Kragujevac, Serbia, is actively promoting social inclusion by prioritizing education for its Roma community. The city is providing essential resources, including free textbooks and school supplies, to Roma children from preschool through elementary levels. This initiative aims to equip Roma youth with foundational skills for academic success and future employment, recognizing education as a key driver for improving life trajectories.
Serbia has, in recent decades, significantly focused on enhancing the circumstances of its Roma population, with educational advancement being a central pillar of these efforts. While there has been a positive increase in the percentage of Roma children completing primary education, societal prejudices continue to impact career aspirations and opportunities. Pedagogical assistants are playing a crucial role in bridging the gap between educational institutions, families, and support systems, thereby nurturing the learning journeys of Roma children. These assistants, equipped with specific methodologies and cultural sensitivity training, help overcome barriers related to language, social integration, and access to resources. Their responsibilities include assisting with enrollment, facilitating transportation, and ensuring access to learning materials, thereby addressing obstacles stemming from ethnic, cultural, and linguistic differences.
Despite ongoing financial challenges that sometimes lead young Roma individuals to enter the workforce prematurely, there is a growing ambition for higher education and professional development within the community. This dedication is evidenced by a notable rise in the number of Roma individuals holding university degrees, a significant contrast to the situation two decades ago when such achievements were rare. These advancements are contributing to more favorable employment prospects for the community.
Recent data indicates that while progress is being made, educational attainment for Roma in Serbia still lags behind the general population. The gap is most pronounced in secondary and higher education when compared to other Western Balkan countries. For instance, approximately 2% of the Roma population in Serbia attends higher education, with the overall number of Roma holding university degrees standing at about 0.7% (as of 2016). Furthermore, a significant portion of marginalized Roma youth (aged 18-24) are not in employment, education, or training (NEET), although this rate has seen a slight decrease. Challenges are multifaceted, including poverty, social deprivation, and language barriers among some Roma families, which can impede early learning and communication.
However, concerted measures by municipal and state authorities, alongside increasing self-advocacy within the Roma community, are fostering a more equitable future. These initiatives are strategically designed to improve the quality of life and uphold the fundamental rights of the Roma people, promoting their successful integration and overall well-being. The establishment of a National Association of Pedagogical Assistants marks a significant step in further developing their role and impact within the education system, aiming to enhance collaboration and support for Roma students.