O nás - BILIS

Improving language
education in schools

Our ambition is to provide equal language education to children from bilingual and non-bilingual families, help them acquire language skills, enhance their potential, develop creativity, and address many problems of everyday life.

Co-founder

Ivana ROSOVÁ BArts. MBA

After many years abroad, I returned to Slovakia and began searching for the ideal school for my child. I soon realized that regular public schools do not provide adequate education for bilingual families. Motivated by the desire to create an inclusive environment for my child, I joined other parents in forming an initiative that gradually evolved into a project designed for all children with similar needs. Our goal is to offer high-quality bilingual education so that children can grow up in a space where they feel at home, have friends, and thrive equally in two languages. I have supported this project from the very beginning and truly believe in its positive impact on children's education in Slovakia.

Project Leader, Co-founder

Ing. Zuzana DECKER

As part of the BILIS program, I strive to fulfill my long-held dream of creating an environment where children feel natural, safe, and accepted—just like at home. Drawing on my experience raising a bilingual son and navigating various primary schools across Europe, I contribute to the nationwide BILI School initiative. I strongly support multilingualism as a key skill, especially for young people. Too often, we overlook how closely the ability to communicate is linked to success in life and career. With quality language preparation from an early age, the language barrier for Slovak children can become a thing of the past. I’m looking forward with great excitement of the first pilot BILIS classes program BILIS school year 2025/2026.

Program Ambassador

Mgr. Ivana Damink-Pavelková

To create and provide for children a safe space full of opportunities for their learning and development is one of our top priorities. Based on my personal experience—raising three children in a bilingual environment—I can confidently say that children acquire foreign languages quickly, easily, and naturally. Through my work experience in international companies abroad, I’ve also come to realize how much of an advantage language skills are in today’s world. That’s why I see great potential in the BILIS project and fully support it with my experience and commitment. It’s a path that truly prepares our children for new possibilities and opportunities..

Program Methodologist

Olivia Berger Sladkovsky

Life has taken me to many places across continents—from the vibrant streets of Taiwan, through the historic charm of Prague, and the cosmopolitan beauty of Dubai, all the way to the heart of Europe in Slovakia. I truly enjoy educating children, and as a teacher, I’ve had the privilege of watching them grow—quite literally—before my eyes. It’s been fascinating to see how they connect and communicate with one another in diverse cultural settings, with English playing a key role in making those connections possible.

I have worked with children aged 6 to 12 as a homeroom teacher, a bilingual class teacher, and a support teacher. My experience spans across various types of schools—public, private, and language schools. I have also collaborated on the development of a dynamic teaching method aimed at making lessons engaging and enjoyable for students.

To the program BILIS vkladám svoju vášeň pre vzdelávanie a bohaté skúsenosti s cieľom vytvoriť a new, innovative, and effective teaching method for educating children from the first grade in the environment of Slovak schools.

Program Coordinator

Arthur Decker

I grew up in several countries, and in some places, I felt at home, while in others, it felt like being in a different galaxy. It was only later that I realized that language is not just a tool, but a feeling—that I can understand others, that I am understood, and that I belong somewhere.

However, my Slovak wasn't enough for me to fully study at university, so I study in English. That's why I ask: How many children are probably experiencing the same thing I did? How many of them have potential in both languages, but just haven’t had the opportunity? I am part of a project... BILIS – and today, I lead the creation of bilingual programs for schools, where the system adapts to their individual needs. Where linguistic diversity is an advantage. Where learning happens easily, with respect and joy.

Program Guarantor

Prof. Zuzana Straková PhD.

I have always believed that learning can be an adventure – if we give it the right form, feeling, and purpose. As a long-time educator of teachers, I encounter many inspiring children, teachers, and parents who long for meaningful education.

That’s why I decided to support the program BILIS as the expert guarantor for the University of Prešov.

I believe that bilingual education is not just about languages – it’s about a way to develop creativity, critical thinking, curiosity, and the ability to see the world in broader contexts in children.It is an opportunity to prepare them for life in a global, interconnected world. And at the same time, a way to enable them to learn with joy, actively, and naturally.

I am excited to be part of a team whose mission is to create an environment where children are not afraid to ask questions, explore, and grow – not only linguistically but also as individuals.

Education Consultant

Mgr. Andrea Hagovská

In the BILIS project, I see what I have long cared about – a real impact on people's lives. I have worked at various levels of the education system, from analysis and strategies to hands-on work with schools. But what has always motivated me the most is when my work makes a difference in the everyday lives of children, teachers, and families.

I joined the project because I believe that change starts with the smallest onesQuality and thoughtful education in childhood can influence not only the personal future of a child but also the long-term development of society as a whole.

BILIS for me, it represents a path to sustainable education - connecting language, cognitive, and social skills in children in a way that is natural, meaningful, and relevant.I am convinced that if we are serious about the future of Slovakia, we must invest in children. That is where the decisions are made about what our country will look like in 10, 20, or 50 years. And that is why I am part of this team.

Improving language education in schools