News

In March 2013 a small group of volunteerstudents from CIEDT Amalipe was included in the Prevention of Roma children drop out of school Program. For several months we have worked diligently with the children in the fifth grade in "G.S.Rakovsky" school, Novo selo village, Popovo Municipality. The main problem we had to deal with focused on education and integration. First steps that we took were to place children in a Bulgarian speaking environment, as the majority population was Turkish-speaking. We encountered serious difficulties - in addition to communicating during the working process, we noticed other non-trivial problems - some of the children were able to write and read, but others had obstacles.

       Students felt us not only as teachers but also as their larger friends. They found security and support with us that do not get from their parents to some degree. They are polite and well-meaning and accept each newcomer with open arms. As for our achievements in recent months, a positive change in the skills of reading and writing was visible for the most children. They started to communicate in Bulgarian. For us, the volunteers, it was challenging and fun to work with children, and also gained experience and skills in the face of the reality of practice, not just in theory. Teachers also expressed solidarity and accepted us as part of their team and we were provided assistance throughout time. Children and teachers shared their wish for more frequent meetings in the future. They appreciated our help and expressed their fascination of our enthusiasm for the job and our youthful spirit.

      As in any work in the beginning  there were obstacles on the path to success, but we overcame them with ease. That motivated us to work harder for the Roma community and its integration. Classes were not only dull atmosphere and strong faces but fun and games. We talked to the children on various topics: the importance of continuing their education and that the only way out of misery is to learn. We shared our life experiences, promoted tolerance to each other, the childhood aggression was overcome. An exhibition of students’ paintings was made to celebrate one of the brightest Christian holidays, Easter.The results were convergence and cohesion, making them to communicate in Bulgarian.In the working process, except teaching the children we also learned a lot from them. We also see them as friends and give them care and concern. In turn they became very attached to us and look forward to each new meeting.

      These extracurricular activities achieved good results because we were methodologically and financially supported by Amalipe Center.

      After the summer vacation - we'll meet again!

      We wish health and happy holidays to the students and teachers at G.S. Rakovsky  school, village of Novo selo

      Author: Nikolai Benchev

      Volunteer students from Amalipe Center