Equal Access: Integrated Education for Roma in Bulgaria

From http://www.witness.org Integrated Education for Romani Children in Bulgaria.

Throughout Central and Eastern Europe, racially-based segregation denies thousands of Romani children equal academic opportunity as they attend substandard schools in Romani ghettos. In the year 2000, Romani activists from the Bulgarian town of Vidin spearheaded the first initiative for educational desegregation in Europe.

"Equal Access" tells the story of two seventh graders who met and became friends only when Romani children joined their peers in mainstream schools. The video calls on authorities to fully endorse nation-wide policies in support of educational integration of Romani children.

For more information visit http://hub.witness.org/en/EqualAccess

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Roma
• integration
• desegregation
• education
• human rights
• minorities
• discrimination
• Witness
• Eastern Europe
• literacy
• children

[Witness]

A reminder to all who comment on this video or any posted by WITNESS- we encourage freedom of speech but do not tolerate discriminatory comments directed at a group of people for any reason (i.e. their religion, race, social status, gender identity, etc.) If you choose to make these kind of comments they will be removed.

[Witness]

We respect that people have different opinions about this issue. However, blatantly racist or discriminatory comments either about Roma or European peoples will be removed and you will be blocked from further commenting. Thank you

[tonyromachavo]

@BulgarianPsychopath

In life solutions are the effect. I am not blind by the affects. That is what is needed here: A SOLUTION. Stop crying about what is happening and what has happened. When you find a solution to them not going to school or stealing you will get results. Crying will not resolve the situation. I value freedom of speech and will not keep my comments to myself.

[tonyromachavo]

@BulgarianPsychopath

Using a force which is in conflict with democracy (by this statement you show your true colors). You and your country must learn this will not happen in 10 or 20 years but over a long time and much work is needed. I thank the good lord we do not live in times where force is used. Change your laws so there is no racism and give them a chance to earn a living then they will want education. In the U.S. we have such laws and we all must abide by them (we can sue if they don't.

[ComradeSinclair]

@Jagkanvisst "I see that the Bulgarianas are pushing off gypsies from the Bulgarian society."

They are no exception. No Europeans want to share the same space with Gypsies, for which there is a very good reason.

[Jagkanvisst]

I am from Sweden and originating from Bulgaria. I'm in Bulgaria every summer. I just want to say to theBulgarians who see the problem with gypsies.

You should see the real prblemet of yourselves! I see that the Bulgarianas are pushing off gypsies from the Bulgarian society. AND THATS NOT OKEJ!

I see that most people in Bulgaria have irritation against Gypsies.

[czw66]

Every time we have a lunchbrake I get beaten up by Roma peaple and they steal my lunch money ;(

[LREN19]

By enforcing segregated education Bulgaria is denying the chance for a unified country. There is much to be learned from each other yet we are denying the opprotunity. By having segregated school Bulgaria is setting itself up for further ethnic conflict which could easily be avoided by promoting equality and unity between ethnic groups. I think we can all agree that racial descrimination has only ever led to violence which no one should be subject to.

[salemthegoddess]

what is the song in the video? I really like it and would consider buying it if it was available on iTunes.

[kern0099]

@ComradeSinclair 16,000 CZK, that's what, the price of the teabag and cup they walked off with after she gave it to them?

[tonyromachavo]

@mybossisafatbitch

Thank you - You have no idea what my people have gone through since ca. 1150. Centuries of abuse - more than African Americans and much longer. We have given a great deal to Europe. It is now proven we came from India. We brought music, language, and much more from India to Europe. Our people was writing poetry while Europeans were deciding what cave to live in. I only said that last statement to impress upon you the greatness our people have. We are European culture.

[BulgarianPsychopath]

@tonyromachavo

Tell me honestly , do you really believe that the main problem here is the racism and this countries - Italy , Spain , Hungary , Romania , Serbia ,Slovakia and many more (almost half of Europe) are just having bad and inefficient laws ? Excuse me but you cant train an animal (with the usual ways) that just don't want to be trained ?So , what do you suggest.

[BulgarianPsychopath]

@tonyromachavo

My true colors? You know nothing!Take my advice - stop talking if you're not competent enough ok?Change our laws so there will be no racism?There is racism everywhere,even in your precious USA, you're the only human being that can't see that.What laws?Give me something for example ,please , I'm curious.We gave them a chance but they prefer the easier way ,this is their confession , not mine.I told you already.So ,enjoy your modern life in US and don't bother about those primates.