INSEI Paris master’s students visit Foyer’s Roma service
26 October 2026
On Friday, 23 October, Foyer’s Roma service welcomed a group of 15 master’s students from INSEI Paris, France’s National Institute for Inclusive Education and Research.
The students are enrolled in a programme focused on inclusive education for young people from migrant backgrounds who experience learning difficulties. Their studies explore migration, minority groups, multilingualism and the social and institutional challenges that shape inclusion.
The field visit gave them an opportunity to deepen their theoretical knowledge by meeting an organisation working directly with these communities. At Foyer, they learned about the history and diversity of Roma and Traveller communities in Europe and discovered the Roma service’s activities, approach and support practices.
Between legislation and realities on the ground
The exchange also provided an opportunity to discuss the difficulties Traveller communities face in accessing suitable sites. In France, a law adopted on 5 July 2000 established a framework for the reception and housing of Traveller communities. Municipalities with more than 5,000 inhabitants must be included in a departmental plan identifying where designated stopping places and other suitable facilities are needed. Despite this legal framework, implementation remains a challenge.
In Belgium, the situation varies between regions. Brussels has no officially designated sites for Traveller communities, while available sites in Wallonia remain scarce. These challenges highlight the importance of developing suitable reception facilities and providing support that takes the needs and living circumstances of these communities into account.
The visit brought academic knowledge and practical experience together, giving the students an insight into the work carried out by Foyer.
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