Project Code2018-3-HU01-KA205-059854
Type of ActionStrategic Partnership 
Countries InvolvedHU,ES,RO,IT
Duration24 months 
Budget86.816,00 EUR 
Objectives Enhance understanding and improve perceptions of Roma communities among non-Roma youth through Roma dramas and personal interactions.
Develop essential skills in peer trainers, such as communication and creativity, to effectively lead workshops.
Integrate Roma drama themes into university courses to deepen academic understanding of Roma issues.
Target Group Roma youth
Non-Roma youth
University lecturers and students
Summary of the Project 
The project aimed to bridge understanding and build positive connections between Roma and non-Roma youth by utilizing Roma dramas to highlight both the rich cultural heritage and the ongoing challenges faced by Roma communities. The initiative involved a meticulous selection process for peer trainers from diverse backgrounds, including both Roma and non-Roma individuals. These trainers underwent rigorous training designed to develop essential skills such as communication, creativity, and teamwork, which were critical for their role in leading workshops and engaging with their peers effectively.

The training program was a multi-faceted experience, providing the peer trainers with both foundational skills and an in-depth understanding of Roma culture as depicted in the dramas. This included developing workshop plans that were subsequently reviewed and refined through peer feedback, ensuring that the workshops would be as impactful and relevant as possible. Despite encountering some delays due to unforeseen circumstances, the project successfully conducted 18 workshops, surpassing the original goal of 8. These workshops reached a total of 236 participants, demonstrating the project’s ability to exceed expectations and expand its reach.

The workshops were meticulously crafted to enhance intercultural communication and raise social awareness among participants. By focusing on the narratives of Roma heroes and exploring the social themes presented in the dramas, the workshops aimed to improve the perceptions of Roma within the non-Roma community. Personal encounters were a significant aspect of the workshops, allowing participants to interact directly with Roma individuals. This personal engagement proved to be an effective method for shaping attitudes and fostering a deeper understanding of Roma culture.

In addition to the youth-focused component, the project also included a significant educational aspect involving university lecturers. This component aimed to integrate the themes and methodologies of Roma dramas into academic curricula, thereby extending the project’s impact into the realm of higher education. By incorporating these themes into university courses, the project sought to cultivate a broader and more nuanced understanding of Roma issues among future educators and intellectuals. This academic integration was intended to amplify the project’s influence, creating a multiplier effect that would enhance the educational experience and promote cultural sensitivity among a wider audience.

Overall, the project achieved its goals of promoting social inclusion and improving cultural understanding through innovative methods. By combining drama, personal interaction, and academic integration, the project demonstrated the effectiveness of these approaches in driving social change and fostering a more inclusive and empathetic society.
Results of the Project 
The project enhanced non-Roma youth’s perceptions of Roma communities and bolstered Roma youth’s identity through Roma dramas and personal interactions. It also developed peer trainers’ skills and integrated Roma drama themes into university curricula, enriching academic understanding. Overall, it fostered intercultural exchanges and had a significant educational impact.

The project results can be accessed from here : https://bit.ly/3X5PStm  
Significance of the Project 
The project is particularly important for young people with NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) backgrounds and those facing discrimination. It provides these individuals with opportunities to engage in meaningful activities that promote cultural understanding and personal development. By participating in workshops and interacting with diverse peers, NEET youth gain valuable skills such as communication and teamwork, which can enhance their employability and reintegration into education or the workforce. Additionally, the project addresses discrimination by fostering empathy and breaking down stereotypes through Roma dramas and personal stories, creating a more inclusive environment and empowering all participants to challenge biases and build positive relationships.
This educational resource was produced with the financial support of the European Union within Erasmus+ Programme. Its contents are the sole responsibility of the Asociación Socio-Cultural VerdeSur Alcalá and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.