The project was the second in a series of social environment improvement projects developed by the Razvitie Community Center. The idea came from the community center s board and the Municipality of Peshtera and was supported by teachers and representatives of the Roma community. The consolidated efforts at local level were financially supported by FLGR and Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and the practical implementation of the project began in January, 2004.

The practical implementation of such a project requires joint efforts for its development and implementation; mobilization of energy and resources; the potential of the relevant institutions; equality of the participants.

The purpose of the project was to overcome the problems of bilingual children in an amusing way through music, songs and dances.

The first project of the Razvitie Community Center (opportunities for extracurricular training of disadvantaged children) had a replication effect on the Roma children and resulted in a great interest in involvement in the See What I Can project.

Project implementation began in January with a meeting of the team and the principals of the schools attended by children from the two Roma neighborhoods in Peshtera. They welcomed the idea and provided full cooperation in forming the groups. Two groups were formed, initially of 36 children but their number soon grew to 60. The teachers Elena Barinska and Pavel Koutsev rehearsed with them for two hours, twice a week.

According to the teachers, the language barrier was the greatest problem at this stage. They shared that the project is achieving its goals: the children are eager to go to school, study Bulgarian words in the informal environment of the rehearsals, and those who know Bulgarian serve as interpreters. Both teachers were really amazed by the talents of the children and dedicated themselves to teaching the kids, even though working with children aged 5 6 required special skills. By the end of March, the groups had learned one Bulgarian and one gypsy dance. Apart from learning Bulgarian songs, they also sang in Roma together with the teachers.

The making of the performance costumes was loaded with positive emotions. Eight beautiful folklore skirts for the girls and eight costumes for the boys brought joy to the children at the first school. The Roma skirts with flower patterns and flounces were for the children at the second school. All necessary dancing accessories were also purchased tambourines, shoes, etc.

The project provided positive emotions not only to those involved but to their fellow students as well. The teachers said that, in order not to miss a rehearsal, the children were never absent from school. Everyone became more responsible and focused.

The first performances of the children were at the meeting Baba Marta and first spring celebrations. At the spring celebration, the little Romas amazed their fellow students and teachers with their signing and dancing skills.

The teachers continued to seek Roma and Bulgarian dances and songs and teach them to the little Romas. The difficulties that they had met at the start were defeated by the professionalism of the two teachers and the immense desire of the children to become good singers and dancers.

The first performance of the groups in front of real audience was held on April 30. Citizens, teachers, journalists, representatives of the municipal administration attended the performance. On May 11 the groups had a concert for their fellow students, teachers and parents. On May 21, with growing confidence and experience, the groups participated in the celebration of the letters at the two schools. On May 24, the groups were a part of the concert dedicated to the Day of the Bulgarian Enlightenment and Culture, which took place at the central square. On May 30, the groups participated in the patron holiday of their schools.

On June 1, following the participation in the concert on the occasion of the International Child s Day, the children were once again surprised nicely. Their teachers gave them football balls and toys. On June 16, the groups had a final concert on the occasion of the Roma culture holidays.

The project team believes that the project has achieved its main goal. A sound basis was established for the integration of the Roma children (aged 6 7) in the school environment.

The youngest children successfully adapted to the school environment and overcame the problems of being bilingual

The children increased their motivation to attend school

A sustainable interest in the Bulgarian and the Roma folklore was developed

The children in the groups became a positive role model for their fellow students

The joint efforts of the Municipality, a non-governmental organization and the citizens provided a balance between needs and interests. The opportunities, the hopes and the choice for everyone were expanded.

For additional information, please contact :

Zlatka Gemieva

Project Coordinator

Municipality of Peshtera

4550 Peshtera

17, Dayranska Epopeya Street

Tel.: (0350) 2203, 2207

Fax: (0350) 2102