Meet Alexandra – one of our Roma students making her dreams a reality

With the Roma community being one of the most marginalised in the UK, Alexandra and her peers have often faced difficulties when it comes to accessing educational opportunities. But it’s thanks to Liverpool Business School research projects by Dr Tricia Harrison and Helen Collins, such as the Liverpool Roma Employability Project (LREN) and the Roma Education Aspiration Project (REAP) – that many have been able to enrol onto university programmes and find employment.  

Since 2016, Liverpool Business School researchers have been examining the education prospects and employability of Roma communities within Liverpool as part of the Fair Work Research Agenda. Previous reports carried out by the School highlighted that there is actually very little knowledge surrounding Roma employability in Liverpool and in some instances even evidence of enslavement under the Modern Slavery Act. The main aim of projects such as REAP and LREN is to create a self-confident Roma community, helping to ensure easier access to educational opportunities throughout the city for people just like Alexandra.   

“I know it might be hard, but I want to pass everything. I want to get where I want. I’m here to learn – I’m here to become something big. I want to do something with my life and follow my dreams.”

If Alexandra’s determination to succeed has inspired you to learn, take a closer look at our courses. You can also explore Liverpool Business School to search for programmes that will allow you to make a real difference in your community as you learn.