27 April 2010
International consultancy, WYG is improving access to education for the poorest citizens of Serbia through a development project funded by the European Union’s Instrument for Pre Accession (IPA) programme.
The €1.8 million project aims to help the most vulnerable members of society by opening up the education system at pre-school and elementary levels to children from marginalised groups, in particular, the Roma community, those with disabilities and refugees.
Poverty often occurs as a result of exclusion from health, education and social assistance services and the greater access to education this project envisages will contribute to social cohesion and overall poverty reduction.
Sally Kelly, Project Director, WYG International, said: “This is a significant project which aims to bring positive changes to the education system in Serbia. By addressing the need for policy reforms and legislation changes, the programme will support a fairer and more inclusive system, improving the lives of under privileged children in the country.”
WYG International is working as part of multi-national consortium to deliver the two-year project, which forms part of the European Union’s wider investment into pre-accession measures in Serbia.
Education and training are considered essential priorities for Serbia in order to increase knowledge, develop skills and support employment. The project also aims to develop cultural empowerment by increasing awareness and an enhanced understanding within Roma communities of the values of schooling and learning.
WYG International is now managing ten projects in the Western Balkans, with this project representing the fourth in the education sector.
