The annual policy conference of the European Roma Grassroots Organisations (ERGO) Network took place in Brussels on 20 November. The event explored the European Union (EU) Roma Strategic Framework, with a focus on Roma access to quality and inclusive education. It brought together representatives from grassroots organisations, policy-makers and other stakeholders, including European Parliament and European Commission representatives.
As part of the event, ERGO Network launched its research report on ‘Roma access to quality and inclusive education’. The report is based on case studies from six countries (including five EASNIE member countries – Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia and Spain). The case studies explore Roma education, training and lifelong learning opportunities in the countries, and barriers to quality and inclusive learning that Roma face.
EASNIE representative Gareth Hughes outlined EASNIE’s response to the report, stating that its recommendations align with EASNIE’s priorities in many areas. These include a commitment to equity and access for all learners, the importance of desegregation, the need for culturally responsive teaching and curricula, and the value of monitoring and collecting meaningful data.
He emphasised that, while targeted measures for Roma are vital, it is essential to take intersectionality into account. Ensuring that education policies allow for a universal design for learning approach embeds Roma inclusion within broader strategies to benefit all vulnerable learner groups.
More information on the event is available on the ERGO Networks website, where you can also download the Roma access to quality and inclusive education report. Details of the EU Roma Strategic Framework are available on the Commission website.