In the master's thesis, we discussed the stigmatization and discrimination of Roma children in a public elementary school. We have shown that the concept of integration lacks the connection of diversity, which the inclusion is characterized by. The latter is crucial for the operation of schools in a multicultural community. We have also shown that the formal framework that we must respect in Slovenia is based on respect for diversity, equal opportunities and rights for everyone, regardless of their ethnicity, and forbids discrimination. This also applies to the operation of public elementary schools in Slovenia. We have shown that, despite the government's efforts to increase their inclusion in various areas of life, the basic human rights of the Roma in Slovenia are violated, as they live in inadequate living conditions, which further contribute to their exclusion in other areas of life. We have also shown that the inadequate living conditions in which the Roma live and their lack of knowledge of the Slovenian language contribute significantly to their discrimination in public elementary schools. In overcoming this discrimination, the role of the Roma assistant is crucial. In the empirical part of the master's thesis, we examined the feelings and attitudes of two Roma children and found that both of them experience stigma from their surroundings due to their ethnic background and feel discriminated against at school by both other students and teachers. An interview with the Roma assistant confirmed this. We demonstrated that the school attended by the students is inclusive, but according to the Roma assistant, there is still plenty of room for improvement.
|
