Resolution to combat segregation of Roma pupils signed

A joint Resolution on Desegregation in the Slovak Education System was signed by Public Ombudswoman Mária Patakyová, Government Proxy for Roma Communities Ábel Ravasz, Chief School Inspector Viera Kalmárová and Child Psychology and Pathopsychology Research Institute head Janette Motlová on Monday. It focuses on measures concerning pre-school education and the student transition from elementary to secondary school. According to the document signatories, accomplishing tangible progress is not possible without the provision of equal access to the education system for every child, regardless of their ethnicity and living conditions. The provision of attending one year at nursery school should be made mandatory. The pupil diagnostic system should undergo an extensive overhaul so its cultural bias is reduced and school districts should be motivated to support the integration of all pupils. Former government proxy for Roma communities Peter Pollák (from the opposition party OĽaNO) is pessimistic that such a resolution would have any practical results. Roma ethnics represent around 10 percent of Slovakia's population.