Working with children

In 2009, in order to ensure the integration into society of children experiencing extreme social exclusion (especially the Roma living in Kirtimai settlement, who have dropped out of the education system), we established an after-school multicultural day center “Padėk pritapti”. The Center is constantly growing: the variety of activities is expanding, the number of children and public support is increasing.

The aim of the day center is to give Roma and non-Roma children the opportunity to develop, communicate and collaborate through informal education activities.The activities of the day center focus on:

  • promoting intercultural dialogue. Our activities are open to children of different nationalities, we communicate in five languages, we interpret for each other, we introduce different cultures and traditions, we look for commonalities and similarities in our differences;
  • assistance with homework. During the daily activities of "Padėk pritapti", we pay a lot of attention to each child, helping to do their homework and eliminate learning gaps. We apply inclusive education methods to assess a child’s personal abilities while discussing the outcomes and their achievements. The help from volunteers who help children to overcome learning difficulties is invaluable;
  • artistic educational activities. We are constantly looking for innovative ways of conducting informal education that help to gain knowledge, encourage oneself, awaken creativity, and promote communication. Photography, theater, art, music, dance classes are very suitable for active and curious visitors of the center. Children can get up close and personal with professional artists and the spaces in which they create;
  • breaking down stereotypes. Children reflect adults. We face fears, prejudices directed at people of another nation, race, orientation, gender, faith, or views. Therefore, in the day center, we pay a lot of attention to the development of critical attitude, openness, and cognition;
  • development of emotional intelligence. We learn to express feelings constructively through everyday discussions, during which each child shares thoughts on their daily adventures, challenges, other reflections;
  • meaningful summer activities. We organize several summer camps every summer, giving children the opportunity to spend their free time in an interesting way. The summer camp is the most anticipated event of the year and a great motivation to attend school and the day center.