Project : IPA 4.1.2.2.02.01.c36 "Educational integration of Roma children in the town of Vodnjan"
From 22 August 2013 until 21 February 2015, Merlin Association implemented the project "Integration of Roma children in the the town of Vodnjan in the educational system of RH" funded under the European Community grant in the IPA Component IV "Human Resources Development" and the Agency for Vocational and Adult Education, Ministry of Science, Education and Sport, and received a grant in the amount of 90.95% of the total project value, which was also co-financed by the National Foundation for Civil Society Development Croatia, Istria - Istra Region and partner organizations. Partners in project implementation were Primary School Vodnjan-SE Dignano, Primary School-Scuola elementare "Giuseppina Martinuzzi" Pula-Pola and Town of Vodnjan-Dignano – Città di Vodnjan-Dignano.
The aim of the project: to promote equal opportunity in access to education for the disadvantaged groups, by providing educational and training services, creating equal opportunities for all Roma children in the town of Vodnjan and Galizana, and their inclusion in the education system, where they should stay and not leave it before they complete their education.
Results: During 18 months of project implementation in Vodnjan, 34 Roma children aged 3-6, 29 children aged 10-15 (attending primary school). and the total of 34 families and 68 parents particiaped in the project. The project employed two persons on full-time basis and two persons working 70% of business hours. The activities that were carried out: two 17-month shorter preschool programs, learning support for students in higher classes of primary school, and the parent training throughout the academic year. The project promoted tolerance and multiculturalism, and the children were involved in all local events. A vehicle was purchased for project needs and future work of the association. During project implementation, documentary material about the activities carried out was shot and edited.
