2.1. The specific challenges faced by Roma youth
Roma youth face many specific challenges in the contemporary European social-political context. These challenges are multifaceted, encompassing issues related to education, employment, discrimination, social inclusion, and political representation. Here are some of the key challenges:
Educational barriers
Educational barriers faced by Roma youth in Europe are a significant concern, as they limit opportunities for social mobility and perpetuate cycles of poverty and marginalization. These barriers can be understood in several key areas:
- Segregation, which is manifest by putting Roma children in separate schools and classes, which are typically of lower quality and have fewer resources than those attended by non-Roma students. This segregation can stem from both explicit policies and informal practices.
- Roma children are disproportionately placed in special education classes or schools for children with disabilities, often without proper assessments, resulting in a substandard education that doesn’t meet their needs.
- Early school leaving is confirmed by the high dropout rates. Roma youth have significantly higher dropout rates compared to their peers. Factors contributing to this include economic pressures, a lack of educational support, and experiences of discrimination and bullying.
- Economic pressures because many Roma families live in poverty and may rely on their children to contribute to the household income, leading to early school leaving.
- Low quality of education because of the under-resourced schools. Schools that serve predominantly Roma populations often lack basic resources, including qualified teachers, adequate facilities, and learning materials.
- Teacher expectations and training because in the schools from Roma communities, the teachers have lower expectations for Roma students and may not be adequately trained to address their specific educational needs or to work in a culturally sensitive manner.
- Difficult access to early childhood education because it is a limited enrolment of Roma children who are less likely to be enrolled in early childhood education programs, which are crucial for developing foundational skills and preparing for primary education. Barriers include cost, lack of awareness, and limited availability of programs in Roma communities.
- The discrimination and bullying constitute a hostile environment for Roma students who often face discrimination, prejudice, and bullying from peers, teachers, and school administrators. This hostile environment can lead to lower self-esteem, disengagement, and ultimately dropping out of school. Also, there is a lack of support for Roma students concerning this issue. Schools frequently lack effective mechanisms to address and combat discrimination and bullying, leaving Roma students feeling unsupported and isolated.
- Low parental involvement and support due to the educational background of parents. Many Roma parents have had limited educational opportunities themselves, which can affect their ability to support their children’s education.
- Distrust of institutions due to historical and ongoing discrimination, which is often a deep-seated distrust of educational institutions among Roma families, leading to lower engagement with the school system.
- Language barriers of Roma students who speak Romani as their mother language and who lack non-native language instruction. Roma children might speak Romani or another language at home, while instruction at school is in the national language. This language barrier can hinder their comprehension and ability to engage fully in the classroom.
- Limited access to higher education because of the socio-economic barriers and discriminatory practices which often limit Roma youth’s access to universities and higher education institutions.
Employment discrimination
Employment discrimination against Roma youth in Europe is a significant barrier that contributes to high unemployment rates and poor job quality within this community. This discrimination is multi-layered, encompassing direct prejudice, systemic biases, and structural inequalities. Here are the key aspects:
- Direct discrimination by prejudiced hiring practices. Many employers hold biases against Roma individuals, leading to discriminatory hiring practices. Roma applicants may be rejected based on their ethnicity rather than their qualifications.
- Negative stereotypes about Roma, such as perceptions of being unreliable or untrustworthy, can influence hiring decisions and workplace treatment.
- Systemic barriers such as poor access to education and training. Roma youth often have limited access to quality education and vocational training, which restricts their ability to acquire the skills needed for many jobs. This educational gap translates into fewer opportunities in the job market.
- Inadequate support services due to a lack of targeted employment support services for Roma, such as job placement programs, career counselling, and training schemes tailored to their needs.
- Workplace discrimination which is manifest in a hostile work environment. Roma employees may face hostility, harassment, and discrimination from colleagues and supervisors, creating an unwelcoming work environment.
- Limited career advancement such as, even when Roma individuals secure employment, they may encounter barriers to career progression due to discriminatory practices within the workplace, such as being passed over for promotions.
- Precarious employment expressed by informal and unstable jobs. Roma youth are more likely to be employed in informal, low-paying, and unstable jobs without proper contracts, job security, or benefits. This precarious employment often lacks legal protection and social security.
- Exploitation, which is expressed, in some cases, when Roma workers are subject to exploitative labour conditions, including unfair wages, poor working conditions, and excessive working hours.
- Geographical and social isolation due to segregated living conditions. Many Roma live in segregated and marginalized communities with limited access to job markets. Physical distance from economic centres and lack of transportation further hinders employment opportunities.
- Lack of social networks due to social exclusion, known as social networks, can help in finding job opportunities, which are crucial in many employment contexts.
- Legal and policy frameworks which develop ineffective enforcement. Even when anti-discrimination laws exist, they are often poorly enforced. Roma individuals may be unaware of their rights or unwilling to report discrimination due to fear of retaliation or lack of trust in authorities.
- Lack of targeted policies expressed by often lack of comprehensive and targeted employment policies that address the specific needs and challenges faced by Roma youth.
Social exclusion and discrimination
Social exclusion and discrimination significantly impact Roma youth in Europe, perpetuating cycles of poverty, marginalization, and limited opportunities. This multi-faceted issue encompasses various forms of discrimination and social barriers. Here are the main aspects:
- Racial everyday discrimination whose Roma youth frequently encounter racism and prejudice in everyday interactions, including in public spaces, shops, and services. This persistent discrimination fosters a sense of alienation and exclusion.
- Non-formal institutional discrimination by public institutions, such as schools, healthcare providers, and law enforcement, further marginalizes Roma communities. This can manifest in biased treatment, unequal access to services, and discriminatory policies.
- Social segregation, especially residential segregation. Many Roma live in segregated, marginalized communities with inadequate housing and infrastructure. These areas are often isolated from mainstream society and lack basic services such as clean water, sanitation, and transportation.
- Educational segregation in which Roma children are often placed in separate, lower-quality schools or classes, limiting their educational opportunities, and reinforcing social divides.
- Economic marginalization is due to poverty. A significant proportion of Roma live in poverty, which affects their access to necessities, healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. Economic hardship exacerbates social exclusion and limits upward mobility.
- Unemployment and underemployment, which manifest by a high rate of unemployment and underemployment among Roma youth result in economic instability and further social exclusion. Discrimination in the job market contributes to these high unemployment rates.
- Health disparities especially by hard access to healthcare. Roma youth often face barriers to accessing healthcare, including discrimination by healthcare providers, lack of information, and economic constraints. This results in poorer health outcomes and limited access to preventive care.
- The stress and trauma associated with living in marginalized conditions, coupled with experiences of discrimination, can negatively impact the mental health of Roma youth. Limited access to mental health services exacerbates these challenges.
- Cultural marginalization and stigmatization of Roma culture and identity which are often stigmatized and misunderstood by the broader society. This cultural marginalization contributes to social exclusion and hinders the ability of Roma youth to express and celebrate their heritage.
- Identity struggles manifested by Roma youth who balance between their cultural heritage and the pressures to assimilate into mainstream society. This can lead to a loss of cultural identity and self-esteem issues.
- Limited civic participation and political exclusion because Roma communities are underrepresented in political institutions and decision-making processes. This lack of representation means their specific needs and concerns are often overlooked in policymaking.
- Barriers to civic engagement because of discrimination and marginalization which limit the ability of Roma youth to engage in civic activities and participate in political processes. This includes barriers to voting, running for office, and participating in community organizations.
- Poor and inadequate social services and support. Roma youth often have limited access to social services and support systems, exacerbating their marginalization. This includes a lack of access to welfare benefits, housing assistance, and legal aid.
- Discrimination in social services manifested when Roma youth do access social services and they may face discrimination and biased treatment from service providers, further deterring them from seeking help.
- Political underrepresentation or lack of representation. Roma communities are underrepresented in political institutions and decision-making processes at local, national, and European levels. This lack of representation means that their specific needs and concerns are often overlooked in policymaking.
- Limited civic participation because of the barriers to civic engagement and political participation, including discriminatory practices and lack of support for Roma political candidates, hinder the ability of Roma youth to influence policies that affect their lives.
2.2. How Erasmus+ programmes can help to overcome these challenges
The Erasmus+ Programme, an EU initiative that supports education, training, youth, and sport, offers various opportunities that can help Roma youth overcome challenges related to social exclusion, discrimination, and limited opportunities. Here’s how Erasmus+ can be leveraged to address these issues:
Educational opportunities
The Erasmus+ Programme offers a variety of educational opportunities specifically beneficial for Roma youth, addressing the unique challenges they face and promoting their inclusion and empowerment. Here are the detailed educational opportunities provided by Erasmus+ for Roma youth:
- Higher education mobility for Roma students, which helps them to apply for scholarships to study abroad at participating universities. These scholarships cover tuition, travel, and living expenses, making higher education more accessible.
- Exchange programs which help Roma students to participate in semester-long or year-long exchange programs, allowing them to experience different educational systems and cultures. This exposure helps broaden their academic and personal horizons.
- Credit transfer because the courses taken abroad are recognized by the home institution, ensuring seamless academic progression.
- Vocational Education and Training which, by VET Mobility programs, allow Roma youth to undertake vocational training in other EU countries. They gain practical skills and work experience in various fields, improving their employability.
- Internships and apprenticeships help them to fund placements in companies or vocational schools and provide hands-on experience and professional development opportunities.
- Skill development within VET programs focused on the acquisition of work-specific hard-skills, as well as soft skills such as teamwork, communication and problem solving.
- Youth exchanges and mobility projects such as short-term exchanges between groups of young people from different countries will promote cultural understanding, social inclusion, and personal growth. Roma youth can engage in activities that foster intercultural dialogue and learning.
- European Voluntary Service (EVS) within Roma youth can volunteer abroad, gaining valuable life experience, skills, and contributing to community projects. Volunteering opportunities often include accommodation, food, and a small allowance.
- Strategic Partnerships within Cooperation and Innovation Projects, because Erasmus+ Programme funds strategic partnerships between schools, universities, NGOs, and community organizations to develop and implement inclusive educational projects. These partnerships focus on improving educational practices and promoting social inclusion, including Roma Youth. Also, collaborative projects are designed to develop new teaching methods, curricula, and educational tools that address the needs of disadvantaged groups, including Roma youth.
- Erasmus Mundus joint master’s degrees offer prestigious joint master’s programs delivered by consortia of universities. Roma students can apply for fully funded scholarships covering tuition, travel, and living expenses.
- Job Shadowing and Teaching Assignments which help teachers to participate in job shadowing and teaching assignments in different countries, enhancing their skills and knowledge to better support Roma students.
- Inclusive education policies and Initiatives that promote inclusive policies and practices within higher education institutions, ensuring they are accessible and supportive to Roma students.
- Youth participation and civic engagement that, by project financed by Erasmus+ Programme, encourage the active participation of young people in civic and political life. These projects empower Roma youth to become active citizens and community leaders. Also, there are many trainings and workshops which open opportunities for Roma youth to participate in training and workshops on leadership, advocacy, and civic engagement.
- Support for policy reform ensured by the European Commission Erasmus+ which supports initiatives that contribute to policy reform in education and youth sectors, focusing on equity, access, and quality. These projects can help address systemic barriers faced by Roma youth.
- Research and innovation initiatives which are funded for research projects that explore innovative solutions to improve educational outcomes for marginalized groups, including Roma youth.
Employment opportunities
The Erasmus+ Programme can significantly contribute to reducing youth unemployment among Roma youngsters through a multifaceted approach. By enhancing vocational training, providing mobility and exchange opportunities, supporting entrepreneurship, developing essential skills, offering employment support services, engaging communities, fostering partnerships, and advocating for policy changes, Erasmus+ can create pathways to sustainable employment for Roma youth across Europe.
- Entrepreneurship and self-employment are supported by entrepreneurship training programs because Erasmus+ can fund projects that provide entrepreneurship training, including business planning, financial management, marketing, and accessing funding. This empowers Roma youth to start and run their own businesses, creating self-employment opportunities.
- Innovation hubs and business Incubators specifically for Roma youth which can provide resources, mentorship, and support needed to develop and launch successful business ventures.
- Skill development and lifelong learning which develop life skills through soft skills training by offering training programs that focus on essential life skills (e.g., financial literacy, communication) and soft skills (e.g., teamwork, problem-solving) can enhance the employability of Roma youth and prepare them for various job roles.
- Digital skills and ICT training by providing access to digital literacy and ICT training which ensures and equips Roma youth with the skills needed for the modern workforce. Erasmus+ can support initiatives that offer training in basic computer skills, coding, digital marketing, and other relevant areas.
- Employment support services career guidance and counselling because Erasmus+ can fund projects that offer career guidance and counselling services tailored to the needs of Roma youth. These services can help them identify career goals, develop job search strategies, and prepare for job interviews.
- Job placement and support programs by developing programs that connect Roma youth with potential employers and provide ongoing support to ensure successful integration into the workplace. This can include mentorship programs and follow-up services.
- Community engagement and empowerment community-based employment projects financed by Erasmus+ Programme which engage local communities in creating and implementing employment projects ensure that initiatives are culturally sensitive and address the specific needs of Roma youth. Community involvement can also foster a supportive environment for employment initiatives.
- Parental and community involvement by involving parents and community leaders in employment initiatives will increase the support network for Roma youth. Workshops and informational sessions can help families understand and support the employment aspirations of their children.
- Partnerships and collaborations public-private partnerships which foster partnerships between educational institutions, businesses, and NGOs and create comprehensive programs that provide both theoretical education and practical work experience. These collaborations can offer a more extensive range of resources and employment opportunities for Roma youth.
- Collaboration with NGOs and community organizations which by working closely with NGOs specialized in Roma issues can help tailor Erasmus+ projects to be more effective. These organizations often have deep insights into the challenges and needs of Roma communities.
- Research, advocacy, and policy development research on employment barriers, because the Erasmus+ Programme funds research projects that analyse the barriers to employment faced by Roma youth and can provide valuable insights for developing effective interventions. This research can inform policy changes and the design of targeted employment programs.
- Policy advocacy and development which uses research findings to advocate for policy changes at local, national, and European levels. Erasmus+ can support initiatives that aim to influence employment and labour market policies to be more inclusive of Roma youth, promoting equal opportunities and combating discrimination.
