Let’s know each other: Strategy for the Equity Inclusion of Roma Students
Project code 2020-1-EL01-KA201-078810
The second LTTA took place between 03-07 October 2022 in Bulgaria, Kazanlak. The participants were professionals and teachers that work with Roma students and Roma people.
The participants of the meeting arrived at Bulgaria on the 2nd of October, most of them by plane, some of them by car. On Monday, 3rd of October 2022, the guests were welcomed at Vocational School of Transport and Management, the headmaster, Dechko Peychinov opened the meeting.
The participants could meet the representatives of local Social Service, Education Department and non-governmental organization from Stara Zagora region.
During the five working days, we could share different methods of teaching and learning (e.g. tale, historical event, a concept/ ethical category, music). We discussed about the using of action methods and visual tools as effective way of teaching in mixed ability classes, classes with children from different ethnic background, reluctant learners who often fail state exams or draw the test scores down.
The participants also focused on the development of communication skills adapted for a successful communication with Roma community members and with the staff of the public institutions.
We got suggestions how to use music and tales for valuing Roma culture and developing a positive cultural identity of the Roma children as well as attitudes based on respect and openness to cooperation among all children.
The participants could get information about some innovative educative methodology based on the practice of the arts in school and non-school environments. It contained the concept and materials for a board game “The way of gypsies”, following the Roma history worldwide, including Roma famous people and traditional crafts, and words in Romani language.
We could take part in some cultural programmes, such as visiting the Museum of Roses, Shipka Peak and Thracian tombs.
This experience was good to think about the differences and similarities among countries and people. The development and innovation in other pedagogical areas was promoted, the environment and atmosphere in which the meetings were held was great.
