| 
Why We Are Here
We believe that learning languages is a crucial tool for intercultural understanding, and that by learning others' languages we also learn to appreciate the others' culture. Language education and teacher training are forces for positive change in the world, and The Modern Institute has been established to help bring about that change.
The EU has declared 2005-2015 to be the decade of Roma inclusion. By raising the quality of English language education among the Roma, and by providing Romany language education for non-Roma, we help to open doors and build bridges.
For Bulgaria and the other new EU accession states of Eastern and Southern Europe, English language education is an important practical tool for integration within the larger European community.
Communicative and student-centered methodology can make the educational process more engaging, effective, and enjoyable. It helps to build citizens skilled in critical thinking and open to new ideas, and is fundamental to the healthy functioning of open and democratic society.
Our Goals
The Modern Institute was founded by Thomas Topham, with the goal of promoting social integration through language teaching and training. With the accession of Bulgaria to the EU, the role of languages becomes increasingly important in helping people communicate both on a national and international level to achieve social and economic goals.
The Modern Institute will help Bulgaria's integration into the EU by promoting and developing modern English language education and pedagogy for disadvantaged and minority groups, especially Roma, and Bulgarians working in the civic and not for profit sectors.
Another key goal for our organization is to increase self-awareness and sustain Roma tradition and culture through the promotion and development of modern Romany language education and pedagogy for Roma people. We also want to increase tolerance and understanding towards the Roma people through the promotion and development of modern Romany language education and pedagogy for non-Roma, especially within the civic and not for profit sectors.
We are working towards these goals through grant-funded courses for teachers and language learners.
We are excited to be engaged in our mission, and are eager to build links with like minded donors and partner organisations. We have a number of active projects underway. We look forward to hearing from you - contact us.