Fifteen girls and ten boys from primary school were given the chance in the spring and summer of this year to set their lives on a more certain and sunnier path from the next school year, to take a firm, big step and reach high school. They were helped in this by their parents and professors, EHO and the Women's Association "Educational Center of Young Hopes", which, in an effort to provide perspective to Roma students and improve educational equality, successfully implemented the "Promotion of Dual Education" program. The program was specifically targeted to the pupils of Elementary School "Dušan Radović" in Novi Sad.

The goal was to provide support and prepare 25 Roma students for passing the final exam and successful enrollment in secondary schools. At the same time, the Association wanted to inform students and their parents about the system of dual education, opening new horizons and giving students a chance for further school development.

Through a dynamic series of 10 workshops on secondary school enrollment, focused on dual education, 25 students (15 girls and 10 boys) actively participated, gaining valuable knowledge and developing self-confidence. This approach not only provided technical information about secondary school enrollment, but also empowered young people to believe in their educational opportunities.

Support for parents was also a key component of this initiative. The association organized information sessions for 50 parents of students from Elementary School "Dušan Radović", providing them with comprehensive information about the advantages of dual education and related opportunities for their children. 200 information leaflets were distributed in Roma settlements, and 20 information posters were placed in visible places - so that the information reaches the whole community.

This initiative shows that with commitment and education, Roma children can prepare better for the future and continue their high school education.

The 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 in the education of marginalized children. The target group is people from marginalized groups, Roma children, children from foster families and their parents/guardians. The project was implemented in the municipalities: Surdulica, Lebane, Smederevska Palanka, Bačka Palanka (Tovariševo village), Novi Sad and Bečej (Bačko Gradište village).

Milisav Milinković (EHO)