Description
The project "Every pupil in school!" was dramatically necessary in Targu Frumos, where in 2014, 47 dropouts were registered, almost 3 times over EU average rates. The objective of the project is to reduce the number of school dropout cases, and to support children that might find themselves in situations that lead to school dropout. The project is expected to significantly improve the existing situation, to reduce absenteeism with 52% and to increase the grades of the students with 2 points (from 5 to 7). The project approaches the challenge through assisted education after school in order to improve students' results, and through non-formal and extracurricular education with permanent involvement of parents and innovative methods of teaching. The direct beneficiaries are 180 people: 70 pupils, 50 parents, 40 teachers, 20 persons - support group from civil society; also, 700 inhabitants will be informed and become aware of school drop out risks, will participate at events and debates on this topic, and propose measures to stop the phenomenon.
Summary of project results
According to 2011 census, almost 35% of the population of Targu Frumos (small town in Nort-East part of Romania) were children; 10% of the population has declared themselves as Roma, but it is estimated that at least other 10% did not declared their Roma ethnicity. Statistics in education show that 28 children abandoned school in the school year 2012 – 2013, increasing to 47 children in the school year 2013 – 2014. The causes of school dropout are diverse: poverty, low interest of the parents towards children’s education, as well as difficulties faced by children to keep up with the school curriculum. In this context, the Women Organization Targu Frumos has implemented the project “Every pupil in school!”. The project succeeded to reduce the early school drop-out to 0 (from 14 children in the school year 2014-2015) and minimize school absenteeism within the partner school “Ion Creanga”. This was achieved by developing complex services addressing not only children, but also parents and teachers. An after-school programme was designed and 155 students at risk of dropping out (from poor families, with learning difficulties, with a high number of absences etc.) were selected and included in the programme. They have benefited from the following types of activities: remedial classes, support for homework, recreational activities (quilling, drawing, games, trips etc.), learning skills for independent life, psychological counselling, health education, school/vocational guidance. As a result, school attendance and performance were improved and children have increased self-esteem and confidence. A number of 86 parents of the children that were attending after-school classes participated in individual and group counselling sessions provided by three specialists: psychologist, school mediator and medical assistant. These sessions aimed at increasing parents’ interest, knowledge, involvement and support to children upbringing and education. Several information sessions were organized with teachers in order to improve the quality of the learning process and the relationship with the students and their parents. Beside the project team, a number of other 20 volunteers (out of which 10 teachers) were involved in activities organized with children and parents. The lesson learned within the projects relates with the importance of targeting parents, as their support is crucial for child successful integration and retention in school.
Summary of bilateral results