As many as three percent of children from the RE (Roma and Egyptian) population who enroll in primary school drop out of education after the first grade, after completing the eighth or ninth grade, more than 80 percent of children discontinue their education, and the percentage is even higher when it comes to girls, said Irena Rakočević from the Ministry for Human and Minority Rights.
The non-governmental organization (NGO) Juventas announced that she made this statement at the roundtable "The Situation of the Roma and Egyptian Population in Montenegro" held in Podgorica.
"The event brought together representatives of institutions, civil society organizations and local communities, with the aim of exchanging experiences, identifying obstacles and strengthening further joint efforts to improve the position of Roma and Egyptians, especially when it comes to the education of children and youth," the statement said.
Juventas said that "Rakočević pointed out the seriousness of the situation society finds itself in - that even for 1,17 percent of the total population, which is the RE population, we are still not able to provide basic conditions for a dignified life."
"She highlighted the need for everyone, from their own position, to contribute to this topic, because it is an issue that concerns us all. As long as it does not become a collective obligation, serious progress will, as it was concluded, be lacking," the Juventus statement reads.
The NGO said that the gathering was opened by the Protector of Human Rights and Freedoms of Montenegro (Ombudsman), Siniša Bjeković.
He said that progress cannot be reduced only to statistical indicators and formal improvements in the field of education, but must be visible and tangible in all segments of social life - from access to healthcare, employment, to basic housing conditions and participation in decision-making.
He warned that the lack of sensitivity and empathy towards the problems of the RE community is deeply rooted in society, and that there is often resistance to seeing the true complexity of the challenges they face.
Despite this, he expressed the hope he sees in the increasing number of young members of the RE community who are getting educated and actively involved in social processes, especially at the university level.
"I am delighted by the birth of a new generation of Roma and Egyptians, especially at the university level. Every conversation with them has made me richer – not only for new knowledge, but also for a deeper understanding of our own limitations as a society," said Bjeković.
He said that institutions must show greater responsibility, but also a willingness to take concrete action so that every child, regardless of their background, has an equal chance to develop their potential.
The statement says that Svetlana Drobnjak spoke on behalf of the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation (MESI), and referred to "the specific measures being taken in the field of preschool education."
"Within existing capacities, the ministry has sought to contribute to the integration of the RE population into the education system, especially through providing free attendance in preschool institutions for all children from this community. The establishment of a register of children who have arrived for enrollment has been recognized as an important segment, and in order to encourage greater inclusion in the system, promotional campaigns have been conducted in 12 municipalities, in the Roma, Montenegrin and Albanian languages," reads the statement from Juventas.
The statement also states that Drobnjak "also highlighted the efforts being made to identify children from the RE population who are included, but also those who are not included in the preschool education system."
"Such a registry enables timely action, improving the position of children and preventing dropouts during schooling," she said.
Juventas Director, Ivana Vujović, pointed out that despite visible progress, it is still not enough.
"Progress exists and we cannot deny it, but it is not fast enough to respond to the needs of new generations. In some segments, the situation is even worsening - especially when it comes to housing conditions. Communities living on the edge of poverty are often forced to resort to risky survival strategies, which increases the crime rate, and institutions have not done enough to prevent this. In relation to education, it is necessary to provide access to content for the youngest in their mother tongue, improve the quality of remedial teaching, support and expand learning support programs, and improve access to quality and free extended stay that includes support in completing homework," said Vujović.
The second panel, which focused on field experiences, featured speakers Jovan Bojović, Program Director of Juventas, and Nikola Raičević from the Association for the Support of Roma and Egyptians.
Bojović states that education plays a crucial role in creating the foundation for more successful schooling for Roma children.
"Through a quality educational process, it is possible to reduce the differences that arise during schooling, which often stem from unfavorable initial conditions. Learning and acquiring skills in an educational environment helps Roma children to master the language more easily, which directly affects their school success and general integration," said Bojović.
He also warned that systemic legal support for Roma children and their families is still not sufficiently developed.
"Mechanisms such as free legal aid are often not adapted to the real needs of the community, access to them is made difficult by language barriers, complicated procedures and lack of trust," Juventas said in a statement.
Raičević pointed to positive experiences from Berane, where, as stated in the statement, progress has been made in the enrollment of Roma children in kindergartens and preschool institutions.
He also noted that their organization, although relatively young, is making significant contributions to improving the community's enrollment rates in all levels and systems of schooling and education.
"With the support of relevant institutions, we are trying to ensure that every child completes at least primary education. Roma mediators in educational institutions play a key role in this, contributing to the motivation of children, as well as better communication with parents and the community," said Raičević.
Juventas said that with this event they are continuing their efforts to, in cooperation with institutions and local stakeholders, contribute to systemic changes and improve the position of the RE community in Montenegro, with a special focus on education as the basis for any further progress.
"This event was realized as part of the 'Children's Animated Series in the Romani Language' project implemented by Juventas and funded by the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights," reads a statement from Juventas.
Bonus video:
