One school to change the system

According to the OECD, Slovakia’s education system is the second least inclusive in the world, with 34% of 15-year-old students failing to reach basic functional literacy levels. These challenges are exacerbated by growing immigration and segregation, particularly among Roma children, who lack access to quality education. Children with disabilities, those from low-income families, and children of immigrants are disproportionately absent from preschools and schools. Schools struggle to address the specific needs of disadvantaged communities due to a lack of methodological support, personnel, and appropriate tools. Teachers often lack the skills to work with diversity in classrooms, and societal resistance to education reform further deepens these issues.

The lab school program expands access to inclusive education through the gradual opening of new classes. Over the next 4 years, we plan to establish 4 additional classes, reaching a capacity of 160 students and ensuring the structured and steady growth of the program. The spatial and material setup supports inclusion and differentiated learning through quiet zones, digital tools, and sensory aids. We provide comprehensive training, mentoring, and professional development for teachers and support staff. A key component of the program is the development and refinement of methodologies and curricula tailored to the needs of diverse students in classrooms. These methodologies emphasize the development of future skills: digital literacy, creativity, emotional intelligence, and critica thinking.

Project work at Rozmanita is organized based on a flat organizational structure, where decisions are made collectively through agreement rather than hierarchically. Emphasis is placed on mutual respect, trust, and the inclusive involvement of all team members in the decision-making process. Strategic leadership is provided by an Advisory Board, while day-to-day management is overseen by the Executive Director. The Program Director supervises three key departments: Operations, Program, and Fundraising. The lab school program is led by the school and preschool directors in collaboration with the Inclusion Methodologist. The fundraising team manages support from small and large donors, corporate partners, and institutional contributors, ensuring a sustainable approach to the school’s mission

The innovative aspect of implementation lies in using the lab school as a dynamic space for testing, developing, and refining inclusive educational methodologies in a real-world environment. The school brings together teachers, parents, and experts who collaborate to create practical solutions for diverse groups of children. This approach integrates innovative methodologies with practical application, provides mentoring for teachers, and actively involves families. The results and tools developed in the lab school are scalable and transferable to other schools, ensuring systemic impact and the long-term sustainability of inclusive education in Slovakia.

We demonstrate to the public that educating diverse children together is both possible and beneficial for society as a whole. The spaces in our lab school are open to teachers, parents, and experts, allowing them to observe inclusive education in practice. We organize internships, workshops, and community activities to break down prejudices and raise awareness about the benefits of diversity. Rozmanita serves as a living example, inspiring schools and communities across Slovakia that inclusive education is the key to a cohesive and prosperous society.