A computer course in the small village of Borsodbota, Hungary trains teachers to use computers and demonstrates how to incorporate technology into the classroom. The project was initiated by Julia Buday and the Roma Minority Self Government, and funded by a Roma Integration Program sub-grant, to improve the educational opportunities for young Roma in the community.

Ms. Buday is one of the few in her community to have completed higher education. She is a trained mediator and is actively involved with the Minority Self Government. When Ms. Buday heard about the Roma Integration Program sub-granting program, she successfully drafted a proposal to develop e-learning modules for teachers. As a result, the community constructed a top-of-the-line computer lab and, with the Roma Integration Program’s grant funds, has begun to train teachers in e-learning techniques. The program has subsequently received support from the local government.

The teachers and their students quickly realized the value of computers as an educational tool. The students love working with the computers, and the technology classes have improved their attitudes and increased their motivation to learn. Many are being exposed to a computer for the first time and have used the internet and software programs to study math, geography, and languages.

Unemployment is an enormous problem in the Borsodbota community, which has a majority Roma population. It is believed that as many as 70 percent of Roma there are unemployed. The computer program will greatly improve future employment opportunities for community youth.

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