On August 5th, 2015 Mr. Ivaylo Ivanov - Manager of the Association BRTMI presented good practices for Roma integration from the work of Tundzha Municipality during the meeting of the Regional Council for Cooperation on Ethnic and Integration Issues. The information and data presented were provided with the kind assistance of Deputy Mayor of Tundzha Municipality, Mr. Stancho Stavrev.
During his presentation, Mr. Ivanov put emphasis on the measures for prevention and intervention of dropping out of the education system. The first measure is related to the provision of positive learning environment, equal access to quality education for children and students at risk and vulnerable ethnic communities, equal access to quality education for children with special educational needs (SEN).
The second measure aims to include children, 3 to 4 years old, in kindergartens for early adaptation and socialization in an educational environment, also children of Roma origin, who will study Bulgarian language. Other priorities are: implementation of mechanisms for early identification of children and students at risk of early school leaving and to identify the reasons; introduction of full-day training; leisure activities; support children and students at risk of early school leaving due to financial reasons and increasing the participation and involvement of parents in the educational process.
As a result, Tundzha Municipality has canceled the fees in kindergartens for children of compulsory preschool age and has sharply reduced the monthly fee by 50% for children up to 5 years old. This in turn contributed to the opening of four new groups in the kindergartens, increased the number of children in groups, increased average monthly attendance in groups and decreased the dropouts at the stage of primary education.
The introduction of free meal in municipality schools achieved positive impact both on the students and their parents. Children implemented the practice of healthy and balanced meal at home, set requirements for food hygiene, involving often more fruits and vegetables in the family menu. Children require their parents to eat together and socialize. This is an example of how children can change the habits and attitudes of their parents.
The introduced good practices provoked the interest of the audience and the Governor of Ruse Region, Mr. Stefko Burdzhiev encouraged the municipalities in Ruse region to endeavor and multiply the achieved results in Tundzha Municipality.