For me, inclusion is to feel safe, seen and understood in a new environment and for others to understand that maybe even if we are a little bit different, we are still people and that for us as a community, our background is not the happiest. 

I am exceptionally proud that we do not face discrimination in school and that we have worked so hard to make sure everyone understands the struggles of the Roma people and what makes us special. 

Since we started our work with Mission 44, we and our school have worked really understand to understand our communities. This includes our Community Liason Officer meeting all of our families and listening to them with an open heart. Taking the time to understand us has meant that we all feel safer in school and valued; school feels like home. 

We have now been able to take this work beyond the school gates, for example Elisei and I, along with other Roma students for school presented to over 200 NHS workers about social inclusion and how we can all work together to break down barriers. Undoubtedly this work has reduced exclusions amongst this group of students and has increased our happiness immeasurably in school.

Teodora (Y10)