Roma Catch-up Classes

By Arta Pllana

 

Slug:

One day after the UN administration and Kosovo’s interim government began drafting a report on the Protection of national minorities, pressure is mounting for Kosovo’s leaders to assure that all minority communities are integrated into the provinces burgeoning social infrastructure. For Kosovo’s Roma community, this includes equal access to education. UN Radio reports on one initiative run by Kosovo’s Ministry of Education which is helping Roma children gain access to Kosovo’s regular school system through an accelerated learning program.

 

Hello and Welcome, from the studios of UN Radio in Kosovo…

 

Atmos of school sounds…

 

At first, this school seems like every other in Kosovo – math, general science and language instruction are all part of the curriculum. Children take turns writing on the chalkboard. What makes it different? Both the student body and the pace of study - these children come from Kosovo’s Roma, Ashkali, Egyptian or RAE Community, and are enrolled in the accelerated learning program run by the Ministry of education. The aim is to integrate RAE children into Kosovo’s regular school system.

 

More Atmos…

 

Vehbi Kaja teaches biology at the program’s Djakova School. Kaja is himself a member of the RAE community and a graduate of the University of Pristina.

 

Kaja

“With my colleagues and me as a teacher of science we try to change their culture, so they can achieve a living standard like other communities in Kosovo. The classes grant them access to education (modern culture) so they to can be equal in society.”

Since 2002, Kosovo’s Ministry of Education, Science and Technology estimates that more than 2,600 children have completed the catch-up class program. Of that number, 700 have gone on to attend regular schools. This year there are more than 800 children enrolled.

 

Enesa Kadic is a director in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology. Kadic oversees the catch-up class program in eight municipalities throughout Kosovo.

 

Kadic

“The kids that attend these catch up classes after finishing, have the possibility of finishing two grades in one year of study. This stimulates their interest and is very positive, so they can then enroll into regular schools, and of course they get certificates like children in regular schools.”

 

Atmos of boy singing….

 

It is not uncommon for teachers at the catch-up schools to encourage their students to maximize study time and explore art and other cultural pursuits after regular school hours. But, as one teacher described, the after hours program offers a chance for the RAE children to escape their often difficult home environments.  

 

As well, not all parents from Kosovo’s RAE community are supportive of the accelerated learning schools. Berat Thaci, is programme coordinator for the Djakova school:

 

Thaci

“Yes, there are children that do not attend school, or the parents are the parents do not let them attend. The reason for this is because the parents lack education or perhaps the traditions of the community don’t encourage it.”

 

Still, for students like Luan Tafa, a 14-year old in the Gjakova School’s 8th Grade class, the accelerated learning program is a means to ascend the social ladder. Tafa lives with his mother and 9 siblings in a two room shelter about 500 meters from the school house.  With his older brothers, Tafa hopes to help the family make their way back to Vushtri/Vucitrn, where they lived before the 1999 Conflict.

 

Tafa

“If we get a chance we will go to University to study because it is an important opportunity. I don’t want to be behind. I love my future, and I want to progress like others and earn things of value.”

 

Meanwhile, Kosovo’s Interim Government is being pressured by the International community to promote the idea of a truly multi-ethnic society. And, if the implementation of Standards is a priority for status discussions, minority initiatives such as the catch-up classes are integral to determining what success stories actually exist.

 

Critics charge, much more needs to be done to open up assistance for less visible minority communities in Kosovo, such as the Roma Ashkali and Egyptian community.

 

This concludes today’s programme. Thanks for listening and stay tuned to UN Radio in Kosovo.