Access to quality education
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© UNICEF/ Romania1723/ Langenstrasse |
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Roma girl exercising her right to education |
Although the number of children enrolled in the education system is high, there are children, mostly from poor Roma or rural communities, who do not go to school at all, or who drop out of school before completing compulsory education.
The school curriculum is outdated and needs to be modernized to reflect the reality of today’s world and to teach children life skills: to think independently, to be inquisitive and creative, to know how to deal with stress, to respect themselves, and to care about others. Another issue of concern is a 2006 study which found that 75% of all schools are affected by violence.
The educational priorities of the government aim for a balance between equity and quality, social facilities for students in disadvantaged environments, adjusting the teaching-learning process according to the individual needs of the child, thus guaranteeing equal opportunities in access to education. A series of programmes has been initiated to meet these strategic priorities, to prevent school drop-out, and assist those who have already dropped out. However, the attendance rate among vulnerable, excluded and/or discriminated groups of children continues to remain quite low.
