More information
Description
The project aims to address the failure of Roma children in the Czech education system, in the town of Tábor and its surrounding. The failure of Roma children and youth is the result of unpreparedness of the educational environment for the inclusion of these pupils, insufficient funds, insufficient cooperation of institutions in the education system, socio-cultural conditions and low competencies of parents, their access to education and lack of suitable stimuli and their insufficient quantity needed for proper development of the child. The project fulfills its goal through activities focused on parents, children and professionals involved in the educational process. Thanks to the strengthening of the capacity of the social service working with families, we focus on motivating parents towards understanding the importance of all levels of education, from kindergarten to high school. We know from experience, and studies confirm, that the chances of a child succeeding in elementary school are increased by its longer attendance at kindergarten. One of the partial activities of the project is to explain the importance of pre-school education and to motivate parents to put their child for longer than one compulsory year period and support it.
Activities focused on kids consist of the offer of suitable leisure activities (our own and provided by other organizations), which will allow children to develop skills to increase their chances of success in the educational process. More intensive work on strengthening skills will take place in summer camps with music and art therapy, and during regular tutoring and special pedagogical interventions of all kinds focused on developing children''s competencies and by supporting the extra school activities such as school trips or ski training. A cross-cutting tool of the project is organizing regular multidisciplinary meetings of institutions focused on child education (schools, NGOs, social services, etc.) and their further training.
Summary of project results
The project helped Roma children and parents navigate and overcome educational challenges. Direct support enabled children to attend preschool, assisted with integration in primary school, and motivated both children and parents to continue education beyond primary school. It also facilitated parent-school communication. The challenge was to motivate families, overwhelmed by various issues, to prioritize their children''s education.
The project focused on helping Roma children manage the educational process. It offered and funded extracurricular activities to aid their integration both in and out of school. It covered some education-related expenses that could hinder school attendance. The project provided tutoring and special educational support for children in need, motivated parents to recognize the importance of their children''s education, and assisted them in communicating with schools. Project staff also coordinated a team of education experts who met regularly to enhance collaboration among various educational stakeholders.
The project helped dozens of Roma students and their families navigate the education system. With its support, they could overcome socio-economic obstacles, become more involved in school activities, and integrate into the educational process instead of remaining on its margins. This positive experience will benefit them in the years to come. Additionally, they could participate in extracurricular activities with their peers, helping to break down stereotypes and prejudices.
The project strengthend the inclusion and status of Roma primarily through education and social participation. The project helped dozens of Roma and their families navigate the education process and join extracurricular activities in and out of school. It left a positive impression on both majority and minority communities and reinforced the importance of education among Roma families. In many families, it removed barriers preventing participation in crucial preschool education.