Step In

Step in cover
"The Roma: Possible Integration"

STEP IN
Studying, training and educational paths for the integration of young Roma

Name

STEP IN is an acronym for Studying, Training and Educational Paths for the Integration of young Roma. To 'step in' means 'to enter', 'to get involved', i.e. to enter the society as citizens with full rights

Objective


The project offers the opportunity for Bulgarian children of Romani origin, through activities in support of education and extra training activities, related to educational, social work and leisure time, to finish school successfully, to join Bulgarian society and culture, and to have the chance for further education.


Target Group

In the school years of 2005/2006 and 2006/2007, the project included 20 Bulgarian teenagers of Romani origin, aged from 12 to 16 and students at the school of Father Paisius - Varna. The school is situated in the socially and economically disadvantaged residential area of Maksuda, where the local Roma communities live in isolation. The children are branded by the majority of citizens because of their place of residence.

Owing to the Municipality of Varna, in 2007/2008 the project can expand to include 20 teenagers from the school of Dobri Voynikov - Kamenar as well.

Place and Time

The project is run in the two above schools during school workdays. It starts with having lunch together and finishes at around 16.30. In addition, outings are held on some weekends.


Activities

• Lunch together
• Help with the homework, preparation and additional work on the school material, help with learning
• English language, Russian language
• Computer skills courses
• Health education
• Vocational advice
• Sports
• Artistic and creative activities, for example drawing, singing, dancing, writing
• Activities in the open, e.g. a picnic in the park
• Familiarisation with the city and its more important institutions
• Visits to historical sites and museums, watching films, going to the theatre, reading popular Bulgarian literature
• Celebrating holidays
• Joint activities with the school, as well as with other schools, e.g. sports and games
• Familiarisation with the children's cultural roots
• Instilling social competence, intangible values, familiarisation with constructive problem and conflict solving strategies
• Talks with the parents and visits to the homes
• Work with the community, reducing prejudice. Develop awareness of the positive aspects of the target group

The project is free of charge for the teenagers

Personnel

The following are employed by the project and paid fees by the hour: 2 tutors, 2 computer skills teachers, 1 English teacher, 1 Russian teacher, 2 headmasters/headmistresses, 1 Roma mediator, 1 coordinator.

Funding

• In the school years of 2005/2006 and 2006/2007, with EU funds - http://www.stepinproject.org; St. Andrew Social Association's own funds; funds from St. Andrew Social Association's Circle of Friends, Liebenau Foundation, St. Francis Heiligenbronn and Secours Catholique Caritas France
• In the school year of 2007/2008 through Varna Municipality, Education Directorate, which will also grant the funding for multiplying the project at the school of Dobri Voynikov - Kamenar.