The power of walking side-by-side

A young person’s life is full of questions, choices and crossroads. Every young person carries dreams with them, as well as uncertainties. It is important that no young person has to make this journey alone. Support is not just about providing assistance; it’s about building trust, providing companionship and believing in the enormous potential of every young person.

As the RomniME project draws to a close, having supported young Roma women through mentoring, it is worth pausing to reflect on what we have learnt about mentoring and supporting young people, and what they need to grow and flourish.

Young people do not always need ready-made answers. What matters most is often the experience of being genuinely listened to and having someone stop and walk with them.

When a young person feels seen and heard, their self-esteem grows, and they learn that their thoughts and feelings are valuable. This experience lays the foundation for growth and courage.

They need a safe environment in which to grow and develop. When young people know that they will not be judged, they dare to try out new things, join in and express themselves. A safe space is not created by chance; it is built through deliberate effort, respect and openness. It emerges from everyday actions that communicate to young people that they are accepted exactly as they are.

It is often the small moments — shared laughter, eye contact and words of encouragement — that foster this sense of safety. Being genuinely seen can be transformative for a young person. It reminds us that meeting another person carries a deeper significance than we often realise.

For young people from Roma communities in particular, support also means strengthening their identity. Roma people are one of Europe’s largest minorities, yet they continue to face widespread discrimination, exclusion, and inequality in many countries. Knowing, valuing and showcasing one’s own culture fosters pride.

When a young person sees their background as a strength rather than an obstacle, their future opens up in new ways, and their belief in their own potential strengthens.

Across Europe and around the world, young Roma people need support with education, transitioning to working life and developing a strong sense of identity. For many of them, daily life still involves prejudice and structural barriers that limit their opportunities. This is why companionship, safe spaces and community support are so important.

While supporting the individual is important, community support is even more powerful. When young people see their peers succeeding, they are inspired and encouraged. When they are able to come together to talk and act — at camps, in workshops or through art, for example — a genuine sense of belonging is created.

Participation doesn’t just mean being involved; it means that young people get to influence, plan, and build. When they feel they are part of something meaningful, their motivation and sense of responsibility grow naturally.

Early support can alter the entire course of a life. Providing help in a timely manner — whether with schooling, managing daily life, or questions of identity — can prevent feelings of exclusion and marginalisation. Support is a key factor in shaping the future because it strengthens a young person’s belief in their abilities and prepares them to face life’s challenges. Every young person who receives support brings us closer to achieving a stronger and more equal society.

International Roma Day, celebrated on 8 April, serves as a significant reminder of this. It highlights Roma history, culture, and rights, and reminds us that the fight for equality is ongoing. This day encourages us all to reflect on how we can support Roma communities, particularly young people, wherever they may be in the world.

Every young person deserves the opportunity to grow into themselves. Our role is not to walk ahead of them, but side by side with them.