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Aspirations for Roma Students – Annual Conference
In 2024 and 2025, Union Romani Voice successfully delivered two editions of the Aspirations for Roma Students Conference in Ipswich.
These conferences brought together:
• Roma students and young people
• Schools and education professionals
• Universities and training providers
• Local authorities and decision-makers
The aim of the conferences is to:
• raise educational aspirations among Roma students
• improve access to information about further and higher education
• challenge stereotypes and low expectations
• create direct dialogue between Roma youth and institutions
The conferences provide a safe and empowering space where young people can ask questions, hear role models, and see clear pathways into education, training and employment.
What the conferences achieve
Through these annual events, Roma young people:
• gain confidence to speak about their ambitions
• receive clear guidance on education and career pathways
• connect with schools, colleges and universities
• see positive Roma role models in leadership and professional roles
• build pride in their identity and sense of belonging
Feedback from students, schools and partners has been consistently positive, highlighting the importance of culturally safe spaces that recognise Roma identity while promoting academic achievement.
Our commitment going forward
Following the success of the 2024 and 2025 conferences, Union Romani Voice is committed to delivering the Aspirations for Roma Students Conference on an annual basis, making it a core part of our youth engagement work.
These conferences form the foundation of a wider vision to strengthen youth support, aspiration and leadership within Roma communities in Ipswich.
Looking ahead: Roma Youth Hub (project in development)
Building on our experience and learning from the conferences, Union Romani Voice is currently developing plans for a
Roma Youth Hub in Ipswich.
The Roma Youth Hub is a future project that aims to:
• create safe, open-access spaces for Roma young people
• provide structured activities during evenings and weekends
• support wellbeing, life skills and positive identity
• offer trusted mentoring and culturally relevant youth work
This project is in development and subject to funding approval. If successful, it will expand our youth provision beyond annual events into regular youth sessions and leadership opportunities.
Why Union Romani Voice works with Roma Youth
Union Romani Voice is a Roma-founded and Roma-led organisation based in Ipswich. For over five years, we have supported thousands of Roma and Romanian families through advocacy, education, health and cultural programmes.
Families trust us because:
• we understand lived experience
• we work in partnership with schools and authorities
• we promote safeguarding, dignity and respect
• we listen to young people’s voices
Our youth work grows organically from this trust.
Get involved
If you are:
• a young person interested in education and leadership
• a school or education provider
• a university or training organisation
• a partner interested in youth inclusion
Contact Union Romani Voice to learn more or collaborate with us.
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