Serbia

Adolescents from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds co-exist peacefully and are beginning to build a modern, democratic society together. The Pestalozzi Children’s Foundation supports intercultural education in Serbia to tear down barriers.

Serbia is a country where life can be difficult for minorities, even though they make up approximately a quarter of the population. Hungarians, Albanians, Roma, members of around 20 other ethnic groups and refugees from neighbouring countries are constantly exposed to each other: at school, during sporting events and in their leisure time. Children and adolescents in such an intolerant environment are the most amazing population group, particularly when they belong to an ethnic or religious minority.

Intercultural education for adolescents

In cooperation with Panonija, the Pestalozzi Children’s Foundation has developed a network of local partner organisations from across the country. Intercultural education gives these young people the chance to get to know themselves and each other, and to learn from and with their peers. This enables the dismantling of cultural barriers.

Education for Roma children
In an other project the Pestalozzi Children’s Foundation supports a comprehensive initiative to integrate Roma children and adolescents in schools. The aim of this initiative is to enable Roma children to go to school and complete their compulsory education. Qualifications on leaving school will improve their chances to find work. In this regard, education becomes an integral aspect of fighting poverty.