through integrated prevention and intervention services, also including interventions on parents / representatives and specialists in education and social services. Ensuring an inclusive school environment and the development of support measures tailored to specific needs are essential to ensure that these children mentain in the educational system, and on the medium and long term, access to a higher educational level and access to the labor market, thus contributing to their successful professional and social integration and combating the risk of poverty or social exclusion.
The project will be implemented in partnership with Save the Children Norway (SCN) and CJRAE Ilfov, institutions with relevant experience in inclusive education, and, also, in collaboration with 6 schools from vulnerable communities.
The project interventions will target 4 rural communities - Băceşti (Vaslui), Amărăştii de Jos (Dolj), Aninoasa (Dâmboviţa) and Grădiştea (Ilfov) and 2 urban areas - Giurgiu and Bucharest. 870 vulnerable children aged 4-16 (children at risk of school dropout and children with SER, girls and boys, including Roma) will benefit from integrated services to prevent school dropout - Summer Kindergarten and School after School programs, personal development and social support measures. Also, 520 parents will benefit from parental education and counseling. 170 specialists in the field of education and social services will acquire knowledge and skills and increased ability to promote inclusive education by participating in training sessions and exchanges of experience with institutions in Norway, activities to be provided by the SCN. Local information and awareness campaigns on inclusive education for 1,800 people - pupils, teachers, parents and members of the target communities (CJRAE Ilfov) will be organized.
Summary of project results
The project''s goal was to prevent school dropout and enhance the inclusion of children at risk of school dropout and children with Special Educational Needs (SEN). It achieved this through integrated prevention and intervention services, focusing on interventions for parents/representatives and professionals in education and social services.
Key objectives included Creating an inclusive school environment and developing tailored support measures to keep children in school and Facilitating medium- and long-term access to higher education and the labor market, thereby improving professional and social integration and reducing the risk of poverty or social exclusion.
The project targeted five rural communities—Băcești (Vaslui), Amărăștii de Jos (Dolj), Aninoasa (Dâmbovița), and Cernica&Grădiștea (Ilfov)—and two urban areas, Giurgiu and Bucharest. The project was implemented in partnership with Save the Children Norway (SCN) and CJRAE Ilfov, both experienced in inclusive education, in collaboration with seven schools from vulnerable communities.
The approach was comprehensive, addressing multiple target groups, recognizing their interconnected roles in achieving the goal of preventing school dropout and improving inclusion.
By the end of the project:
- 946 children at risk of school dropout and with SEN participated in direct activities.
- 616 parents received guidance and support.
- Over 180 educators were trained in the SNAP methodology developed by Save the Children US.
Key activities included:
- Organizing Summer Kindergarten and After-School programs, providing counseling and material support such as daily meals, school supplies, backpacks, clothing, and hygiene kits. These measures directly supported school integration and addressed material barriers to education.
- Awareness campaigns, parental counseling, and training fostered a more inclusive educational environment.
- Implementing the SNAP toolkit facilitated the inclusion of students with officially diagnosed or undiagnosed special needs.
- Study visits by Norwegian experts to Romania and collaboration with local educational experts allowed for the customization of activities to local needs.
- Cross-sectoral collaboration (local authorities, child protection services, educational decision-makers) supported the implementation of inclusive policies and practices.
The project''s outcomes and impacts included educational outcomes (improved school retention rates among children at risk of dropout and enhanced integration and academic progress of students with SEN), material support (direct provision of meals and essential supplies reduced dropout causes linked to poverty), parental engagement (increased parental involvement and understanding of children''s educational needs through counseling and education programs), teacher development (enhanced educator capacity through SNAP training, enabling better support for diverse learning needs), systemic change (fostered inclusive school cultures through awareness campaigns and policy alignment, strengthened collaboration across the education and social service sectors), international collaboration (study visits enriched local practices by integrating Norwegian expertise, fostering innovation in inclusive education).
Beneficiaries included students, parents, educators, and policymakers, contributing to long-term social and professional integration, reduced educational inequality, and combating poverty and social exclusion.
Summary of bilateral results
The project implemented by Save the Children Norway, in collaboration with Romanian partners, adapted the SNAP training package to the Romanian context, contributing to the promotion of inclusive education through teacher training, increased community awareness, and parental involvement. The main activities included:Training Activities:•A workshop to adapt the SNAP package to local policies, involving 16 key participants (teachers, school counselors, social workers).•A 5-day training session for 12 trainers.•Local training sessions for 150 teaching staff (110 working with children at risk of dropout and 40 with children with special educational needs - SEN), including training and mentoring sessions.•Training for six managerial staff from the partner schools.Experience Exchanges:•Two visits to Norway for 17 Romanian participants per exchange and one visit to Romania for five Norwegian experts, focused on sharing best practices, visiting schools, disadvantaged communities, and meeting with decision-makers.Key Results:•Adapting the SNAP methodology to the Romanian context.•Enhancing knowledge of inclusive education and support methods for disadvantaged children.•Creating professional networks and strengthening the capacity of the Romanian team.Impact: The partnership with Save the Children Norway integrated validated international practices, improving the quality of inclusive education in Romania. The foundation for continued collaboration remains strong, thanks to established relationships and the demonstrated success of these initiatives.