Lifelong Learning and the Roma Minority in the Western Balkans

Roma people in Europe face significant educational barriers, including underrepresentation in schools and other educational institutions. Lifelong Learning and the Roma Minority in the Western Balkans examines the education situation of Roma in the Western Balkans, providing an overview of education policies in 5 EU-candidate and potential candidate countries.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 02 October 2023
Publisher: Emerald Publishing Limited

Access, attainment, and success of Roma people in education and lifelong learning are among the most pressing public policy issues in Europe. Empirical data reveals that Roma individuals are significantly underrepresented in schools and other educational institutions across the continent.

Lifelong Learning and the Roma Minority in the Western Balkans is a comprehensive examination of the education landscape for Roma in the Western Balkans, encompassing Albania, Bosnia-Hercegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, and Serbia. This book serves as a valuable contribution to the field of comparative education, offering insights to educational leaders and practitioners in the region and beyond.

The findings of the book highlight several concerning trends in the education of Roma in the Western Balkans. Firstly, Roma children are more likely to drop out of school at an early age compared to their non-Roma peers. This early school leaving is a significant barrier to their future opportunities and perpetuates cycles of poverty and social exclusion.

Secondly, the quality of education provided to Roma students is often subpar, leading to limited access to knowledge and skills necessary for personal and professional development. This discrepancy in educational outcomes is exacerbated by factors such as language barriers, discrimination, and inadequate resources.

Thirdly, the education system in the Western Balkans is often fragmented and lacks coordination, making it challenging for Roma students to access education across different regions and institutions. This lack of continuity and integration can further exacerbate educational disparities and hinder the social and economic mobility of Roma individuals.

To address these challenges, the book proposes a range of policy recommendations aimed at improving the education situation of Roma in the Western Balkans. These recommendations include increasing access to quality early childhood education, improving the quality of education in primary and secondary schools, addressing language barriers, promoting inclusive education practices, and enhancing the coordination and integration of the education system.

Furthermore, the book emphasizes the importance of community-based education initiatives that involve parents, local organizations, and community leaders in the education of Roma children. These initiatives can help address the social and cultural barriers that often hinder Roma students' access to education and promote a sense of belonging and inclusion.

In conclusion, Lifelong Learning and the Roma Minority in the Western Balkans is a crucial contribution to the ongoing efforts to promote inclusive education and address educational disparities among marginalized communities. The book provides valuable insights and recommendations that can help policymakers, educators, and community leaders work towards creating a more equitable and inclusive education system for all.

Dimension: 229 x 152 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803825229