OSCE Mission to Skopje supports integration of Roma children

SKOPJE, 7 April 2008 - Facilitating access to education for ethnic Roma children who are not enrolled in school is the aim of a project launched in Skopje today.

Sixty Roma children will learn reading and writing skills and mathematics as part of the project. It was initiated by the local Roma non-governmental organization Sumnal, and is supported by the OSCE Mission to Skopje as well as through proceeds from an OSCE Charity Ball.

"Education is a key factor in helping integrate the ethnic Roma community. We hope these children will understand its importance and one day become examples for future generations in their community," said Bernard Segarra, the Head of the OSCE Mission's Confidence-Building Department.

Fatma Bajram, Sumnal Director, added: "These are 'street children', who every one of us has seen begging on the street and cleaning car windows, and who have never attended school. Through this opportunity, the children will obtain knowledge and skills and most importantly, access to formal education, which would reduce the risk of their social exclusion in the future."