Training Program for RE Student Assistants
Applications are due by September 1. Photo: Government of Montenegro
The Ministry of Education, Science, and Innovation (MESI) has extended an invitation for applications for training aimed at associates working on the social inclusion of Roma and Egyptians (RE) within the educational system.
As per the announcement, applications will be accepted until September 1st.
“Candidates should possess at least a third-level education, along with strong communication skills. Proactivity, responsibility, and the ability to collaborate effectively with teams are also essential traits,” the requirements specify.
Applicants must also have computer proficiency and familiarity with both the official language and the community they will engage with.
The ministry has scheduled the training from September 2nd to 14th.
“Alongside the completed application form, candidates need to provide a curriculum vitae (CV), a verified copy of their diploma, and a copy of their ID. Applications can be submitted in person at the Public Institution Gymnasium ‘Slobodan Škerović’ (Vaka Đurovića Street 26, Podgorica) or via email at kursev@gim-pg.edu.me.”
Furthermore, it is mentioned that attendance during the training is compulsory.
“This is necessary for fulfilling the requirements for taking the exam afterward. Participants from the Roma and Egyptian communities are particularly encouraged to apply,” the notice adds.
Despite a 96 percent enrollment rate in primary education institutions, the analysis outlined in the Education Reform Strategy until 2035 indicates “significant disparities exist, especially regarding marginalized groups, particularly Roma children, who have lower rates of attendance in both primary and secondary education.”
“Statistics reveal that merely 7 percent of Roma children pursue education beyond primary school, with only 16 percent enrolled in preschool education. This underscores the urgent need for enhanced investment in inclusive policies, particularly at foundational education levels, to ensure equitable opportunities for children from vulnerable communities,” the Strategy emphasizes.
In the 2023/2024 school year, 295 children from the RE population were admitted to preschool education and upbringing institutions. Additionally, there were 1,879 RE students in primary schools and 211 in secondary schools.
“Students from the Roma and Egyptian communities encounter multiple hurdles, including language barriers, discrimination, and insufficient tailored support. They often report experiencing discrimination from both educators and peers. Many find textbooks challenging due to dense content or because they are written in the official language, which they may not have fully mastered. Furthermore, unreliable transportation to school exacerbates irregular attendance, making it even more difficult for them to keep up with their peers,” the Strategy notes.
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