South-East Europe

Eliminating discrimination – for greater acceptance

Discrimination and exclusion are part of everyday life for many children in North Macedonia, Moldova and Serbia. Along with ethnic minorities, this also affects children with special education needs, including children who suffered abuse. These children either do not go to school or leave prematurely.

South-East Europe is home to many different ethnicities each with a distinctive culture. The lack of mutual understanding between social groups causes continual conflict.

Segregated school classes

Fearing conflict, Albanian and Macedonian children in many areas of North Macedonia attend separate schools, making it almost impossible for the two groups to learn to understand and appreciate each other. It is therefore not surprising that they often lack acceptance of other cultures later in life.

For more openness

In our projects, children and youths engage with the topic of intercultural awareness. They question prejudices, deal with the topics of discrimination and racism, and contribute to a peaceful coexistence through their acceptance of different cultures.

Against the discrimination of abused children

Children who have been the victim of physical, emotional or sexual abuse are often discriminated against and stigmatised in Moldovan schools. This affects their academic performance, and many have to repeat a year or leave school prematurely. With the support of teaching staff who are trained in special education, we facilitate the positive development of these children and integrate them into the social life of their schools.

Ethnic conflicts in North Macedonia

Our project in North Macedonia has enabled us to facilitate exchange between Albanian and Macedonian children and youths.

Special educational support for abused children

Thanks to our project, Moldovan children suffering the effects of abuse receive special assistance and support at school.

Jordan, 12

Jordan was accustomed to school classes being segregated for Macedonian and Albanian children. This prevented him from getting to know the Albanian children and their culture. Now, however, lessons and leisure activities are held in mixed groups.

Meet Jordan

Nadja, 14

In Serbia, there is a widespread lack of awareness of child rights. Nadja wants to change this, which is why she takes part in workshops dealing with child rights. She particularly values the right to express her own opinion and have a say in things.

Meet Nadja