Tuzla Canton will introduce Romani language in its schools as of next school year, in an attempt to create inclusive and non-discriminatory educational environment and preserving the rights of the ethnic minorities.

The decision was announced on Friday, November 5, which is marked as the World Day of Romani Language.

“Roma people are making progress, slowly, but we are moving forward. Earlier we spoke about social problems of Roma people, and today we are talking about culture. I am sure that Roma are making progress in the City of Tuzla, and that we want to preserve our cultural identity,” said city councilor Nedzad Jusic, representing ethnic minorities in the City Council of Tuzla.

Tuzla Canton is the first in Bosnia and Herzegovina to introduce Romani language in schools, he said, adding that this is a great success and expressing hope the other cantons will do the same.

“This is a historic day,” said Jusic.

Nearly 600 of Roma students are enrolled in elementary schools on the territory of Tuzla Canton, while some 80 are in high schools and eight are being educated in universities.