Achieving Success through Peer-to-peer Inclusive Vocational Education for Roma Students

The project aimed to develop, pilot and promote an innovative And structured Peer-to-Peer Support Model that strengthens the participation, motivation and future opportunities of Roma students in...

The project aimed to develop, pilot and promote an innovative And structured Peer-to-Peer Support Model that strengthens the participation, motivation and future opportunities of Roma students in VET. Our main goal was to empower Roma learners through structured support from trained volunteers who could offer practical help, encouragement and positive role-model behavior. We also wanted to equip teachers, mentors and counsellors with tools they can use to plan, monitor and evaluate mentoring in a consistent and supportive way. Another key objective was to enhance cooperation between schools, families, local communities and support organizations, creating a more inclusive environment around Roma learners. Through storytelling videos, best-practice collections and a transnational awareness campaign, we sought to improve public perceptions, highlight inspiring Roma role models and support stronger cross-border collaboration among partners. All objectives aimed at sustainable, transferable and long-term impact.

The project was implemented through the development of a structured Peer-to-Peer Support Model, a volunteer training programme, monitoring tools and a full set of templates for schools. All materials were reviewed through internal quality processes and by an Advisory Board. We trained 31 volunteers who then provided regular mentoring, academic support and motivational activities for Roma students in VET schools in Slovenia and Romania, resulting in 708 volunteering hours. Three mobilities supported peer learning: an online training mobility, a mobility in Palermo focused,and an additional local mobility in Slovenia. Participants co-created motivational videos and shared their experiences. In the final phase, we collected best practices, produced a series of storytelling videos and implemented the “Role Models Attract” campaign across all partner countries. The project directly promoted inclusion and diversity by empowering Roma students through personalised support and positive role models, while raising awareness among teachers, peers and communities and creating tools that help educational institutions foster culturally responsive learning environments.

The project produced a complete Peer-to-Peer Support Model, a full set of editable templates,tools, and a training plan, all freely available on the project website. Partners also created a collection of best practices and storytelling videos showing experiences of Roma students and volunteers. The pilot demonstrated clear improvements in Roma students’ motivation, confidence, knowledge of their future options and perceived support from peers, teachers, and volunteers. Volunteers gained strong communication, intercultural and leadership skills. New friendships are formed, some of which become lasting bonds. The project helped align VET education with labour-market needs by strengthening students’ career awareness, employability skills and confidence, while VET schools with tools and practices that better prepare learners for workplace expectations and smoother transitions into employment. The “Role Models Attract” campaign reached several thousand people through workshops, events, social media and the final multiplier event attended by 77 participants, including policymakers. Schools reported continued volunteer work, use of the model and templates. The project created lasting impact and laid the basis for future cooperation.