Identifying constraints on Roma minority education provision in Romania (original) (raw)

The legislative principles that govern Romanian education, such as ensuring equal opportunities and social inclusion and focusing education on its beneficiaries, are tested by the real-life situation of Roma children and young people. The pandemic has put pressure on the educational system. The closure of schools from March 2020 and the forced transfer of teaching activities to an online format are increasing the problems faced by Roma children and young people, in many cases blocking their access to education due to technological constraints. Family support is essential for primary school students and particularly in the case of digital learning. Many Roma families are not interested in spending money on education, especially if, in addition, they are losing income that older children bring home. For educators, Dewey’s (1944) prediction has come true: ‘If we teach today’s students as we taught yesterday’s, we rob them of tomorrow’ (p.167). For Roma students, digital education means...