Search
26.9.2023
NEWS

HISTORY

TRADITIONS, CULTURE

PERSONALITIES

USEFUL CONTACTS

PHOTOS OF THE ROMA

VARIOUS

RADIO PRAGUE










Česky English Deutsch Francais
Report paints grim picture on Czech social exclusion, education reform seen as main hope
12-02-2015 - Chris Johnstone
A report is heading towards the government which presents a gloomy picture of the country’s success over the last five years in trying to lift its worst off and most isolated members of society out of the plight they are in. These are often a mixture of inadequate education, bleak job prospects, and poor living conditions and housing. For the Roma minority, who are often among what is termed the socially excluded, there is also the added element of discrimination.

Martin Šimáček, photo: Šárka Ševčíková, Czech Radio Martin Šimáček is director of the government’s Agency for Social Inclusion, the main body for dealing with the problem. I asked him far the social inclusion policy over the last five years had failed to meet its goals.

“In the strategy, there are more than 70 different measures to support social inclusion in all the immediate areas beginning with education, employment, and housing conditions. And I have to say that less than half the measures were really fulfilled. So the state policies to support social inclusion are not as efficient as we need.”

Illustrative photo: Filip Jandourek, Czech Radio Given that, what conclusions have been drawn and what needs to be changed?

“First of all I have to say that social inclusion really needs political support. So, that is the first key thing. We can see with this government it is better than before. So for the next period, 2015-2020, we can expect a bit of a different approach from the government to the questions of social inclusion, especially from the side of the Ministry of Social Affairs where the minister [Michaela] Marksová is very prepared to support us.”

Illustrative photo: Gabriela Hauptvogelová, Czech Radio Can you be a bit more specific in what areas you might expect more support, presumably education, training, and housing conditions where some of the housing is basically sub-standard?

“These two areas are crucial. First of all, education, we have had a huge discussion about inclusive education during the last five years. After this discussion we are now expecting a new schools act, which after government discussion, is now in parliament. And we are awaiting the results from parliament. And this could the first key point for the future. And now a key point is whether support for children for children with special needs will be individualised. That is if every single child will get individual support for its education. We really need to change the approach and not have segregation in Czech schools but have individual integration in the mainstream schools. And the first step for that is the new school act. And as well as that what is important is changes in pre-school preparation and more capacity for pre-school s to support children with special needs in pre-school education.

Illustrative photo: Filip Jandourek, Czech Radio So how optimistic are you? The previous report, in a nutshell, says that the policies have not worked…

“I am not sure that I can say I am really optimistic because I have to be realistic. I know that policies to support social inclusion are not that popular. We have to see that the mainstream is not really supporting the inclusion of Roma people in society. And, also, this is not just a question for government but also one for regional and local authorities which have to be prepared to make some changes.”



Related articles
DateTitleFeature
09.08.2016Philharmonic offers life chance to deprived Roma childrenNews
03.09.2015EDUin’s Bob Kartous: inclusive education in the Czech Republic still facing plenty of hurdlesNews
18.04.2013Is the Czech media helping give Romanies a bad name?News
07.08.2012Romani residents determined to stay in their homes despite eviction noticeNews
03.10.2011Roma rights advocate Gwendolyn Albert on anti-Romany rallies, poverty and the government’s strategy in combating social exclusionNews
23.09.2011Ethnic tensions rack north Bohemian town of VarnsdorfNews
22.09.2011Government adopts strategy on fighting Romany exclusionNews
20.09.2011Čáslav takes tough line with Romany newcomers amidst fears of racial problemsNews
07.03.2011Government’s Roma inclusion agency head Martin Šimáček: most mayors not ready to work hard on integrationNews
All related articles
Article
Format for printing
Send as e-mail

Also in section "News"
31.10.19  Roma children’s choir Chavorenge and members of the Czech Philharmonic to perform in UK
13.09.19  Archaeologists discover graves of Roma persecuted during WWII in Lety camp
02.06.19  Ida Kelarová and her Romany children’s choir Chavorenge
29.05.19  Two Roma activists to receive Charter 77’s František Kriegel Award
07.04.19  Romany music from the Czech Republic
13.03.19  Czech singer Věra Bílá, dubbed the Ella Fitzgerald of Gypsy music, dies days before her comeback tour
21.11.18  Roma social worker from Ostrava listed on BBC 100 Women list
12.10.18  Why are there so few Roma politicians?
17.09.18  Virtuoso pianist Tomáš Kačo: When I tell somebody I’m a Gypsy in the US, they’re excited about it
06.06.18  Study indicates ethnic hate is contagious
Archive of the section

Most popular articles
3153053   26.02.00 Some Basic Information about the Roma Population in the Czech Republic
290319   27.01.05 The 'Devouring': A look at the Romani Holocaust
184516   26.02.00 The History and Origin of the Roma
141463   26.02.02 The Language of the Roma
107706   13.06.00 The History of the Roma Minority in the Czech Republic
105260   26.02.00 The Traditional Family Life of the Czech Roma
103929   02.06.03 The Roma Holocaust
88238    World famous Roma Personalities
88174   21.02.04 Extreme right activists demonstrate for skinhead in jail
74801    Photographs by Romani Children
Copyright © Český rozhlas / Czech Radio, 1997-2023
Vinohradská 12, 120 99 Praha 2, Czech Republic
E-mail: info@romove.cz