1 April – 30 June 2024
Maribor

Educating children from vulnerable groups, such as Roma and others with learning difficulties or specific needs, requires a special approach and commitment. For many years,Epeka has been committed to their equal inclusion in society, stressing that every child is worthy of equal attention and the same commitment to happiness and success.

When parents, educators or volunteers face challenges such as non-compliance, learning difficulties or lack of motivation, understanding and empathy are key. The story of “Maja” – a fictional name for a girl from the Roma community – illustrates the power of an individual approach: despite her initial learning difficulties, Maja shone when she received the extra attention and support she needed.

As an Epeka volunteer, I have had the opportunity to contribute to the learning support of several children from vulnerable groups, and I have tried to give attention and support to each one individually . It’s true that sometimes it was quite a challenge to teach 3 at a time, and to give attention to each one, but with encouragement and understanding that each one falls out at some point and to encourage them again and again that they can do it and they can learn it and to know that you are there for them and that you understand them and accept them even when they don’t, and to support them and to encourage them again and to show them that you’re there for them(first and foremost for yourself:)), it’s a great thing. I will always remember a group of children who faced many challenges at school in the beginning. They were unmotivated, often absent from lessons and had difficulty adapting to the curriculum. And how much can be done with support.

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With my empathetic approach , I created a safe space, trust between the children and encouraged them to attend school regularly and acquire new skills, with the aim of being able to put them into practice. I have tried to understand their individual needs and to adapt my teaching methods to give each of them an inner satisfaction. Together we overcame obstacles, solved problems, talked, had fun, played and rejoiced in the small victories on the way to inner satisfaction.

Key steps for a successful education of children from vulnerable groups:

  • Understanding and compassion: First of all, make sure you understand the child’s point of view and the needs behind it. Listen to their problems, needs and feelings without interrupting. Show that you understand their challenges and that you are there to help and support them.
  • Understanding the relationship: It is good to have the understanding that a relationship is a behaviour that, alongside others, allows us to meet our needs, realise our roles and establish inner balance. Once we have this understanding, it is even more important to create a safe environment and conditions, and to choose behaviours that others can do around us to meet their needs and feel internally satisfied.
  • Understanding nurture: When we talk about the word education, it is good to ask ourselves this question – what am I doing? I am educating. Our behaviour is always a verb and an attitude that we have towards ourselves and another person.And we can educate in a way that we choose behaviours such as – to demand, to hear, to punish, or in a way that we support, to cajole, to accept,. The choice of behaviour is always our choice. The foundation of good parenting is a relationship in which children can feel safe, accepted, supported, respected and loved.
  • Non-coercive behaviours: Any demand or coercion or punishment or criticism in non-learning leads to resistance to learning and damages the relationship. It is therefore important to replace non-cohesive behaviours with cohesive ones: understanding, acceptance, encouragement, support, listening and hearing, seeking compassion,
  • Recognise their potential: Every child has unique talents and areas of strength. It is important to notice and encourage these talents, allowing the child to develop in the areas where he or she is best.
  • Support and empower them: Children need support to feel confident and capable. Be present when they are learning new things and give them positive feedback.
  • Emotional communication: Communication is the bond between relationships that can connect or distance people from each other. Thus, the way we express ourselves and the tone in which we express something is very important. When they do well, it is desirable to express out loud what their qualities are, what they are good at, what they are good at, and at the same time be sympathetic to behaviours where there are opportunities for improvement.
  • Teach them to accept failure: It is important for children to understand that failure is not the end of the world, but an opportunity to learn and grow. Help them to identify where they can improve and encourage them to persevere and to do better.
  • Take time to learn with them: Spending quality time with your children while they are learning strengthens the bond between you and helps them understand that learning is important for inner satisfaction. If you cannot do this on your own, refer them to appropriate institutions or seek additional help.
  • Find the right support: If you are facing challenges that you cannot overcome on your own, turn to organisations such as Epeka that offer support and programmes to help children from vulnerable groups.

It is important that children from vulnerable groups are provided with an environment where they feel accepted and supported. An empathetic approach that includes adapted learning methods, a safe environment and consistency is key to their development. By understanding their needs and abilities , parents, educators and volunteers can create a supportive environment where children can develop and grow.

Epeka emphasises that any success for a child from a vulnerable group is achievable if they are given the right support and loving attention. Through education based on respect and understanding in relationships and without the use of external control – criticism, punishment, bullying, conditioning, etc., we can change children’s lives, enable their progress and build a more equal and inclusive society. My experience as a volunteer has shown me that with understanding, patience and commitment, remarkable progress can be made that transforms not only the lives of children, but also entire communities.

I am convinced that there are no failing/inept children, only children who need a little more time to learn and those who learn faster. And if there was one mentor for every child, supporting them in their potential, standing by them, even in their helplessness, every student could be successful.

In the next blog we will talk more about effective communication and how to empathise with children who are difficult learners, to connect with them faster and contribute to easier learning, so stay tuned.

You can find out more about me and my contribution with individual coaching and programmes at this link: petracirkovski.si

Author: Petra Cirkovski, Relationship Quality Coach