RomaVersitas Program

Roma students who reach university in Albania face high attrition. Financial pressure, weak academic preparation and isolation combine to push students out before graduation.

• Increase retention and graduation rates among Roma tertiary students
• Improve academic performance through mentoring and tutoring
• Build advocacy capacity, self-esteem and identity

146 students were formally supported between 2014 and 2016 — 39 at Master’s level and 107 at Bachelor’s level, of whom 71 were women and 36 men. Nine student initiative projects were delivered, and 85 students took part in workshop and soft-skills training.

Programme detail

39 Master’s degree students and 107 Bachelor’s degree students (71 females and 36 boys) were formally supported by Roma Versitas Albania between 2014 and 2016 as part of the RomaVersitas Programme. These students received academic guidance and mentorship from the RomaVersitas Programme, including:

• 9 Student Initiative Projects, helping students improve their research and presentation skills;
• 85 students participated in the workshop and soft skills training to enhance their time management, communication and debating skills, CV writing abilities, and capacity to combat anti-Roma discrimination;
• 53 students took the course on Roma history and language.

From 2016 to 2018, the RomaVersitas Programme formally assisted 112 Master’s and Bachelor’s students through mentoring, tutoring, foreign language classes, Rroma identity, IT skills, academic writing, etc.

From this group of programme beneficiaries:

• 34 students received certificates in English;
• 29 students received certificates in Roma history and language;
• 22 students received certificates in computer skills;
• 20 students received certificates in academic writing.
• 80% of students raised their GPA.
• 50 secondary students enrolled in bachelor’s degree programmes;
• 8 students in master’s programmes.

These figures reflect the pervasive issues that impede Roma people from participating fully in society. They also draw attention to the limited practical assistance offered by the Roma community to the few young people who do complete their education. These young people are likely to have few, if any, positive role models, minimal familial support, and little knowledge of potential institutional support.By providing access to a variety of academic and social assistance possibilities for Roma university and secondary students, the RomaVersitas Programme (RVP19) 2018–2019 aimed to alleviate these disparities. In-depth tutoring and mentoring programmes, access to a library with computers set aside for the children to use, and specialised English, computer, and mathematics sessions were among these. Students might participate in Zoom sessions on a variety of subjects, including job and emotional intelligence. Additionally, university students had the opportunity to apply for special SIP funds to pursue their academic interests. Five students participated in professional internships.