The main objective of this project, which combines qualitative research with
practical implementation, was to establish constructive and lasting channels of
communication between Roma families and schools in four neighbourhoods in the
metropolitan area of Barcelona, with high proportions of Roma population and
significant problems with school failure: La Mina, Sant Roc, Bon Pastor and El
Gornal. Specifically, we aimed to create awareness-raising among school teachers
and other school staff, ...
The main objective of this project, which combines qualitative research with
practical implementation, was to establish constructive and lasting channels of
communication between Roma families and schools in four neighbourhoods in the
metropolitan area of Barcelona, with high proportions of Roma population and
significant problems with school failure: La Mina, Sant Roc, Bon Pastor and El
Gornal. Specifically, we aimed to create awareness-raising among school teachers
and other school staff, in order to combat negative stereotypes of Roma families,
and simultaneously to promote a positive attitude towards education through
awareness-raising among Roma families.
Throughout the project, we have provided forums for teacher training, dialogue and exchange between Roma families and Roma community representatives, schools and local authorities in the Barcelona area, at all times guided by principles of reciprocity. In three of the target neighbourhoods, we organized a series of teacher training sessions in collaboration with the Catalan Department of Education (Ensenyament), with emphasis on increasing awareness and sensitivity to the life situations of the Roma families, as well as the importance of including Roma culture and history in the school material, in order to make these pupils and their families feel better represented. We also had several meetings with headmasters, teachers and intermediary actors (Roma school mediators, social integrators, and representatives from local associations) in all four neighbourhoods, to discuss measures to improve the school situation of Roma youth and the communication with their families.
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