The Roma of Thessaly

For the thesis I wrote for my MA "Education and Human Rights", I conducted field research on the education of primary school students belonging to the Roma minority in the Greek province of Thessaly, a historically marginalized group in Greek society. I focused on issues of social exclusion in the educational process, as well as on factors exerting a positive influence on the education and social inclusion of the Roma community. My research showed that Roma children are beset by a number of problems resulting from their marginalized status in society, but also from an educational system fraught with problems and unable to provide them with adequate support. Multiple forms of inequality, both social and economic, contribute to the disadvantaged position experienced by the Roma. Discrimination against the Roma and inadequate schooling make for ineffective schools. However, cases that are exception to the norm, may constitute a positive example for other members of the community, helping them escape the vicious circle of entrapment. The photos were taken during my field research in the Roma settlement.