Wednesday, March 28, 2012

OAZA PRESCHOOL/KINDERGARTEN

In association with evangelical church we started a preschool or kindergarten program in 2003 for Roma children 3-6 yrs of age. We have had several groups move on to regular school now, and we have seen that the kindergarten helped a lot of the Romany children in their further growth in the school and in the society. They receive good preparation so that they are not immediately discriminated against as “Roma who don’t know anything,” when they start at the local primary school.

About 20 children are attending every workday from 8:30am – 3.00pm. Two kindergarten teachers are working with them, and we also have a cook. We make an effort to provide them with nutrition meals, enough vitamins and child-friendly foods. Children are served breakfast, a warm midday meal, and snacks. In the realm of the entire program, careful consideration is given to following areas of children’s needs: health, social, educational, emotional and spiritual. They hear a Bible story every day, and we pray with them. We are grateful to be able to serve the Romany children.
The preschool/kindergarten is held in the Oaza Center in Jagodina, Serbia. The Oaza Center works in other ways with local Romany. Children attend the preschool/kindergarten for free. The program is funded by sponsors (30 Euro/month per child).

To learn more about this program, contact:
Roma Centre OAZA
Miki Kamberovic
Koste Abrasevic 18
35000 Jagodina - Serbia
Tel.00381 (035) 229 791
e-mail: rcoaza@gmail.com

Donaties:
St. International Teams
te Ermelo
Giro 65646 m.v.v.
Roma Centrum OAZA

Friday, March 16, 2012

Preschool Cords in the Net


Rather than start a school, some focus on improving Romany education by helping Romany children prepare for school. The next few posts will introduce several involved in preschools. What is their purpose? What curriculum do they use? What impact have they had on the Romany children who attend them? Do these children do measurably better in available education once they begin school?

Those involved in preschools are welcomed to respond!