Renata and her friend Sofia, both 14, in Romanian language class, are being taught by Ms Zbîrnea at Vulcanesti school. School absenteeism is a key barrier to education in Roma communities where many parents migrate abroad for short term work in construction and mining. Renata tells us: “Many of my colleagues do go abroad [...] They go for a month, others go for a year, then come back”. Her own family went away to seek refugee status in Germany but had to come back after a month and a half. Out of school for that period it took extra effort for Renata and her teachers to catch up on the school curriculum.

At Vulcanesti school, Renata, 14, sits with Ms Zbirnea in Romanian language class, her favourite lesson. “I like to learn, I like the teachers and the way they teach” she says. As part of the Promotion of increased participation of Roma Children in Education project, UNICEF and Youth Resource Centre DACIA have supported teachers to adapt their methods, monitor student attendance and report absenteeism. In Roma communities where many parents migrate abroad for short term work, it can be a challenge for school staff to ensure the continuous engagement of students and abide by standards set by the national school curriculum.

In the village of Vulcănești, Renata, 14, laughs with the family’s eldest, Rundunica, 24, who has come back to live at home after a divorce. “I did go to school until the 9th grade. I wanted to study to be a psychologist. Unfortunately, it’s not custom for girls to leave to go to Nisporeni or Chisinau to study. So then at 17 I got married” she says. As well as the barriers of early marriage, it is common for the oldest child of Roma families to remain outside education in order to support younger siblings. Rundunica now helps her mother and sometimes assists Renata with her homework “I like that she attends school everyday, she learns very well. I wanted to be the one, to be the best in school, but I could not. I’m very proud of her”.