In Bulgaria, Roma are the minority with the highest risk of unemployment
and the lowest level of education. Alongside the drop out from education
for economic reasons that is widespread among young Roma, patterns that
are inherent to the educational system discourage them additionally from
school attendance. Roma as an ethnic group, Romani culture and history
are not reflected in the curriculum. With few exceptions, teachers are
not aware of customs and traditions in Romani families. Therefore
deviant behaviour of Romani school-students is perceived as disturbing
and abnormal. Cultural and religious diversity is not valued but refused
as inferior, which makes it less likely that young Roma are accepted by
classmates and feel regarded. This volume analyses the complex and
discouraging situation of Roma in the Bulgarian education system. It
concludes with comprehensive policy recommendations.