EU support for Implementation of the Strategy for Roma, Ashkali and Egyptians communities (EU-SIMRAES)

KEC Newsletter September 2010, 15/10/2010
The overall objective of the EU funded Project “Support for Implementation of the RAE Strategy (EU SIMRAES)” is to support the Kosovo Government in developing democratic and multi-ethnic society by implementing the RAE Strategy and its Action Plan. The specific objective of the Project is to improve the socio-economic well being of Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities in Kosovo by facilitating access to
education, by preserving and promoting RAE cultural heritage and by improving information in/on RAE and mainstream media.
The Project has two main components:
• Education
• Media/Culture

Education Component– The Project establishes and supports 6 Learning Centers in 5 municipalities, facilitating participation of about 1,100 vulnerable RAE children in four child-centered learning programs: pre-school preparatory, homework assistance,
support packages, and youth activities.

This will prepare children to enter school and to successfully remain in school. Small groups will help focus the child's interests, improve literacy, numeracy, language and social skills, gain self-confidence and enjoy the learning process. Introduction of a tutoring system will help communities build their own capacity to assist their children achieve better learning outcomes.

Also, literacy courses for RAE women will be offered. In addition, preparatory
programs for enrolment in secondary and tertiary education will be organized. A scholarship scheme will be set up to support participation in secondary and
tertiary education.

The Project is implemented by the Kosovo Foundation for Open Society (KFOS) in partnership with eight local NGOs, and in close cooperation with the Government of Kosovo and the beneficiary municipalities. The implementation period is September 1, 2010 - August 31, 2012.

Based on an agreement with the KFOS, Kosova Education Center (KEC) is responsible for the coordination and implementation of activities in Component 1 of the project.

During this month 6 community centers were visited as well as other visits in the field. There were also a lot of meetings with partner organizations and other stakeholders of the project.