Between 26-27 October 2022, nearly 30 participants from Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Portugal, Romania and the Slovak Republic gathered in Strasbourg for the International Study Visit devoted to the “Council of Europe Standards and Tools on Quality and Inclusive Education”. The event was organised within the framework of the European Union and Council of Europe Joint Project – Inclusive Schools: Making a Difference for Roma Children (INSCHOOL).

The main aim of the event was to further strengthen the knowledge of the relevant national education, Roma inclusion and EU funding authorities as regards the existing Council of Europe and European Union standards, tools and pedagogic practices on quality inclusive education, non-discrimination and the right to education.

The programme of the event has enabled participants to present, discuss and learn from each other by showcasing the existing and current policy and legal frameworks, conceptual approaches and practices available at the national level in supporting the social and educational inclusion of Roma children. A numerous and inspirational examples and practices were shared about tackling school failure, including ways and approaches set-in place for more effective educational desegregation.

Presentations and exchange of views were enabled with representatives of various Council of Europe institutions and secretariats, including the monitoring bodies such as European Commission against Racism and Intolerance, Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities and National Minorities and Minority Languages Division, Education Department and the Roma and Travellers Team. A particular attention was provided to learning about the European Convention on Human Rights and the relevant case-law on the right to education and non-discrimination.

The study visit was organised as part of the INSCHOOL’s efforts to strengthen the human, institutional and organisational capacities of participating stakeholders through training, peer-exchanges, study visits. Further networking and thematic events are planned to be organised within the scope of the project during the first quarter of 2023.