The course of Romani language with elements of national culture has been introduced in 15 towns and municipalities across Serbia and is currently attended by 2,264 pupils, said the participants of the conference titled “Presentation of EU achievements in Roma inclusion” held at the EU Info Centre in Belgrade.
Nicolas Bizel of the EU Delegation to Serbia said the EU granted Serbia EUR12 million for programmes aimed at improving the status of Roma.
He said that discrimination was the most common issue faced by some 12 million European Roma in both EU Member States and candidate countries.
The Coordinator of the Roma inclusion programme Ljuan Koka said that the classes taught in Romani attracted least attention among pupils in big cities, such as Belgrade, adding that the response is much better among their peers in smaller towns.
He said that Romani language was taught by either teachers graduated from the Faculty of Philology or Philosophy or by students.
Koka said that before they start teaching, teachers must obtain a certificate from the Belgrade Faculty of Philology in order to meet the necessary requirements.
Koka said that another problem was posed by the lack of textbooks and interest among schools and their administrations to increase the number of Roma pupils who attend Romani language classes.
The EU Info Centre conference was participated in by Roma children and teachers of Romani language with elements of national culture.
