Biserica, calea pentru educație a comunităților de romi. O perspectivă istorică și etnografică asupra impactului Bisericii în comunitățile de romi [The Church, the Path to Education for Roma Communities. A Historical and Ethnographic Perspective on the Impact of the Church in Roma Communities]

Nastase, Rafael (2025) Biserica, calea pentru educație a comunităților de romi. O perspectivă istorică și etnografică asupra impactului Bisericii în comunitățile de romi [The Church, the Path to Education for Roma Communities. A Historical and Ethnographic Perspective on the Impact of the Church in Roma Communities]. Bucharest Theological Institue Timotheus. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

This article examines the phenomenon of absenteeism and school dropout among Roma communities in Romania, where approximately 20% of Roma children are not enrolled in school and 30% drop out early. First of all, the study presents a historical picture of the impact of the Church in the education of disadvantaged communities and offers two case studies of contemporary good practice through ethnographic research carried out in the Roma communities of the city of Boldești-Scăeni and the village of Păuleasca. The article explores the positive impact of after-school programs initiated by evangelical churches, which not only provide educational support but also encourage social change and community responsibility. These programmes aim to combat discrimination and promote self-esteem among Roma children, while also addressing wider social issues such as early marriage and domestic violence. The findings show that these faith-based initiatives contribute to improving educational outcomes and preserving cultural identity within marginalized communities. This research emphasizes the importance of integrating spiritual teachings with social initiatives, presenting the evangelical church as a mediator in transforming the socio-economic landscape of Roma communities in Romania. Future studies could benefit from examining partnerships between religious organisations and civil authorities to improve access to education and social inclusion for other marginalised groups.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Europe, Romania, Roma, Gypsy, Evangelical church, after-school, religious organization, transformation
Subjects:	B Mission Theology/Theory > Contextualization/Inculturation B Mission Theology/Theory > Identity Issues B Mission Theology/Theory > Human Development C Types of Christian Ministry > Discipleship C Types of Christian Ministry > Religious Education G Christian Traditions/ Denominations > Evangelicals
Divisions:	Romania
Depositing User:	Jelena Bakic
Date Deposited:	31 Mar 2026 21:44
Last Modified:	31 Mar 2026 21:44
URI:	https://rocprints.rockcentre.org/id/eprint/678

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