The process of adaption of the Law on Adult Education in the Republic of North Macedonia has been prolonged, and there is an evident need in enhancing its sooner institutionalization. This law is expected to enable a large number of population that faces functional illiteracy and incomplete education, to supplement it and to acquire skills and knowledge for continuing education, but also easier integration in society.

Recently, we had the opportunity to be part of the international KA204 project Roma ABC for the Western Balkans, implemented under Erasmus+ programme, coordinated by the Primary school and adult education school Branko Pesic from Serbia, who shared their experiences and strategies in dealing with functional illiteracy.

As part of the activities, a test phase (education) was conducted for functionally illiterate Roma, Roma who did not complete primary education and those who have 2,3,4 grade of primary education. 15 participants were covered and the test phase takes place in March, while the second part was realized in October (in accordance with the measures and protocols for KOVID-19), ie learning in other places.

The first part of the test phase was the education of the participants to raise the skills of writing, mathematics, ICT and we learn to learn through practical workshops and exercises. For that purpose, 3 trainers from the primary school “St. Kliment Ohridski ”- Bitola and 2 trainers from the NGO“ Sumnal”- Bitola, prepared a schedule of activities and developed a strategy through which they realized the activities. The exercises for the Roma adults were prepared by an expert team from the primary school “St. Kliment Ohridski ”- Bitola, writing scenarios for realization, according to which appropriate materials for realization of education were prepared. 

Working together on the project and realizing the activities, the authors came up with the idea to adapt the scenarios to the needs of the target group, the situation and the real picture in Bitola and to translate them into practical scenarios, which would be the basis for opening Education and Training Centers. of adult education who have incomplete education and face functional illiteracy. By conducting field screening, analyzes that were needed to adapt the documents that already exist from previous projects and to adapt them to our situation, we came across a different situation from other countries that are partners in this project. Most of the Roma who were included in the trainings have incomplete primary education, incomplete secondary education and are self-taught in writing and their education. From that starting point, a selection of the proposed scenarios and exercises was made to the needs for education and adaptation of the exercises themselves during the realization of the trainings, to the needs of the target group. The scenarios have their own breadth and allow their modification and preparation of various exercises during trainings or classes, in order to acquire lasting skills, which will help the participants for greater competitiveness, but also solid education.

The scenarios are divided in 4 parts covering different types of skills, which will help reduce functional illiteracy.

Part I Scenarios in Macedonian language,

Part II Mathematical Scenarios,

Part III IT skills scenarios,

Part IV Scenarios we learn to learn and learn elsewhere.

Each section covers scenarios that contribute to the development of literacy, speech, expression, as well as mathematical and IT skills that have helped participants gain practical and lasting skills and knowledge that will help them to write documents, express themselves properly, use everyday mathematical operations without relying on a calculator, to make it easier to use the computer and their smartphone, to write and send documents, etc. These are mainly practical exercises, with a little theory and rules, and more activities by the participants, which give them the opportunity through work and situational learning to acquire the skills and knowledge needed for their integration and socialization in social life, as well as finding a job and competing in the market.

The second part of the test phase - Learning Elsewhere was realized by "Sumnal" and visited Institutions in which Roma studied and were educated. We came across huge support from the Municipality of Bitola, the University City Library in Bitola, the primary school “St. Kliment Ohridski ”- Bitola and the Zoo from Bitola. Learning elsewhere is realized by the trainers from both organizations and the same enabled the adult Roma to acquire appropriate skills and knowledge.

In the end, all participants obtained a Certificate of Participation in Education which explains the levels of their achievements during the test phase.

In anticipation of the Law on Adult Education and its implementation and institutionalization, we contribute through non-formal education to motivate our citizens and work to reduce functional illiteracy.

Authors: Violeta Stevanovska, Gordana Anastasova, Fatma Bajram Azemovska, Viktorija Mihajlovska