Your Story: Empowering Mothers & Children Through Literature

1. Your Story ‘A GOOD START’ project 2010-2012Hungary With support from the European Union

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3. Turning the page together Your Story With support from the European Union

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8. How it works • Weekly two-hour sessions with trained facilitators • First phase (three months): reading • Second phase (three months): added element of writing • Third phase (three months): added element of drama pedagogy • Mothers are assisted and encouraged to hold sessions in kindergarten • Teacher training students participate in activities With support from the European Union

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12. Outreach Dynamics Teacher Training College Meséd future teachers mothers children school Kindergarten HSCL With support from the European Union

13. From the written reports of the students ”I didn't expect . . „ ”positively surprized. . .” ”impressed by their openness, friendliness and honesty. . . ” „ . . . when I talked one-on-one with mothers I got a lump in my throat and was deeply touched in my heart. . . .” ‘I realized that, they are human beings like me and you with similar thoughts. They have feelings of love, sadness or anger just like me . . . „ „ I have decided that, when I graduate and start my profession as a teacher, I will arrange a parenting meeting like Meséd. . . . „ With support from the European Union

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15. Outcomes of Meséd • Enriched quality of mother/child relationship and enhanced secure attachment. • Improved attitude towards reading and learning. Motivated to continue studies. • Improved literacy skills. • Improved mothers’ self image, confidence and well-being (reduced stress). • Improved parenting skills. • Children prepared for kindergarten and school (imagination, concentration, vocabulary, self expression, behavior, etc). • The creation of at-home libraries and a culture of books. • Empowering communities of mothers. • Greater integration into the life of Hungarian society: involvement with the Kindergartens (HSCL) and eduction students. With support from the European Union

16. Elements of AGS in Hungary Involving the local officials With support from the European Union

17. Lessons learned in Hungary’s AGS Training Significant long-lasting change requires a multifaceted approach (families, kindergartens, schools, college and authorities) Quality training for, and engagement of, local Roma as mentors and facilitators is a key element. Lack of cooperation and approval of authorities can abort the success of the project. With support from the European Union

18. AGS partners in Hungary • Romano Trajo Association: mentors • Teacher Training College of Nyíregyháza: students • ISSA’s Local Partner: Partners Hungary : trainings • Unity in Diversity Foundation: Meséd • Local authorities: Mayors, kindergartens With support from the European Union

19. AGS Hungary: data • Meséd (Your Story): 160mothers involved in12groups of Meséd in the 6 localities, reaching close to600children 6000 story books found their way to the homes of 160 families • HSCL program 64 sessions held by 98 parents in 10 kindergarten in the 6 localities • Practice module for college of Nyíregyháza students 50students from Faculty of Economics and Social Studies involved in home visits for their field work 61 students from Faculty of Teacher Traininginvolved in Meséd sessions for their pre.service training. • Home visits 5940 home visits by 6 mentors, reaching 547 families, with 850 children 0-6 With support from the European Union

20. AGS Sustainability, Hungary • Improved regular attendance of children in school/ kindergartens • communities of mothers - voluntary activities • a drama group formed by mothers, performs at different town events • employment opportunities secured : community mediator will be employed by municipalities • increased employment among Meséd mothers • books donated to local libraries supporting voluntary Meséd sessions • pre-service training for future teachers institutionalized in Nyíregyháza College curriculum • Pedagogical Program of Kindergartens amended, AGS activities institutionalized • Norwegian donor committed financial resources, applications submitted • A third of the Meséd mothers have enrolled in schools with aim of attaining school diploma, many others are seeking admission With support from the European Union

21. Furugh Switzerwww.eaka.hu Thank you for your attention! With support from the European Union