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The initial impetus came from a female teacher who teaches French in Romania, who, when she came into contact with the gypsy reality in her country, found herself at a loss when it came to pedagogic responses within her reach, and was staggered at the scant importance given by the school system to a very marginalized population. It was necessary to expand the horizon, and to explore, in the European countries faced with similar situations, which experiences might be transposed and what were the new practices suitable to be introduced in the applicant country.
This concern has been widely shared by the member representatives from the European countries (Belgium, Italy, Spain and France), meeting at the initiative of the Romanian partner during a preparatory visit in the framework of a Comenius 2.1 action. This first working seminar devoted to the framing of the project was held on 9, 10 and 11 February 2001.
Beyond the specific situations in each country, it was felt to be necessary to work on raising awareness among teachers and framing specific tools for those who operate directly with gypsy children and, more generally, with specific cultural groups.
Through its objectives and the results expected, the MeSPE project seeks to make its contribution to the reflection on the intercultural dimension within the European education systems, through improved understanding and an increasing consideration of the original cultures of all the students, with a view to equality of opportunities: it likewise aims to promote the exchange of values and the breaking down of the prejudices between school and the specific cultures.
Partners in the MeSPE project: