Roma inclusion in education : fostering constructive attitudes and good practices in the Barcelona area (VAKERIPEN) : final project report by GRITIM-UPF

Abstract

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.