https://archive.ph/11aNh
https://archive.ph/VI8J6
More info on the case.The Transcarpathian region is one of the most diverse in Ukraine and hosts the country’s largest Roma population. Whereas enrollment of Roma students is stagnant throughout most of Ukraine, in recent years it has been increasing in the Transcarpathian capital city Uzhhorod. The city has a vibrant civil society that includes numerous Roma professionals. One such professional is Denys Varodi, director of Uzhhorod’s School No. 13 and head of the “Heart with Love” charity that helps foster children, troubled adolescents, orphans, disabled persons and children from needy families in the Transcarpathian region.
School No. 13 in Uzhhorod is an example of a school where only Roma children study. Since children in this school have the same cultural background, they feel protected and more comfortable than in mixed school environments. However, the model is not ideal in that Roma children do not integrate through interaction with their non-Roma peers. This does not contribute to understanding between Roma and non-Roma. In fact, in many ways it “preserves” segregation in society and the distinction of “insiders” and “outsiders”.
Recognizing this, the International Renaissance Foundation has provided funding for the “Heart with Love” Charity to launch a program encouraging Roma families to send their children to the local schools closest to them. Mr. Vorodi, together with a psychologist and a teacher-coordinator, work with Roma children four times a week, host additional classes in preparation for lessons, teach in an after-school group, and conduct outreach in the Roma community. According to Mr. Varodi, it is crucial to establish personal contact with Roma families. Family relationships are one of the core values of Roma culture. Making connections between families, teachers, and school leadership is key to increasing enrollment and retention.
Mr. Varodi invites teachers from other schools to School No. 13 to learn about Roma children, their educational needs, and how best to instruct them. Eight teachers have given classes to Roma pupils at School No. 13 including the head of the Uzhhorod Department of Education Oksana Babunych, who credited these exchanges with helping her colleagues to meet the needs of their Roma students.
https://humanevents.com/2023/09/19/vide ... aign=64483
https://archive.ph/MDv8q