Early childhood is a critical window for fostering belonging, identity, and emotional well-being—especially for children facing exclusion or discrimination. The CHAVORE Initiative: Mental Well-being of Young Roma Children works to create responsive early childhood systems that support these foundations. Through practical training and culturally sensitive tools, CHAVORE helps early childhood practitioners build environments where every child feels seen, safe, and valued.In Hungary, this mission is being advanced by Partners Hungary, one of CHAVORE’s five national implementing partners. With over two decades of experience in promoting social inclusion, conflict prevention, and democratic education, the organization has been at the forefront of Roma inclusion and community development. Under CHAVORE, Partners Hungary developed two learning sessions focused on Inclusivity and Diversity, and Self-care. The first one invites practitioners to reflect on how bias and assumptions can unconsciously shape interactions and undermine children’s sense of identity. Practitioners are encouraged to go beyond surface-level inclusion and to actively create culturally responsive environments where every child feels seen, valued, and safe.The second learning session turns inward, emphasizing the importance of self-care. It acknowledges that early childhood practitioners carry significant emotional burdens, and that their own stress can affect the quality of care they provide. Practitioners are introduced to self-care strategies and supported in developing emotional resilience themselves.Partners Hungary reported a smooth development process, drawing on their extensive experience in inclusive education. The learning journey is supported through reflection tools, practice-based observation, and self-assessment—ensuring that the lessons translate into real change in practice.About: CHAVORE (meaning “children” in Romani) is an initiative enhancing the mental health and well-being of young children in vulnerable communities, especially Roma. It promotes inclusive, culturally sensitive early childhood care across five countries. Built on the expertise of the International Step by Step Association (ISSA) and its Romani Early Years Network (REYN) initiative, CHAVORE leverages a transnational partnership across five countries to develop inclusive and responsive early childhood education and care. Funded by the European Commission, the consortium is comprised of ISSA members, led by Educational Research Institute (Slovenia), and includes Open Academy Step by Step (OASbS), Partners Hungary Foundation (PH), Skola dokoran - Wide Open School (SD), and Kosovo Education Center (KEC), and the ISSA Hub. Learn more at chavore.reyn.eu.
