Sumnal, which means “World” in the Romani language, was founded in 2004 by one of the few Romani women to pursue graduate studies, Fatma Bajram.
Sumnal educators and young Romani volunteers provide daily educational assistance for students in 1st-8th grade.
Children who have either never enrolled in school or who have dropped out have the chance to re-integrate into local schools through a special daily program providing remedial education.
An early intervention program targets children aged 2-6, as well as their mothers, who visit Sumnal daily to assist with their children’s learning and development.
Sumnal organizes local events that raise awareness regarding the importance of education and school registration procedures, as well as allow children and youth to showcase their talents to community members.
Sumnal also organizes cultural events, environmental clean-ups, local outings, sports activities, and other enriching activities – rare opportunities for Romani children and youth.
Students who regularly attend Sumnal experience an average grade point increase of 40%.
When Sumnal opened it’s educational center, there were zero youth from Topaana enrolled in high school.
Today, only a few years later, there are over 70.
-From Sumnal Slideshow, by Jessica Mangskau
Hi Stephanie,
ReplyDeleteHope it's ok with you...I wrote a bit about your blog and created a link to it. Am reading Bury Me Standing and hitting myself for not reading it A LOT sooner!
Good writing! Good running! Keep it up!