AntiGypsyism

Gamification to combat discrimination towards Roma

The EU Strategy for Roma Inclusion, Participation and Equality 2020–2030 identifies antigypsyism as the root cause of the exclusion of Roma communities. Antigypsyism is a specific form of racism that manifests through social exclusion, school segregation, hate speech, and, in some cases, violence. Despite its serious impact, it remains widely socially accepted and is often not fully recognized or understood as a form of discrimination in European societies.

Roma youth continue to face multiple barriers in education, employment, and participation in social and public life. Experiences of discrimination, stigma, and exclusion negatively affect their personal development, self-confidence, and future opportunities. At the same time, youth organizations and youth workers often lack adequate training opportunities, methodologies, tools, and guidelines to effectively prevent, recognize, and respond to antigypsyism.

This project aims to address these challenges by strengthening the capacities of youth workers and young people to combat antigypsyism through education, empowerment, and active participation. The project will promote inclusive practices, intercultural dialogue, and awareness-raising activities, while supporting youth organizations with practical tools and good practices. By fostering cooperation, knowledge exchange, and youth engagement at local and European levels, the project seeks to contribute to a more inclusive, equal, and respectful society for all.

Within this context, the main objectives of the Antigypsyism project are:

  • To improve the access of vulnerable groups to quality education and training, enhancing their learning outcomes, skills development, and overall educational performance.
  • To strengthen the active participation and civic engagement of vulnerable groups, enabling them to take part in decision-making processes, influence policies that affect their lives, and contribute to the wellbeing of their communities and society at large.
  • To increase the employability of vulnerable groups and support their integration into the labour market, by improving key competences, life skills, and professional readiness, thus contributing to the reduction of unemployment.
  • To promote volunteering and solidarity actions among vulnerable groups at local and European levels, by encouraging their involvement in community-based initiatives and cross-border volunteer activities that foster social inclusion and European values

Antigypsyism at a glance

  • Collection of qualitative and quantitative data through a) interviews with 30 youth workers and 30 young people across partner countries, and b) online questionnaires completed by 48 youth workers and 48 young people
  • Involvement of 96 youth workers and young people in the validation and feedback process of the newly developed project results
  • A clear mapping of existing knowledge, skills, attitudes, and needs of youth workers and young people related to antigypsyism, human rights, and inclusion.
  • Identification of gaps in competences and training needs to inform the development of the project’s educational tools.
  • Active involvement of 30 young people interested in human rights, equality, and antigypsyism
  • Engagement of 30 youth workers, trainers, and educators working in human rights education and anti-discrimination.
  • Strengthened cooperation between youth and youth workers at local and transnational levels
  • Increased knowledge, awareness, and motivation of participants to address antigypsyism in their communities
  • Training of 15 Roma education and health mediators and youth workers on the use of the guidelines and the manual, 10 trained youth workers involved in ToT activities, and 20 young people active in youth centers, youth organizations, school councils, and sports associations
  • Development and pilot testing of innovative educational tools, including:
    • Guidelines to combat antigypsyism and cooperation methodologies
    • Manual to Combat Antigypsyism using gamification
    • Board game for youth focused on inclusion, equality, and human rights.
  • Strengthened competences of youth workers and educators in delivering anti-discrimination education using innovative, participatory methods.
  • Engagement of 30 stakeholders per country, including:
    • Youth organizations, human rights organizations, youth councils.
    • Local and national institutions (ministries, municipalities).
    • Schools, social workers, police officers, and public servants.
  • Establishment of Local Anti-Discrimination Hubs with Youth Workers
  • Establishment of Local Anti-Discrimination Hubs with Young People
  • Implementation of a social campaign to challenge stereotypes and break negative narratives about Roma communities
  • Strengthened multi-sectoral cooperation between civil society, public institutions, and youth actors.

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