Compulsory and free pre-school education for all Roma, but also free school buses for children and young people from socially disadvantaged environments are a "must" if young Roma want a better future. This is one of the conclusions formulated by 40 young Roma leaders in the joint declaration at last week's Congress of Young Roma in Bratislava. It marked the International Roma Day celebrated on April 8. The declaration also points to the persistent discrimination of Roma, the preservation of stereotypes and the predominant negative image of Roma ethnics in the eyes of the majority. They also admit inadequate awareness among Roma themselves about their own history, traditions and culture.
Anca Dragu, Photo: TASR
