Fundación Secretariado Gitano’s Ambassadors for Education meet in Madrid [editar]
From 6 to 8 July, Madrid hosted the first in-person meeting of the Fundación Secretariado Gitano group of Young Roma Role Models (Ambassadors for Education), an initiative supported by the Ministry of Education, Vocational Training and Sport. Over the course of three days, participants took part in training sessions, shared experiences and reflected on their work, whilst also recording audiovisual testimonies to raise the profile of Roma educational role models.
The meeting marks a milestone in a project launched during the 2025/2026 academic year, which held its first online session last May and aims to highlight successful educational journeys and promote educational continuity among Roma students.
Over the course of three days, participants shared a space for socialising, learning and reflection, during which they took part in practical workshops on communication and facilitation, exchanged experiences and helped record audiovisual testimonials. These materials will help to highlight their educational journeys and contribute to dismantling prejudices and stereotypes about the Roma community.
The group of Ambassadors for Education comprises eight young people from seven Spanish autonomous communities, who are studying at upper secondary education, vocational training and university level. Their journeys reflect the diversity of educational paths taken by many young Roma in Spain today and demonstrate that education remains a key tool for expanding opportunities and building plans for the future.
Role models who inspire and pave the way
The launch of this initiative responds to an educational reality which, despite the progress made in recent decades, continues to present significant challenges for the Roma community. Many young people still encounter barriers that hinder their ability to continue their studies and limit their opportunities for personal and professional development.
For this reason, Fundación Secretariado Gitano is promoting this project with the aim of introducing Roma students to relatable role models with whom they can identify, showcasing real-life examples of educational success and reinforcing confidence in the transformative power of education.
The members of this group take part in peer-mentoring activities aimed at pupils and families, both in one-to-one and group settings, in coordination with the educational counsellors of the Promociona Programme. Furthermore, they take part in awareness-raising sessions in schools, where they share their academic experiences and help to promote the Roma history and culture, fostering greater understanding and breaking down stereotypes.
Through their testimonies, they provide real-life examples of hard work, perseverance and educational continuity that help to foster new expectations amongst students and their families.
With this meeting in Madrid, Fundación Secretariado Gitano continues to consolidate a network of young people committed to education, equal opportunities and the creation of positive role models capable of inspiring new generations to continue their studies and achieve their academic and professional goals.