The active youth from Sliven
In many schools there is still a hidden or open separation between Roma and Bulgarian children. Discrimination starts from an early age – through hurtful words, underestimation, lower expectations from teachers and lack of support. This problem not only hurts children’s self-esteem but also deprives them of equal opportunities for development.
To counteract this, a group of students have proposed the introduction of special tolerance classes to be taught by psychologists, activists and young people who have experienced discrimination first-hand. They believe that if their classmates hear the real stories of victims of prejudice and social exclusion, they will realise how such behaviour affects people’s lives. Social games and simulations that develop empathy and critical thinking will be used in these classes, and working with teachers will be key to creating an environment where all students feel equal and respected.
