As part of the Workpackage 2, partners carried out questionnaires, interviews, and engagement events in participating countries to better understand the experiences and expectations of Roma learners.
The outreach activities gathered valuable insights from Roma participants, educators, stakeholders, and community representatives regarding vocational education opportunities and inclusion.
The findings revealed a strong interest among Roma learners in vocational education, particularly when programmes are connected to:
- Employment opportunities
- Professional development
- Social inclusion and community empowerment
At the same time, several common barriers were identified across partner countries, including:
- Financial difficulties
- Discrimination and school segregation
- Limited access to inclusive educational services
- Lack of information and guidance opportunities
Stakeholders highlighted the importance of mentorship programmes, family involvement, counselling services, and institutional support in improving Roma participation in VET.