In the world where faced by various challenges and changes, education is often highlighted as a key factor that can positively affect the individual and society as a whole. Citizens' Association "Čarain" from Tovariševo recognized this importance and during the period from April 1 to August 2023 implemented a local initiative aimed at educating Roma children and their parents, encouraging them to think about continuing their education and basic education programs. Second chance.

Citizens' association "Čarain" showed the power of education as a tool for positive transformation, and by organizing 16 dynamic interactive-educational workshops and a one-day trip to the zoo in Palić, it gathered over 40 children and 15 parents. These activities were not just ordinary events, but a real inspiration for broadening horizons and encouraging thinking about the importance of education and further education.

The goals of the project were set high, with the desire to simultaneously educate parents and children about the importance of education, change the awareness of parents and convey to children the opportunities that education provides. Initially aimed at Roma students from 1st to 8th grade of primary school and their parents, the project soon attracted other enthusiastic students who also wanted to join.

The most important success of this project is reflected in the data: that four out of five students of Roma nationality who completed the eighth grade decided to continue their education by enrolling in secondary school. These results are not just statistics; they are a story about the engagement and interest of children and parents in educational activities, and open conversations about the importance of education and support, which is often missing when we talk about Roma children.

This project is part of the project of the Ecumenical Humanitarian Organization "Strengthening of local Roma organizations" supported by Diakonie Württemberg (DWW- Diakonisches Werk Württemberg) from Germany.

 

"Strengthening of local Roma organizations" aims to empower Roma citizens' associations to launch local initiatives that contribute to improving the position of the Roma community at the local level through the implementation of small local projects. Small local projects are related to solving the problems of education of marginalized children at the level of their local communities. The target group is people from marginalized groups, Roma children, children from foster families and their parents/guardians. The implementation of project activities took place on the territory of the following municipalities: Surdulica, Lebane, Smederevska Palanka, Bačka Palanka (village Tovariševo), Novi Sad, Bečej (village Bačko Gradište).