Teaching about the Roma Genocide

 Inclusion of the topic in the school curriculum

According to the OSCE (Education on the Holocaust and on Anti-Semitism, page 66), “Teaching on the Holocaust occurs chronologically throughout the history curriculum, beginning with the history of the Jews since antiquity and leading on to World War II and the foundation of Israel. Holocaust education occurs approximately at the age of 13. History schoolbooks feature a chapter on Dictatorial Regimes: Germany During the Nazi Dictatorship.” It is not known if Roma are included in these materials, although the OSCE calls for inclusion of the Roma Genocide.

 Inclusion of the topic in the school textbooks

It is not known if the Roma Genocide is included in the school textbooks, although the OSCE calls for its inclusion.

History schoolbooks feature a chapter on Dictatorial Regimes: Germany During the Nazi Dictatorship.

 Training of teachers and education professionals

According to the OSCE (Education on the Holocaust and on Anti-Semitism, page 66), no specific teacher training or funding is allocated for Holocaust education in and of itself. History and geography teachers receive Holocaust education as part of a broader training course run by the Institute of Pedagogical Studies. Some teachers have voluntarily undertaken courses at the Institute, for instance “Facing History and Ourselves”. Teachers receive training on how to deal with discrimination, during which the Holocaust is also discussed.

 Particular activities undertaken at the level of education institutions

Albanian schools observe 10th December as a day devoted to “Good understanding and tolerant attitudes in schools”, following an order issued by the Minister of Education and Science in February 1998. Every 10th December, various activities focusing on Holocaust historical events are taking place in schools.

Schools and universities participate in events on 27th January through a number of activities aimed at remembrance of the Holocaust and its victims. Activities organised at schools include exhibitions of paintings and drawings, poems and essays. A common theme of all activities is “never again”. Schools focus on the importance of learning the lessons of the Holocaust and their relation to today’s crises in the world. Elementary, secondary and high school teachers seek to integrate multicultural, anti-bias and social justice themes into their lesson plans.