The REYN Early Childhood Research sheds light on young Roma children and their parents throughout Europe. The study brings together unprecedented Roma related early childhood data, exploring six key areas impacting upon the child’s development: family and living environment, health and well being, safety and security, early learning, responsive parenting, and discrimination and antigypsyism.
The study has been carried out in the 11 countries in which National REYNs operate: Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Italy, Kosovo, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Ukraine. Data has been analysed from questionaries, in depth interviews, and focus groups from over 900 people, including more than 500 Roma families, 312 professionals, 56 practitioners, and 47 policymakers. Despite drawing from a considerable sample size, the present data should not generalize the status of young Roma children and their families in countries or in Europe as a whole.
The findings from the REYN Early Childhood Research are of an indicative nature. They flag the challenges and barriers that need further investigation in order to inform transformative approaches and policy actions which may improve the status of young Roma children in Europe. In turn, this will enable each young Roma child to reach their full potential to grow and thrive!
