1) testing of a pilot programme combining peer mentoring and tutoring of Roma high school pupils by current university students to support their successful completion of high school and transition to university studies and/or future career 2) exchange of know-how, experience and policies in the field of inclusive education between institutions of Slovakia and Hungary, specifically on bridging universities with Roma communities 3) formulation of field-tested recommendations for public policy in the area of inclusive education
The project's overall aim was to bridge higher education institutions with Roma communities in order to improve their access to higher education via peer mentoring and tutoring, and to encourage experience- and knowledge-sharing between institutions from Slovakia and Hungary. The disadvantaged access to education resulting in low levels of obtained education and skills decreases the number of job opportunities and increases the risk of poverty and social exclusion. The alarming figures in Slovakia show that 58% of Roma aged 16-24 are neither employed nor enrolled in education or training (NEET), as opposed to 19% from the majority population. Hungarian statistics also indicate the disadvantaged situation of Roma youth in the labour market: whereas the NEET rate of non-Roma population aged 15-24 is less than 10%, for young Roma people the share is more than 40%. While there is no official data is missing, there is a striking difference between Roma and non-Roma in their participation in higher education.