The acting Ombudsman of Spain, Francisco Fernández Marugán, visited the CEIP Albolafia of Córdoba today, a school for nursery and primary education in which the majority of its students are of Gypsy ethnicity.
For the Ombudsman it is necessary to eradicate the segregation of gypsy students in schools and to assure the integration of these children. Recently, at the request of the National Federation of Gypsy Women’s Associations Kamira and the Association of Gypsy Teachers, Fernández Marugán has initiated a new action in this regard.
The Ombudsman has addressed the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports, to request information about the schools in which the majority of the population is Gypsy, as well as on the measures that are being carried out to prevent the concentration of these children in certain schools.
During his visit to the Albolafia’s school, the Ombudsman has met with the teachers and children of the center to meet their needs and concerns. On April 8th, the International Day of the Gypsy People (visit their Spanish website) is celebrated and in this framework, the students have read a manifesto and have interpreted the gypsy hymn Gelem.
Also, on the occasion of this international day, Fernández Marugán has participated in the “Ceremony of the River”. An act, in which the participants have thrown flower petals and lit candles to the Guadalquivir River. This symbolizes the departure of the ancestors of gypsies, including the gypsies of the Punjab (Indian) region and their subsequent exodus through the world.
The Ombudsman, who maintains constant collaboration with the associations that represent this group, share his view that it is necessary to create new programs and projects that address the issue of segregation and school drop-out at an early age; avoiding school absenteeism and distributing more equitably the children who needed special educational support.
The CEIP Albolafia became a learning community in the 2011/2012 academic year to put an end to the situation of social inequality suffered by its students and the families of these children.
For the Ombudsman it is necessary to intensify efforts to combat discrimination, end stereotypes and achieve real and effective equality of the Gypsy people.
