"Romani children are demotivated. I want to show them that they can do it!" says Milan, a young student who is applying for a prestigious scholarship
Published: Dec 11, 2023 Reading time: 7 minutes
It started out just like any other tutoring session. Milan was struggling with maths in eighth grade, and it looked like he would fail the class. So his mom asked People in Need for tutoring help. In the first few lessons, our tutor noticed that while Milan might not be a mathematician, his English was excellent. Word got around, and Milan is now applying for a scholarship to a prestigious international English-speaking high school under her guidance. But first things first.
When our tutor first visited Milan's family, the assignment was clear: Milan was failing math and physics and needed tutoring. Milan's parents place a high value on education at home and want their children to succeed. However, they find it challenging to help them with some of their more advanced subjects. Milan's mother only had the opportunity to attend a special school and then enter an apprenticeship, so she welcomed our tutor's help with the more advanced maths and physics.
During the first lesson, our colleague noticed that Milan enjoys foreign languages and speaks English very well. When asked where he learned it so well, he replied that he has been learning English on his own since he was five years old, mainly through YouTube videos and computer games. Over time, it became clear that Milan was an intelligent and promising student with a great talent for foreign languages. So, his tutor offered to help his family find a high school that could further develop Milan's talent.
Ultimately, the choice fell to the English College in Prague, which offers the opportunity to study at the school free of charge through the Václav Havel Scholarship. Milan was enthusiastic about the idea, and most importantly, he found a lot of support from his family. Milan's parents and extended family chipped in to buy him a computer and a desk so that Milan no longer had to study in the kitchen. His whole family even accompanied him to his English language interview with the school principal, part of the entrance exam. After all, he is the family's first member to aspire to higher education.
The article continues below the interview with Milan and his mother.
How did you learn to speak English so well?
I mainly learned through video games and YouTube videos by reading subtitles. I learned the most from Minecraft. If I didn't understand a word, I put it into a translator.
What gave you the idea to apply to an international school? What motivated you to go for it?
I never thought I would ever go to an international school. When I needed a math tutor, a person from People in Need noticed that I spoke English well. Then she recommended I try to apply. I don't think I'd know what to do in year 9, and if I go to this school, I'll have more time to think about it. I don't have to choose a specific subject. I prefer general education instead of an apprenticeship. Mostly, I would be able to speak English at school, which is much closer to my interests, and I could communicate better.
What do you mean by international school? What attracts you to it?
I imagine a lot of cultures and people from other countries. I'll get to see how different cultures work and what people from those cultures are like. I would feel more secure if I had more nationalities and ethnicities in my school. I also like that there is Roma Awareness Week at this school, which doesn't exist at my current school. Generally, nobody talks about racism at our school. They take it lightly.
How do you feel about Milan wanting to try the international environment?
I'm proud that Milan can speak English well and wants to continue his education. Not many Roma children have such ambition. When we were interviewed at the school, it was a really friendly environment, and they didn't look at us as Roma. You could feel that they took you for who you are. I want him to choose a field that he will enjoy. I want him to be an example to himself, Romani children, and Czech children. I didn't have the same opportunities as Milan. I had it harder. I went to a special school and couldn't attend another one. That's why I tell all my children they must learn to have a better future.
How are the entrance exams coming along?
I definitely need to work on my maths, but I feel ready for English and Czech. I want to prepare hard, and I want to be more confident. I think one of the biggest challenges is that I have to focus on so many things. When I was smaller, my life was school, and I could do whatever I wanted at home after. Now I know what it means to be responsible. I have to pay attention to everything that is said. I'm starting to learn how to concentrate.
What do you want to say to other Romani children?
I want to tell them never to give up. They should always believe it's not about your skin colour or where you're from. I think the problem is that a lot of Roma children do not have motivation. I want them to know that I'm proud of them. I think we've come a long way. The number of kids going to high school is increasing. Whoever reads this, don't think you're nothing. You're something. You have a purpose in this life and should inspire others.
How did People in Need help Milan?
Milan: It started with maths tutoring. Having Míša come to us helped me the most because she recommended this school to me, which plays the biggest role in what's happening. The tutoring helped me a lot with maths, and I made a lot of progress. Before, I was always on the verge of failing maths, but now I feel more confident, and I'm doing better.
Mrs Haluskova: I'd like to thank People in Need for bringing Míša. At first, it seemed like an accident when she asked me if I wanted to enrol Milanek in high school. Then, when she called me to say that she would submit an application for him, it was something completely new for me. I was happy and excited. I felt so delighted to tell Milan there was such a possibility, and he was also very happy. So I'm very happy that Míša came to us.
The long hours we spent with Milan preparing for the interview paid off. The director was very impressed with him. He liked the zeal with which he prepared for the entrance exam. He was amazed at how he went from nearly failing school to being such a motivated pupil in just a few months of tutoring. He also applauded his desire to attend an international group of students where he thought he would fit in better. He even offered Milan free tutoring to help him better prepare for the second part of the entrance exam, the written test.
Milan was getting ready, but unfortunately, his first attempt failed. His results in Czech and English were good, but he missed out on admission because of mathematics. However, he is still motivated to try again in April. This opportunity has pushed him a lot. He has developed excellent study habits and is willing to put much time and effort into achieving his dream. His self-esteem has also increased as he can now see what he can achieve if he works hard.
Milan would like to become a role model for other children from the Romani community so they will not be afraid to apply to good schools, even though it may initially seem challenging. It is also essential that they have the support of their families and that someone recognises their talents. It is a pity that Milan's school did not acknowledge his talent and help him further his studies. Fortunately, he met our staff, who saw his great potential.
Support for Milan and many other children was provided within the framework of the project from OP VVV iKAP 2 - Innovation in Education with reg. number CZ.02.3.68/0.0/0.0/19_078/0021106.
