A Croatian scheme is going the extra mile to ensure all children find equal opportunities in public schools.

Sjeverna Hrvatska is not a metropolitan region.  With lengthy stretches of highway between villages, citizens often find it difficult to get to where they’re going – and experience all their community has to offer.  This is doubly true for young children with special needs, who may need a helping hand to navigate their society – particularly with regard to education.

With over €2 million from the European Social Fund (ESF), the Baltazar project has been able to commit itself to helping children with special needs in a way that is nothing short of inspirational – giving nearly 200 students the chance to attend primary and secondary classes.  The system pairs dedicated teaching assistants with children who would normally be prevented from attending mainstream classes.  These professionals work with children to ensure they can participate in lessons and practical life at school – vital to building an inclusive environment where special needs and mainstream students can integrate and share their experiences.   

Ella, a student paired under the project, is enthusiastic about the importance of Baltazar in building her confidence: ‘I couldn't go to school without my teaching assistant. She helps me take notes and she helps me with food. She replaces my hands, hands I can’t use. Without her support, I would be lost and unhappy, and with her, I achieve great results. We are a team.’

Community spirit

The project also provides remarkable benefits outside of class.  Parents no longer have to travel long distances to ensure their children receive the support they need, freeing up more time to spend with their children – as well as helping families avoid added pressure and expense.  Outside the classroom, students can socialise with classmates – allowing them to develop independence, a sense of belonging and essential self-esteem.  The project also provides a source of training and employment within the community – allowing the opportunity to gain vital experience in a valuable and satisfying career.  Teaching assistants – mostly young and extremely motivated – are able to gain experience, earn a salary and undertake socially significant work.  Many assistants don’t see their role as just work, but as a calling that they’ll carry on with long after their placement is over. 

A success story

Project Manager Helena Matusa, stated that ‘St. Balthazar is the patron saint of children with special needs.’  The project is aptly named, its results impressive enough to have been selected as a finalist in this year’s RegioStars awards.  These prestigious awards highlight some of the most inspiring, effective projects across the EU; this year’s competition has been extremely competitive, with over 70 applicants in the Education and Training category alone.  As we move toward the World Children's Day on 20 November, the project also serves as a wonderful reminder of how important it is to ensure all children are able to enjoy education, build friendships and grow in a safe and inclusive environment. 

This project contributes to the implementation of principle 11 of the European Pillar of Social Rights on childcare and support to children.