Is it possible to change the situation of Roma minority in Czech Republic through education system? Summer school for young Roma musicians experience
Abstract
The paper deals with the discrimination of Roma minority in the Czech education system and measures designed to improve the current situation. Despite the steps already implemented by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, Roma children are still overrepresented in schools for children suffering from light mental illness.
Therefore Ministry of Education plans to introduce a system of support measures available to all children who need them. In order to maximize the effect of support measures, it will be necessary to collect data concerning abilities of each pupil and their other characteristics and analyze which support measure is the most suitable for them.
The authors describe examples of the programs aimed at the support of Roma children in education, namely remedial education and support of education in families, scholarships, leisure time activities or pre-primary education. Particular attention is paid to the experience of authors gained by teaching basics of law at summer school for young Roma musicians.
The authors described their work and formulated principles which they believe to be essential for a successful work with Roma children and the youth. The principles are following: long-term nature of support, positive experience, trust, use of activities which are attractive for children and overcoming of prejudices at both sides.
Finally, the authors also emphasize that the programmes should be based on personal experience of participants. In conclusion, the authors argue that through education it is possible to improve the position of the Roma minority in the Czech Republic.