The main objective of the project was to empower Roma and disadvantaged parents to better advocate for their children’s rights, especially in education, healthcare and social services. The project aimed to increase parents’ knowledge of children’s rights and public systems, and to strengthen their practical skills in communication, cooperation and peaceful advocacy, in order to enable them to represent their children’s interests more confidently. A second objective was to strengthen the Roma inclusion competences of professionals working in education, social and health services. Through sensitisation and skill development, the project aimed to improve inclusive attitudes as well as communication skills, in order to build mutual understanding, trust and cooperation between institutions and Roma families. The project also sought to promote democratic participation by supporting Roma parents’ involvement in community life and local decision-making, in line with the principle “nothing about us without us.” In addition, the project aimed to develop non-formal learning methods, curricula and practical tools that can be used beyond the project to support empowerment, inclusion and rights-based local practices in Hungary and Bulgaria.
Roma and underprivileged families in Hungary and Bulgaria face persistent barriers in accessing quality education, healthcare and social services. Parents often lack clear information about their children’s rights and how public systems function, and have limited opportunities to develop skills for effective advocacy. As a result, many children experience school failure, discrimination and exclusion from essential services, while parents feel powerless in interactions with institutions. At the same time, professionals working in education, social and health services often have limited training in Roma inclusion, anti-discrimination, cultural sensitivity and cooperative communication. This weakens trust between institutions and Roma communities and reinforces exclusion. The project responded to these interconnected needs through a dual approach: empowering Roma and underprivileged parents by strengthening knowledge of children’s rights and civic participation, while supporting professionals in developing inclusive attitudes. By addressing both sides, the project aimed to build trust, create inclusive local environments and improve children’s life chances, following the principle of “nothing about us without us.”