Second chance school: A hidden gem in Dendropotamos

Rebuilding lives through a second chance in education

by Georgia Tentzidou

Second Chance Schools were planned and funded by the European Union two decades ago, so that member states could offset the consequences of student dropout rates and counter social exclusion. There are public schools for adults in the field of lifelong learning. They are aimed at citizens aged 18 and over who have not completed their nine-year compulsory education. In this way, they give the opportunity to those who wish to obtain a title equivalent to the lower secondary school certificate, emphasizing the acquisition of basic qualifications and the development of personal skills.

And I always thought to myself, Am I able to attend school at this age? But I did. For others, enrolling in the Second Chance School is like a personal bet with themselves, an unsatisfied desire from the past for something they started but unfortunately did not complete

The Second Chance School, located in Dendropotamos, has been housed in the 3rd Primary School of the area, approximately for more than five years. The majority of students are mostly Romani or non-Romani residents of Dendropotamos. Unfortunately, there are a few factors linked to Romani culture that, most of the time, justify their high school dropout rate. Research done on the school dropout rate of Roma children in 2016 stated that the main reason given in 80% of cases was poverty, or a lack of financial resources to support their family while attending school. The women stated their distinct responsibilities within their homes: cooking, caring for small brothers, and caring for the elderly members of the family. Attending school is regarded as a luxury in this scenario, and it is only pursued until the subject learns fundamental education (writing, reading, and counting). The second cause is having children and giving birth. Lastly, the third main reason for dropping out is the lack of educational support provided by schools and the state.

At first I felt like I was being choked and I was always really concerned about my family at home. But as the days passed, I couldn’t wait to go to school.

For Eirini (a graduate of the second chance school in Dendropotamos in the years 2018–2019), the reason she dropped out of school ,as a primary student, was family. “I fell in love and got married at 15 years old. At 16 years old, I had already had my first child. It wasn’t my goal to finish school; I didn’t have the time”. Growing up, as she was searching for a job or a subsidized program to join, she got rejected for her lack of a lower secondary school certificate. However, the main inspiration for her enrolling in the sec- ond chance school was her older son. “My son always inspired me and urged me to follow in his footsteps in the education field. He always encouraged me by saying,” You can do this; you can go! And I always thought to myself, Am I able to attend school at this age? But I did”.

For others, enrolling in the Second Chance School is like a personal bet with themselves, an unsatisfied desire from the past for something they started but unfortunately did not complete, as Mr. Geranis (current principal of Second Chance School in Dendropotamos) has stated. From all the interviews he has done in the past with his newcomers, he concluded that the most common motives for getting their certificate were a combination of unemployment reasons and fulfilling their personal goals and dreams. On the other hand, when asked about the possible challenges he faces, he commented on student leakage as the only reason students do not get their final certification.

Despite the first days of study in the school being accompanied by feelings of stress and concern, for Eirini, it was a pleasant lifetime experience. “At first I felt like I was being choked and I was always really concerned about my family at home. But as the days passed, I couldn’t wait to go to school”. As the interview went on, she mentioned that the main differences she noticed from her experience in the typical education environment were the student-centered approach and a modern approach to knowledge through technology. “Unlike traditional educational settings, we don’t have the rush to finish a certain cycle of courses, so we focus more on passing useful knowledge to our students for their everyday lives, which arouses their interest, most of the time through multimedia material,” as told by Mr. Geranis. On top of that, the school provides supplementary and personalized teaching after school when it’s needed.

The school’s main goal for the future is not only to limit leakage but also to expand its student community over time. For the past few years, the school’s educational community has actively tried to encourage new members from near- by areas to register (not only Romani people or residents from Dendropotamos) through a more personal and immediate approach. As Mr. Geranis explained, “We noticed that a more personal, mouth-to-mouth approach had a better resonance than a less personal one (like posters or posts on social media)”.

“By investing in the education and empowerment of these individuals, we also contribute to a more inclusive and resilient society.”

In conclusion, the Second Chance School of Dendropotamos represents a beacon of hope for individuals who have faced challenges and adversity in their lives. Through personalized education, holistic support, and skill development, the school provides an avenue for redemption and a second shot at success. By investing in the education and empowerment of these individuals, we also contribute to a more inclusive and resilient society.