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Description
The overarching aim of the project is to contribute to improving the environment for inclusive education in Slovakia in order to increase school participation and to improve the educational outcomes of Roma children and youth. To achieve this, the project aims to enhance the capacity of schools for inclusive education using a ‘whole-school’ approach, i.e. involving school management besides the teaching staff.
The partnership with Norwegian institution is an essential part of the project enhancing bilateral relations in the field of inclusive education practices. The European Wergeland Centre shall contribute to the next edition of the Slovak academy through providing expertise in the development of concepts of Education for democratic citizenship (EDC) and Human rights education (HRE) and related training for teachers/multipliers. This partner shall also organise a study visit for Slovak pedagogical staff in Norway.
Project activities shall include:
- Educational activities
- Trainings for pedagogical staff members of kindergartens, primary and secondary schools on innovative education practices.
- Preparation of teachers teaching Romani language for the state language examination in Romani language
- Innovative education programs for school management and pedagogical staff.
- Development and dissemination of teaching materials
- Production of teaching materials, including digitalization (electronic version)
- Dissemination of results
- Study visit in Norway for pedagogical staff: The study visit organised by the European Wergeland Centre the shall prepare teaching staff
- Slovak academy: training of school staff and multipliers
- Training on Education for democratic citizenship (EDC) and Human rights education (HRE)
- Trainings for multipliers/trainers in EDC/HRE
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address challenges related to education and social inclusion for the Roma community. These included the lack of textbooks for Roma students, insufficient training for teachers and experts, low motivation among schools to create inclusive education programs and environments, and persistent societal prejudices against Roma. The project focused on enhancing educational opportunities for Roma children, supporting their education in their mother tongue, and improving intercultural competencies among educators and experts.
The project delivered the following activities and outputs:
- Publications: Development and pilot testing of textbooks, workbooks, and methodological materials in the Romani language. Outputs included:
- Slovak-Romani dictionary and reader.
- Workbooks for 3rd and 4th-grade students.
- Textbooks and guides for teaching the Romani language, culture, and history.
- Educational Programs: 82 teachers and experts participated in innovative training programs focusing on intercultural education.
- Study Visits and Workshops: Study visits to Oslo and Poland were organized for educators and experts, along with workshops for policymakers.
- Action Plans for Schools: Action plans to build democratic and inclusive school environments were implemented in collaboration with 20 schools, supported by training and methodological guidance.
- Romani Language Education: Ten teachers completed training and passed the C1-level state exam in the Romani language.
The project achieved the following results and impacts:
- Schools and Educators: 72 educational institutions began actively using teaching materials on Romani language, culture, and history. A total of 260 teachers participated in training programs that improved their preparedness to work with Roma students.
- Roma Children and Students: Over 2,000 students engaged in school and educational activities focusing on the Romani language, culture, and history.
- Materials: Fifteen publications were made available in print and electronic formats, with 16,000 printed copies distributed. These resources are accessible on the educational and methodological portal.
- Policymakers: Policymakers gained valuable insights into inclusive strategies and good practices through workshops and study visits.
- Romani Language: Nine educational institutions introduced Romani language instruction led by teachers trained during the project.
Summary of bilateral results
The project benefited from its collaboration with the European Wergeland Centre (EWC) in Oslo. EWC provided expertise in innovative educational approaches, such as the Whole School Approach and the Human Rights-Based Approach, which were critical in addressing biases and promoting inclusion. This partnership facilitated intercultural competency development for Slovak teachers and experts and enabled mutual learning on strategies for Roma inclusion. Additionally, EWC’s methodologies enriched the project’s outcomes by enhancing educational practices and fostering mutual understanding.The bilateral cooperation delivered several key results:Capacity Building: Training sessions in Norway equipped Slovak teachers and experts with advanced skills in intercultural education and Roma inclusion.Policy Exchange: Workshops and study visits provided Slovak policymakers with insights into Norwegian strategies for minority inclusion, including experiences with the Sami community.Concept for a Roma Centre: Inspired by Norwegian practices, the project laid the groundwork for a Roma Centre in Slovakia to promote the Roma language, culture, and history while fostering mutual understanding.Good Practices Dissemination: EWC collected and shared good practices from this project with stakeholders in Norway and other countries, amplifying the project’s impact beyond Slovakia.The Institute plans to continue its successful collaboration with EWC and other stakeholders. Future initiatives include applying for a strategic project under the next EEA and Norway grants cycle to advance Roma education and inclusion further. The partnership aims to strengthen networks, foster new collaborations, and implement sustainable strategies to promote inclusive education and address stereotypes.