I fight, therefore I am: Success factors of Roma university students from Serbia

Abstract

In spite of the improvements in the inclusive policies and practices, Roma students are still underrepresented in higher education (HE) in Serbia. The main aim of this study is to ascertain contextual and personal factors of the success of Roma university students. Study participants were Roma studying at four public universities in Serbia who filled in a questionnaire on their familyand school-related experience, and participated in interviews on their educational trajectories, as well as in a two-day workshop dedicated to empowering students through reflecting upon their educational trajectories and personal strengths. Qualitative thematic analysis was applied on one open-ended question on life mottos from 89 questionnaires, 20 interviews and their products and elaborations of 16 workshop participants. It showed that psychological and instructional support from parents and teachers, in some cases - peers and Roma NGOs, together with scholarships and affirmative measures by enrolment, were important success factors. Students' life mottos predominantly contained the themes of fight and persistence. Most personal strengths were related to proactivity and optimism. This points to a highly developed psychological capital of Roma university students. Besides continuous financial support, participants stressed that the provision of continuous psychosocial support, informal learning opportunities and opportunities for peer mentorship and networking would result in a higher number of Roma students in HE.