http://romania.usembassy.gov/policy/media/dcm-09182012.html
September 18, 2012
I would like to thank the Roma Education Fund, Ministry of Education, teachers, students, and local authorities who supported today’s event and are working together for a brighter future through education of Romania’s Roma youth. It is my honor to be here today.
http://romania.usembassy.gov/policy/media/dcm-09182012.html
September 18, 2012
I would like to thank the Roma Education Fund, Ministry of Education, teachers, students, and local authorities who supported today’s event and are working together for a brighter future through education of Romania’s Roma youth. It is my honor to be here today.
Education is critical to the development of the child. Through the Roma Education Fund’s efforts, thousands of Roma children from disadvantaged backgrounds are able to perform better in school, helping to erase any differences in educational background. Education improves children’s self-esteem and enhances their understanding of the world. Education enriches their lives and the lives of their families. The Roma must be educated equally and have the tools needed to achieve their personal goals. The Roma Education Fund’s projects, “School After School” and “Equal Opportunities,” are giving thousands of Roma children the tools they need to compete and excel in school, in Romania’s job market, and ultimately in Europe’s economy.
I would like to share some of the statistics of the project to impress upon the audience just how large and impressive an undertaking the Roma Education Fund has begun.
The first project named, “School after School Project – the First Step to School and Professional Success,” provides remedial education and assisted learning for nearly 2,000 Roma children in grades 1-4. The students are supported by 50 after school centers furnished and equipped by the project. The project has also fostered a local support group, including local authorities, schools, and informal leaders to contribute and sustain the after-school centers. There are an impressive 250 teachers involved in the implementation of this project.
The project entitled “Equal Opportunities in Education for an Inclusive Society” benefits approximately 1,250 Roma students from 5th to 8th grade from socially disadvantaged families. The project works in 57 schools, providing tutoring in Math and language, mentoring, and counseling sessions.
Equal education helps ensure equal opportunities. In the United States, we metaphorically say “leveling the playing field” to mean ensuring that all children should have the same opportunities to thrive. It is an important part of the United States’ success, and I am proud to be here today to congratulate those that are working to “level the playing field” for Roma students. By allowing all children to have equal access to schools and higher education opportunities, Romania can create a more egalitarian society. By helping disadvantaged Roma children “catch up” with their classmates, the Roma Education Fund is leveling that playing field. Working towards equal access to education allows the Roma to better integrate into Romanian society.
I would like to publically applaud the Roma Education Fund for its efforts today. To the children that are being helped, I challenge you to take this opportunity and use it to follow your life dreams, whatever they may be. I look forward to hearing success stories about Roma youth contributing to Romania long after I leave the country. Thank you.
