Introducing PIRDA: Exploring Roma Religious Diversity, Cultural Traditions and Pathways to Inclusion
Religion, culture and tradition are central dimensions of identity. Yet the diversity of Roma religious and cultural experiences is still frequently overlooked, simplified or misunderstood.
PIRDA – Pathways to Inclusion: Understanding Romani Religious Diversity and Cultural Adaptation – is an Erasmus+ cooperation project in adult education that brings together academic institutions and Roma civil society organisations from Greece, Italy, Serbia and Bulgaria.
The project seeks to deepen understanding of contemporary Roma religious practices, cultural traditions and processes of adaptation. It pays particular attention to the diversity of Christian and Muslim Roma communities and to the ways in which religious identity, oral traditions, family memory and cultural practices are transmitted and transformed across generations.
Listening to communities, not speaking on their behalf
A central principle of PIRDA is the active participation of Roma communities.
The project will use interviews, focus groups, participant observation and ethnographic research to document experiences, practices and perspectives in different national contexts. Roma participants will not be treated merely as subjects of research: their voices, knowledge and lived experiences will contribute directly to the development and validation of project results.
This participatory approach is essential for ensuring that Roma culture is represented with accuracy, dignity and cultural sensitivity. It also helps challenge stereotypes and creates space for communities to shape how their heritage is documented and communicated.
From research to practical educational resources
PIRDA connects research with adult education and community empowerment.
The project will document religious practices, oral histories, cultural traditions and processes of adaptation, while also examining their relationship with social inclusion. The research will provide the basis for comparative reports, policy recommendations and culturally sensitive educational resources.
Among the expected results are:
- a digital archive of Roma religious and cultural heritage;
- qualitative and comparative research reports;
- educational materials and multimedia resources;
- tools and training resources for adult educators;
- activities supporting Roma mediators and community leaders;
- workshops, public events and intercultural dialogue;
- policy recommendations for more inclusive education and social participation.
The project therefore aims not only to preserve cultural heritage, but also to transform knowledge into practical tools that can support educators, communities, institutions and policymakers.
Promoting inclusion through knowledge and dialogue
PIRDA responds to several connected challenges: the limited documentation of Roma religious and cultural diversity, the scarcity of culturally appropriate educational resources and the persistence of stereotypes that contribute to social exclusion.
By bringing together research, education, digital tools and community participation, the project seeks to:
- preserve Roma religious and cultural heritage;
- strengthen the visibility of diverse Roma experiences;
- support adult educators in developing more inclusive practices;
- empower Roma community leaders and cultural mediators;
- promote dialogue between Roma and non-Roma communities;
- contribute to equality, civic participation and social cohesion.
The project’s international dimension will make it possible to compare experiences across Greece, Italy, Serbia and Bulgaria while respecting the distinct historical and cultural contexts of each community.
A partnership combining research and community knowledge
PIRDA is coordinated by the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and implemented with:
- Udruzenje Romnji Srbija, Serbia;
- ROWNI – Roma Women Network Italy APS, Italy;
- Know How Center, Serbia;
- Center Amalipe, Bulgaria.
The partnership combines academic research, grassroots community engagement, education, cultural preservation and policy advocacy. This combination is intended to ensure that the project is scientifically rigorous, socially relevant and grounded in the experiences of Roma communities.
Project reference: 2025-1-EL01-KA220-ADU-000351184
Co-funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ Programme.
Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the granting authority. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.