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Situation in education
The last census data (year 2000) shows that only 7.9% Gypsies have a secondary education and only 26 Gypsies have Higher Education. 24.3% of Roma, who are older than 15 years, education is less than 4 classes (Primary school level). 25.2% of Roma have not indicated their Education level at all. According to National Employment Agency data in 2003, there are 39 registered illiterate unemployed Gypsies, but it is not possible to determine the exact number of illiterate Roma. Involvement in general education and pre-school education attendance is a particular problem of Roma children. Although since 2003 Latvian national legislation provides 5 6 years old children compulsory preparing for school, many Roma parents still don't know it. thus from the very beginning of education Roma children without adequate preparation for school are in unequal situation with other children.
Employment situation
In Latvia there are very few Roma who have been involved in long-term formal employment relationship. As mentioned in ECRI (European Commission Against Racism and Intolerance ) report, "...As in many other European countries, the Latvian Roma are located in a difficult economic situation. Only 2% of them have permanent job, and unemployment is very high. This situation is actual because of many factors like lack of education and professional training and the fact that members of community are not informed of their rights. Stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination also have an impact on the Gypsies.''
of all respondents think that Gypsies are well integrated in Latvian society. 71% respondents say, that in Latvia the Roma create their own closed communities, which means, that there is segregation of Roma. In society there are fear and stigma of contact with the Roma. For example, survey data show, that 43% of Latvian inhabitants don't want to be Gypsy neighbors. Another survey shows that if people had Gypsy neighbor, their behavior would be much more cautious 52.4%. Despite the numerous marginalisation features of the Roma community, to ensure effective community inclusion in society, integration process should be double-sided, including both community interests representatives and all Latvian society participation.