Aktuelni problemi obrazovanja Roma u Srbiji

Abstract

Roma education is considered in the context of specific features of educational system of whole population, paying attention to both universal problems and open issues related to Roma national community and its position in Serbian society. In view of theoretical background the paper is based on intercultural approach as a new educational strategy and the principles of contemporary inclusive education, while the subject of the research as a whole is the quality of education of Roma national minority in Serbia, as well as consideration of real possibilities for its improvement. Empirical research was carried out through a case study of education of a group of Roma children, including, apart from the children themselves, all other key actors of educational process. The research encompasses, apart from qualitative, quantitative data sources, enabling dealing with the demanding topic in a complementary and comprehensive way. The research also has action character, since it tests holistic approach to education of Roma children. Research results show that children belonging to Roma national community in Serbia face numerous obstacles during schooling, while they are at the same time significantly behind their peers. Inclusive educational practice in the school system in Serbia has still not come appropriately into being. Certain cultural characteristics of Roma population, along with the custom of child marriages of underage Roma, are a serious obstacle to education, since they are in disharmony with both contemporary educational process principles and civilization standards of its surrounding environment. In order to improve the level of education of Roma population in Serbia it is necessary to provide support to Roma families through: 1) highest level of inclusion of children in preschool care, upbringing and education, since this is the only way to qualitatively prepare socially deprived children for school; 2) emancipation of Roma women through adequate approach to adult education and professional improvement and 3) economic emancipation of entire Roma family, so that its adult members are provided with the opportunity to become economically engaged as working power with the existing educational status, along with stimulating measures for continuation of their schooling.