With support from the European Union Your Story ‘A GOOD START’ project Hungary Hungary

With support from the European Union 2

Turning the page together Your Story

With support from the European Union

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

Teacher Training College Teacher Training College future teachers future teachers school children Kindergarten HSCL Outreach Dynamics Meséd mothers

With support from the European Union ”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.... „ ”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.... „ From the written reports of the students

With support from the European Union

Outcomes of Meséd 1. Enriched quality of mother/child relationship and enhanced secure attachment. 2. Improved attitude towards reading and learning. Motivated to continue studies. 3. Improved literacy skills. 4. Improved mothers’ self image, confidence and well-being (reduced stress). 5. Improved parenting skills. 6. Children prepared for kindergarten and school (imagination, concentration, vocabulary, self expression, behavior, etc). 7. The creation of at-home libraries and a culture of books. 8. Empowering communities of mothers. 9. Greater integration into the life of Hungarian society: involvement with the Kindergartens (HSCL) and eduction students.

With support from the European Union Elements of AGS in Hungary Meséd Mothers Teacher Training College students Trainings Home visits mentors Kindergartens/ Home school Community liaison Involving the local officials

With support from the European Union 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. Lessons learned in Hungary’s AGS College Students Mentors Home visits Kindergartens HSCL Meséd mothers Training

With support from the European Union 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 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 AGS Hungary: data Meséd (Your Story): 160 mothers involved in 12 groups of Meséd in the 6 localities, reaching close to 600 children 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 50 students from Faculty of Economics and Social Studies involved in home visits for their field work 61 students from Faculty of Teacher Training involved 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 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 Furugh Switzer Thank you for your attention!