Giving visibility to the gypsy people of Paraíba: rescuing citizenship, guaranteeing rights

Abstract

When researching the education of gypsies in Paraíba, we came across formative and enriching experiences. In this article, we present a reflection generated from a research project developed in 2014 in two state schools located near the gypsy community of Sousa (in the backlands of Paraíba). To presene the proposed discussion – the importance of making gypsy existence a visible and valued reality – we present Brazilian public policies, in addition to legislation that targets gypsies. And we asked ourselves about the obstacles to effectively applying this legal framework, taking Sousa as the locus of research. The hypothesis that guided us is that we would identify similarities and discrepancies between the documentary frameworks focused on and the narratives presented by the actors involved. We conducted documentary and qualitative research, with a methodology that included bibliographical review, incursions into the research field, including
visits, interviews and meetings in the two schools studied. Data analysis indicated the need to offer teachers opportunities for discussions and guidance on education and its relationship with diversity. It is hoped that by socializing the ideas presented here, views on gypsies will be redefined, recognizing them as Brazilian citizens, with constitutional guarantees and included by right in Brazilian society.