Back to school: Foyer’s intercultural mediators support Roma families
8 September 2026
Foyer’s intercultural mediators support collaboration between Roma parents and Brussels schools
September marks a new start for many children and teachers. But it is also the beginning of a new school year for the many professionals and organisations that support families and help foster positive educational journeys. Among them are the four intercultural mediators of Foyer’s Roma service.
The mediators are trusted contacts who have a good understanding of both the education system and wider society, as well as the realities of Roma communities. Schools can call on them free of charge for translation and culturally sensitive support when communicating with parents of Roma pupils.
In the Brussels-Capital Region, the families concerned mainly come from Romania, Syria and Bulgaria, but also from Slovakia and other Eastern European countries. The mediators support schools in a range of situations: facilitating discussions about irregular absences, a child’s functioning at school, possible referral to special education, conflicts or contacts with the school’s pupil guidance service.
Their support can also go beyond meetings at school. At the request of a school or teacher, the mediators can make home visits to speak with parents and jointly look at what kind of support a family may need.
Schools can also call on the mediators to organise an information session for the school team. This gives teachers and other education professionals a better understanding of the realities, context and lived experiences of Roma families.
As the new school year begins, the mediators are once again ready to help bring schools and Roma families closer together and contribute to good cooperation around children’s educational journeys.
