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Why the truth will set us free. or The Facts Are Always Friendly. Cultural Characteristics of Roma. Language: 92% speak Romanian as their 1 st language Religion: 85% are Orthodox Christian Lifestyle: 99% are NOT nomadic 52% live in urban areas 80% consider themselves Romanian.
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Why the truth will set us free or The Facts Are Always Friendly
Cultural Characteristics of Roma • Language: • 92% speak Romanian as their 1st language Religion: • 85% are Orthodox Christian Lifestyle: • 99% are NOT nomadic • 52% live in urban areas • 80% consider themselves Romanian.
What’s the difference? Education Income Property ownership SOCIAL CLASS
Years spent in school: National average: 11.2 years Roma children: 6.8 years
Population with some secondary education Source: WB report
Employed Roma earn 55% less than rest of the population: Source: WB report
Productivity losses:2 Billion – 5.7 Billion € Source: WB report
Tax revenue losses: 1 Billion – 2 Billion € Source: WB report
Economic Costs of Roma Exclusion Higher birth rate = more children growing up without job qualifications Ageing of European population = pensions and health funds under growing pressure. Conclusion: CEE countries cannot afford to forgo the fiscal contributions of citizens of Roma descent.
“The annual fiscal gains from bridging the employment gap are much higher than the total cost of investing in public education for ALL Roma children.” The Economic Costs of Roma Exclusion, World Bank report, May 2010