26.03.2013European Conference on Working with Roma Families - a Key towards the Success of their Children at School was held in Brussels
On 21 March in Brussels - the heart of Europe, wrapped in lace and chocolate, was held an international conference Roma Families Get Involved. The meeting was hosted by the European Economic and Social Committee.
More than 100 participants from national and European institutions, international and non-governmental organizations, including Amalipe Center, researchers and experts shared their views and successful experiences on the topic Working with Roma Families - a Key towards the Success of Their Children at School. Best practices of the partner countries - Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania and Spain were presented which served as basis for discussion.
The participants were welcomed by Akos Topolanski, member of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), Frank Pierobon, Director of the General Directorate Education and Culture at the European Commission, Kostel Berkus, president of the Roma Education Fund. Moderator of the conference was Belen Sanchez-Rubio from Fondacia Secretariado Gitano, Spain - project leader.
In his address, Frank Pierobon called for more active involvement of Roma families in the educational lives of their children and not only educational methods to be used, but also informal (innovative) education in the training of Roma students.
Director of the Roma Education Fund, Costal Berkus, drew the attention of participants on the topic of school as an educational community center, which is considered a false teaching community. - "School is not territory of teachers but especially of children and their families. It has to become a community education center, where each side - teacher, student and parent to feel better. "
The International Conference continued with a presentation on The Role of Roma Families in the Educational Process of their Children presented by Zorica Trikich, Program Director of the Interactive Pedagogy Center, Serbia and expert on education and Roma in Step by Step international association. She clarified the role of parents in school life as equal partners to teachers and presented the two sides as "two sinking boats seeking SOS." Parents and teachers are" stuck "in their traditional roles and blame each other. Both sides think the other side does not care for children. This needs to change. Parents and teachers need to collaborate, to work together for a better future of children.
Desislava Stefanova - a representative of the Centre Amalipe and Rumyan Rusinov - Director of the Public Policy Advocacy Center also took part in the discussion by sharing good and successful practices.
The conference also featured the presentation of the methodological “Guide for working with Roma Families towards achieving the success of their children at school. A transnational methodological proposal for professionals”, developed in the context of the project, which aims to provide guidance for professionals working on the ground to involve Roma families in the educational processes of their children.
The guide is available on the project website: http://romafamiliesgetinvolved.org/
