Inclusion, Integration or Perpetual Exclusion? A Critical Examination of the Decade of Roma Inclusion, 2005–2015

Abstract

A total of 12 European countries with significant Roma populations are taking part in the Decade of Roma Inclusion, 2005–2015 (the Decade). Each of these countries developed a Decade Action Plan with the aim of eliminating the marginalization and discrimination of Roma in the areas of housing, health care, employment and education. Nonetheless, as we near the end of the Decade, we find little evidence that disparities between Roma and non-Roma citizens of Europe have decreased. Of all the priorities noted in the Decade, education is seen as the most successful, and that success is minimal at best. This article critically examines why ‘inclusion’ has failed and offers insights into micro and macro contexts and educational goals formulated by the states participating in the Decade.

Beyond Inclusion: Reconsidering Policies, Curriculum, and Pedagogy for Roma Students

“…The Action Plans were problematic in both the way they were formulated and the way they were going to be implemented and monitored (Curcic et al, 2014). For example, the educational goals for Roma youth as stated in the Action Plan of the Decade in Montenegro proposed vocational training adjusted to the Roma population to include "metal processing crafts, metal masterpiece production, raw material processing, wooden masterpiece production, musical instruments production, etc."…”

A survey of quality of life indicators in the Romanian Roma population following the ‘Decade of Roma Inclusion’

“…A number of studies have examined the various factors the Decade of Roma Inclusion sought to address in Roma communities across the EU, both during the implementation of the project and since its conclusion in 2015 5,11,13,18,19 . Unfortunately, while some improvements did occur, a number of studies indicate the DRI did not achieve its stated goals in the areas of education, housing, employment, and health status of Roma in participating countries 20,21 .…”

From Past Aspirations to Present Achievements: A Case Study of Three K-8 Schools Successfully Educating Roma Students

“…As an accession state, Croatia was one of 12 states that participated in the Decade of Roma Inclusion. In 2005, the states developed Action Plans to address Roma inclusion in the fields of education, health, housing, and employment, but most states, including Croatia, did not have clearly established baselines and indicators of progress (Curcic, Miskovic, Plaut, & Ceobanu, 2014).…”