Original scientific paper

The Education of Gypsies in Croatia

Neven HRVATIĆ

Abstract

The education of Gypsy children in Croatia has not been
organized in the past according to the importance it holds in the
process of integration of Gypsies. This means that practical
(school) realization as well as theoretical (scientific research)
contributions were modest. In the new context of the Croatian
state (the past ten years) school and education have become the
possible intercultural media in function of the social, cultural and
economic promotion of Gypsies (integrative concept, avoidance
of assimilation, a means in the process of cultural autonomy of
Gypsies…). In the process of conceptualization of the education
system for members of the Gypsy national community one
should have in mind the socioeconomic, religious, regional and
local status and position of Gypsies in Croatia, as well as of
particular Gypsy groups. In outlining the specific forms and
models of education for Gypsies there have been several scientific
research projects in Croatia (Genealogy and transfer of the
models of interculturalism; School curriculum and characteristics
of Croatian national culture; Social and developmental position
of Gypsies in Croatia), as well as experimental verifications on a
conceptual and more specific teaching, didactic level. The Summer
school of Gypsy children in Croatia, the Gypsy education
community and Gypsy pre-school center “Ceferino Jimenez
Malla” represent a foundation towards a gradual constitution of
elements for a specific school system for Gypsies in Croatia. Together
with the administrative structure, only a comprehensive
concept of Gypsy education in Croatia (in addition to recognizing
consequences in certain sections – pre-school education,
elementary, secondary and higher education…) should be a
process that will not remain at the level of declarative (re)formation,
planning and programming, but become a permanent
scientific approach for anticipating possible development.

Keywords

Hrčak ID:

20270

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/20270

Publication date:

30.6.2000.

Article data in other languages: croatian german

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