In Bulgaria, we work to build inclusive education focusing on teachers, educators, and mediators of Roma origin.
Our partner is the Center for Educational Integration of Children and Students from Ethnic Minorities (CEICSEM), under the Ministry of Education.
Our partners at the Centre for Educational Integration of Children and Students from Ethnic Minorities (CEICSEM), are responsible for the implementation of Bulgarian Government’s policy, regarding the educational needs of the children and students from ethnic minorities.
Our partnership goes back to 2022 when we hosted in Oslo a first visit of representatives of the HIEs from Bulgaria.
Objective:
Build administrative capacity for educational and social inclusion by providing relevant training in different areas and of several types.
The European Wergeland Centre (EWC) played a key role in the project activities focused on capacity building and the exchange of good practices.
One of these activities was a study trip to Oslo for university lecturers, organized in cooperation with CEICSEM, Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski,” and EWC. Over 30 representatives from Bulgarian universities visited Oslo to learn about the EWC work in promoting democratic and hR education, the Council of Europe’s approaches to inclusive and quality education, gaining firsthand experience from Norwegian institutions.
The second Training & Study visit for Bulgarian educators was held in January 2024. This time EWC held a joint training for educators (school principals, teachers, Representatives of the Ministry of Education and Programme Operator for EEA Norway Grants) and mediators (first time experience for EWC) in Oslo.
The main focus of this activity was to enhance the participants knowledge about CoE approached, discuss principles of inclusion and develop their competencies for a safe and inclusive learning environment, and engage with diversity.
Coupled with the study visit elements, the activity provided a valuable opportunity for Bulgarian educators to gain insights and practical knowledge on inclusion from their Norwegian counterparts.
Bilateral cooperation has been crucial for the success of our project, which focuses on the educational and social inclusion of the Roma community. Here’s why:
- Firstly, all European countries have a shared responsibility to address the exclusion and discrimination of minorities, particularly the Roma.
- Improving the situation of Roma is a joint European commitment and thus a matter of bilateral interest between Bulgaria and Norway. This partnership allows us to address and fulfill our shared responsibility effectively.
- Additionally, the bilateral partnership provides invaluable opportunities for both the European Wergeland Centre and the Centre for Educational Integration of Children and Students from Ethnic Minorities (CEICSEM) to share expertise and best practices.
Capacity building
The partnership under the bilateral cooperation provided opportunities for capacity-building activities and professional development opportunities. This investment in human resources enhances the sustainability and long-term effectiveness of efforts to promote educational integration and social inclusion.
In conclusion, bilateral cooperation between Bulgaria and Norway is not just beneficial but essential for achieving the goals of our project, promoting inclusivity, and ensuring the social and educational integration of the Roma community.
During our bilateral activities, we successfully created a robust platform for network building and connecting various entities from both the donor state (Norway) and the beneficiary state (Bulgaria).
This platform facilitated meaningful interactions and collaborations among diverse organizations, including:
- Universities: Promoting academic collaboration and the exchange of best practices in education.
- Schools and Kindergartens: Enhancing inclusive education practices from early childhood to higher education.
- Romano Kher: Supporting cultural and educational initiatives within the Roma community.
- Municipalities where Roma live: Engaging local governments to address the needs of Roma populations and improve community integration.
- Community Centres: Strengthening community support networks and providing resources for social inclusion.
- Ministry of Education and Science: Aligning project goals with national educational policies and frameworks.
- Directorate of Education: Ensuring implementation of inclusive educational practices at various administrative levels.
- Embassy of Bulgaria to Norway: Facilitating diplomatic support and fostering international cooperation.
This network-building platform enabled us to connect these entities, fostering a collaborative environment where knowledge, resources, and experiences could be shared. By bridging the gap between donor and beneficiary states, we have strengthened our collective efforts to promote educational and social inclusion for the Roma community.
The project is funded by the EEA Financial Mechanism Office.