Roma children in Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to face significant barriers in accessing and completing education, particularly at the primary school level. Although several scholarship and support programmes exist, research shows that financial assistance remains fragmented and insufficient, especially for Roma girls in the Sarajevo Canton and Zenica-Doboj Canton.
Limited scholarships and educational support
Over the past decade, different levels of government, international organizations, and civil society initiatives have introduced programmes aimed at supporting the education of Roma children. These include scholarships, school supply grants, transportation support, and mentoring programmes.
In Sarajevo Canton and Zenica-Doboj Canton, support has primarily been provided through cantonal ministries of education, municipal programmes, and projects implemented by NGOs and international donors. These initiatives often include financial stipends for students, school materials, or targeted programmes aimed at preventing early school dropout.
However, most existing scholarships focus on secondary and higher education, while financial support for Roma children in primary education remains relatively limited. For many Roma families living in poverty, even the basic costs of schooling—such as books, transportation, clothing, and meals—can create significant barriers to regular school attendance.
Roma girls face additional challenges
Roma girls are particularly affected by these barriers. Studies conducted by international organizations and human rights groups indicate that gender inequality, early marriage, and traditional gender roles often increase the risk of school dropout among Roma girls.
Financial incentives and scholarship programmes that specifically support girls’ education have proven effective in improving school attendance and retention. However, such programmes remain limited in scope and are often dependent on short-term project funding rather than long-term public policies.
Importance of targeted educational support
Experts emphasize that scholarships and educational support programmes play a critical role not only in reducing poverty-related barriers but also in strengthening social inclusion and preventing discrimination. When combined with mentoring, parental engagement, and community outreach, scholarships can significantly improve educational outcomes for Roma children.
In both Sarajevo and Zenica-Doboj cantons, stakeholders highlight the need for more systematic and sustainable support mechanisms that ensure Roma children—especially girls—can complete primary education and continue their educational paths.
Need for stronger policies and long-term programmes
Researchers and civil society organizations stress that improving educational opportunities for Roma children requires coordinated policies across education, social protection, and minority inclusion programmes.
Long-term scholarship schemes, early educational support, and targeted programmes for girls are considered essential tools for addressing structural inequalities that affect Roma communities.
Strengthening these programmes could contribute not only to higher school completion rates but also to greater social mobility, gender equality, and the long-term inclusion of Roma communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina.