Child’s right to education: lessons from a research in the Kirtimai settlement

• International network of doctoral studies in law: knygos tekstas

ENThe Law on Education in Lithuania embodies a principle of equal opportunities in education – it emphasizes that educational system is fair, ensures equality for individuals irrespective of gender, race, nationality, language, origin, social position, religion, beliefs or convictions and guarantees each individual access to education (LR Seimas 1991). Yet, the results of a sociological research, conducted with Roma residents of Kirtimai settlement (Vilnius), opens questions on implementation of the statutory principle of equal opportunities in the system of education of Lithuania. The 2011 census results showed an increase in Roma education levels in Lithuania – compared to 2001, more people have attained basic education level, the number of illiterate people has decreased by 15 per cent (from 26 to 10 per cent). This increase in educational attainment among Lithuanian Roma has not been even in the whole country. The youngest generation (10–19 years olds) of Roma, living in the Kirtimai settlement, continue to have very low educational attainment levels. In the conference paper, main results of a dissertation research, conducted with Roma children attending a primary school in Vilnius, are presented, paying special attention to the role of the state in implementing the child’s right to education. Keywords: equal opportunities in education, Roma, local government. [From the publication]