U.S. Ambassador Andrew Schapiro, British Ambassador Jan Thompson, and Norwegian Ambassador Siri Ellen Sletner visited the town of Trmice on the outskirts of Usti nad Labem, the capital of North Bohemia on March 4, to learn more about inclusive education programs of Roma and non-Roma students.
They were impressed by the level of social inclusion in the elementary school in Trmice, headed by Marie Gottfriedova, and inquired about ways their embassies could help further improve the situation.
“Each of our countries takes the issue of tolerance and opportunity very seriously,” said Ambassador Schapiro at a press conference at the school.
The three ambassadors also visited Trmice NGO Romano Jasnica that works — mostly thanks to volunteers — with Roma children.
“What was very nice to see here was the involvement from the community itself in addressing its problems,” said Ambassador Schapiro, and noted that the NGO could also receive support from the U.S. Embassy’s “small grants” program through which NGOs can apply for aid.
