Ljubljana, 6 September (STA) - Human rights Ombudsman Vlasta Nussdorfer pointed to a number of issues that step into focus as the school year starts in September. In her web column, Nussdorfer expressed concern over the traditional student initiations, which often turn into harassment, and is worried about insufficient oversight in home schooling, among other things.

Nussdorfer points to the advantages of school environment for the socialisation of the child. What is more, potential problems at home are harder to detect when children are home-schooled.

The ombudsman is moreover worried about the education of Roma children in Slovenia. She underlined that the Roma children should be able to learn Slovenian from kindergarten on; however, many Roma families still fail to see this as an integral element in the development of their children.

Moreover, the start of a new school year is a good opportunity to remind parents who are separated that although they are no longer married or in partnership with the other parent, they will remain parents to their children for the rest of their lives.

Partnership problems mark children and the consequences are often very severe, Nussdorfer said.

She added that even perfect legislation cannot substitute the most basic message of the adults to the children; a message of respect, responsibility, honesty, reliability and hard work.