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Roma women have been taking part in a computer course to learn new skills and earn accreditations in ICT.

The course is aimed at empowering Roma women to help them achieve their goals. So far in the course the women have got to grips with the basics, learning fast as in only a few short lessons they have been able to begin writing CVs, signing up to online job portals, setting up online council payments and finding useful sites to help their children with homework.

One woman was struggling to pass her driving theory test since she was unable to use the computer based test system. Sandra Mrocjek said: “Before coming to the course as I didn’t understand how to use the computer in the test centre, I wasn’t able to pass my theory test, because of the ICT class I have recently been able to pass the theory exam”. Sandra now has more confidence and is even using online search engines for tips on driving.

The course is run using a hands-on method. Women learn through practical teaching, with one to one support for anything they are struggling with and are encouraged to help each other through peer-to-peer learning. This approach combined with the comfortable, women only setting, has meant the whole class has learnt a lot in a short space of time, and has provided life changing skills that benefit both the women and their families.

Kinga Ciuron who attends the course and wanted fellow Roma Women to learn computing skills said: “I feel good that I can help my children with their homework, I can also apply for jobs and help my family by teaching them what I have learnt. It is a very special course that I enjoy coming to, I look forwarded to learning new things each week.”

“I saw how well LGTU and Hackney Council worked with Irish Traveller women and became strong in their community. I wanted to do the same for us Roma women. ”

The course is provided by LGTU the London Gypsy & Traveller Unit and funded by Hackney Housing Traveller service.

Geraldine Lindsay from the LGTU said: “The class are always eager to learn and it’s great to see they share this learning with other people in the community. The main aim of this project is to equip Gypsies and Travellers with the basic skills, knowledge and confidence to either go on to further training, find paid employment or become self-employed." 

To find out more about the Roma and Traveller communities in Hackney you can come to one of the Gypsy, Roma, Traveller History Month celebrations throughout the month of June taking place in the Hackney Museum, Hackney Central, Homerton Library and LGTU.

Get Involved

For further informaiton on Gypsy Roma Traveller History Month contact 020 8820 7191 or look online. 

There is a LGTU Open Day on 18 June at 6 Westgate Street, for more informaiton you can contact the team on 020 8533 2002 or via their website.