“Freedom is not simply a document or a date marked once a year on the calendar. It is a value that is cultivated every day – through opportunities for young people to express their opinions, defend their positions, and take responsibility for their decisions.”
This is the focus of the article produced by the association AMALIPE, the Bulgarian partner of the European consortium ACADE-ME, which explores the Student Ombudsman campaign—an initiative that encourages students to become representatives and advocates for rights within schools. In addition, young Roma are encouraged to continue their educational paths and develop their potential as active and responsible citizens, strengthening their leadership skills, self-esteem, and sense of responsibility with the aim of supporting the completion of their education.
These actions align with the objectives of ACADE-ME, which aims to address the persistent failure of the social inclusion process of Roma people by promoting education as a key tool in the fight against antigypsyism, discrimination, and the barriers to Roma empowerment.
The Student Ombudsman: civic education and youth empowerment
The concept of an Ombudsman provides students with a representative who can defend their rights and interests within the school structure. The ombudsman is elected directly by students and primarily acts as a mediator in situations of conflict, promoting dialogue between the parties and offering solutions to problems that arise within the school community.
As a result, the Student Ombudsman campaign has significant educational value, contributing meaningfully to the development of civic education skills. Active participation through candidacy, electoral campaigning, and secret voting allows students to learn—through practical experience—the fundamental principles of democratic participation. They learn how trust is built, how to present ideas to a community, and how to take responsibility for the commitments they make.
Such initiatives are particularly relevant within the context of the ACADE-ME project, which aims not only to improve access to education but also to strengthen the role of young people as active members of society. When students feel that their voices matter and that they are involved in school life, they tend to develop a stronger connection with the school and become more motivated to continue their educational journey.
The leadership of Roma girls – a key factor for equal opportunities
The participation of students from vulnerable groups, including Roma boys and girls, is particularly important. In many cases, girls from Roma communities face multiple social and cultural challenges that may limit their educational opportunities.
Taking part in initiatives such as the Student Ombudsman campaign allows them to become active participants, express their views, and develop confidence in their abilities. This is an important step toward building a generation of young people who believe that education can help them achieve their aspirations.
Examples of student leadership also represent powerful positive role models for other students. When girls from Roma communities take on leadership roles at school, they demonstrate to their peers that education and active engagement in community life are both achievable and valuable goals. This fully reflects one of the central ideas of the ACADE-ME project: to highlight and support young people whose achievements and participation can inspire others to continue their educational paths.
The campaign continues
During the current school year, the Amalipe Center has worked to further expand the campaign and involve an increasing number of schools across the country.
Through initiatives like this, the Amalipe Center continues its efforts to create a school environment where students can not only acquire knowledge but also grow as active and responsible citizens. The Student Ombudsman campaign demonstrates that when young people are given the opportunity to be heard and supported, they become more motivated to study, complete their education, and build their future with confidence.
To hear the direct testimonies of young Roma from all the countries involved in the partnership, follow the project’s TikTok page and discover the other articles on the website!
