Description
The lack of educational preparation oriented for the labour market and skills, which are acquired by other members of society by socialization, excludes Roma youth from possible job opportunities. The project aims to change this situation. It proposes some actions that will empower these young adults to break the barriers separating them from higher education. Gender equality will have a special emphasis on the training program and on the selection of a pilot group where priority will be given to female candidates, as they are victims of discrimination within their own patriarchal communities. The initiative also provides information and awareness–raising activities for the Roma community, for the populations in closer contact with this community, and for education-related institutions.
Summary of project results
The traditional Roma occupations (trading at fairs and markets) are in crisis, the young Roma need to join the labour market and formal education. Young adults are open to change, there are some positive trends in Roma communities, but such developments must be promoted in contact with families through mediation and awareness raising. Yet, the community environment is not favourable: traditional little appreciation of the school, low-income parents with low school and professional qualifications limiting the aspirations of children, lack of role models in the family, fear of loss of Roma identity, reconciliation with the "laws" of the Roma tradition. On the other hand, educational institutions are not prepared to communicate with Roma families, mainly at higher levels of education. 14 young Roma were trained (non-formal education) and empowered to enable them to access university studies. Mentors were selected to accompany and support them, to raise awareness of their families, to prepare applications to the university. 4 residential seminars of 2 days were organized under this framework. The 15 people involved in the project (one was above 30 years of age) were recruited/selected all across Portugal in order to maximise impact as they should become examples for their communities: 2 from the Algarve; 3 from Alentejo; 3 from Lisbon region; 2 from Norte region; 5 from Centro region. 192 people of the Roma communities were raised awareness (in 32 actions) about the need for young Roma to further study and on how school is compatible with the Roma identity; on the other hand, several initiatives took place in 12 education institutions to facilitate inclusion. On the base of the results, the Portuguese Government has promised to support replication of the project through the implementation of a programme to promote higher education among Roma, thus creating good examples and agents of change for the community. The promoter reports significant progress in project management, working methods, lobbying of public entities and proximity with stakeholders.
Summary of bilateral results