9.1. Opportunities to collaborate with educational institutions and civil society organisations
The cooperation between organisations and institutions in the context of the needs of young Roma aims to promote the development and implementation of innovative practices that address their specific challenges at the local, regional, national, and European levels. Three key opportunities are highlighted:
- Alliances for Innovation: These alliances strengthen innovation capacity in areas such as higher education, vocational training, and businesses, offering solutions tailored to the needs of young Roma.
- Capacity Development: This approach focuses on improving the quality and recognition of work in the field of Roma youth, as well as supporting new mobility projects for non-formal learning. It seeks to increase the capacity of organisations working with young Roma, promoting non-formal learning activities, and supporting mobility plans to close gaps in education and employment.
- Who Can Participate: Non-profit organisations, NGOs, youth councils, and local, regional, or national public authorities are eligible to coordinate projects. Other participants may include public or private organisations working with young Roma, contributing innovative solutions and collaborating on capacity development programs.
This cooperative approach aims not only to address the specific needs of young Roma but also to strengthen their participation in society and close the educational and employment gaps they face, in line with the objectives of the EU Youth Strategy. Check here for more information.
Erasmus+ Youth projects offer a wide range of opportunities to collaborate with educational institutions and civil society organisations. These collaborations can strengthen projects by providing a broader perspective, specific expertise, and additional resources. Here are some ways in which organisations can collaborate on Erasmus+ Youth projects:
Educational Institutions:
- Schools, high schools, universities, and other educational institutions can collaborate by providing spaces for learning activities, access to educational resources, and facilitating student participation in Erasmus+ Youth projects.
- Teachers and educational staff can participate as mentors, workshop facilitators, or experts in specific project-related topics.
- Educational institutions can also collaborate by organising outreach events to promote Erasmus+ Youth projects among their students and the wider educational community.
For example: A Roma youth association with a local NGO specialising in community development to initiate a project focused on building leadership skills among Roma youth. Together, they organise workshops, community events, and mentorship programs aimed at empowering young Roma to become advocates for their community. The NGO brings its experience in community organising and access to funding, while the youth association provides a platform for Roma youth to voice their concerns and aspirations.
Civil Society Organizations:
- Youth organisations, community associations, NGOs, and other civil society groups can collaborate by bringing their expertise in working with young people, their network of contacts, and additional resources.
- These organisations can be key partners in implementing on-the-ground activities such as workshops, youth exchanges, awareness events, and campaigns.
- They can also collaborate in identifying specific needs of young people and designing activities to effectively address those needs.
For example: A collaborative effort between a Roma youth group, a university, and a cultural association results in the co-creation of a project centred on preserving Roma heritage and promoting cultural exchange. Through joint planning and decision-making, the partners develop workshops, cultural events, and exchange programs that celebrate Roma culture and identity. This collaborative approach ensures that the project is relevant and responsive to the needs and aspirations of Roma youth.
Co-Creation of Projects:
- Collaboration among educational institutions, civil society organisations, and other partners can lead to the co-creation of stronger and more relevant projects.
- By involving different stakeholders in all stages of the process, from conception to evaluation, projects that more effectively address the challenges and needs of young people can be developed.
- Exchange of Good Practices.
- Collaborations with educational institutions and civil society organisations from other participating countries in the Erasmus+ Youth program can offer opportunities for the exchange of good practices.
- This may include mutual learning about innovative approaches, effective methodologies, and youth engagement strategies that can enrich projects and enhance their impact.
For example: A consortium of Roma youth organisations from various European countries collaborates on an Erasmus+ Youth project focused on combating discrimination and promoting social inclusion. Through exchange visits and virtual meetings, the organisations share best practices, innovative approaches, and successful strategies for engaging Roma youth in advocacy and activism. This cross-border learning fosters solidarity and mutual support among Roma communities across Europe.
In summary, opportunities for collaboration with educational institutions and civil society organisations are essential for the success of Erasmus+ Youth projects, as they allow for the utilisation of a variety of resources, knowledge, and experiences to create more meaningful and sustainable interventions for young people.
You can visit the Erasmus+ website for more information about cooperation between organisations.
9.2. How partnerships can be established and sustained
Establishing and sustaining partnerships for a project aimed at addressing the needs of the Romani youth requires careful planning and implementation. Here’s how partnerships can be established and sustained in this context:
- Clear Objectives and Shared Vision: Begin by defining clear objectives for the project, focusing on addressing the specific needs of Romani youth. Ensure that all partners share a common vision for improving the lives of Romani youth and are committed to achieving tangible outcomes.
- Mutual Benefit: Identify the benefits that each partner can bring to the project. This could include access to resources such as funding, expertise in youth development, networks within Romani communities, or experience in cultural sensitivity and inclusion.
- Effective Communication: Establish open channels of communication between all project partners. Regular meetings, email updates, and clear documentation of responsibilities help ensure that everyone is informed and engaged throughout the project.
- Trust and Respect: Build trust among partners by demonstrating integrity, reliability, and respect for each other’s expertise and perspectives. Recognize the unique challenges faced by Romani youth and ensure that their voices are heard and respected throughout the project.
- Clear Roles and Responsibilities: Define the roles and responsibilities of each partner clearly from the outset. This includes identifying who will lead different aspects of the project, who will provide support, and who will be responsible for monitoring and evaluation.
- Flexibility and Adaptability: Remain flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances and needs. Romani communities may have unique cultural considerations that require adjustments to the project approach. Be open to feedback and willing to make necessary changes to ensure the project’s success.
- Continuous Engagement and Evaluation: Maintain ongoing engagement with Romani youth and community leaders throughout the project. Regularly evaluate progress, gather feedback, and make adjustments as needed to ensure that the project remains relevant and effective.
- Resource Mobilisation: Identify and mobilise the resources needed to support the project. This may involve securing funding from government grants, foundations, or corporate sponsors, as well as leveraging in-kind contributions from partners and community members.
By following these principles and practices, partnerships can be established and sustained effectively for projects aimed at addressing the specific needs of the Romani youth, leading to positive outcomes and lasting impact within the community.
