ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we demonstrate how intergenerational learning (IGL) can contribute to social cohesion and mobilisation of local communities around young children and how it can combat discrimination and segregation. We share the results of the European project ‘TOY for Inclusion: Community-based Early Childhood and Care for Roma Children’ (https://www.toy4inclusion.eu" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">www.toy4inclusion.eu), implemented in 2017–2018 in Belgium, Croatia, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Slovakia and Slovenia.
The TOY for Inclusion approach is based on creating non-segregated, community-oriented Play Hubs with toy libraries, where multigenerational, inter-ethnic and inter-sectoral encounters are happening. These spaces are located in areas that are reachable for both Roma and non-Roma families and are designed and run by community bodies composed by representatives of all communities: school and preschool teachers, community development workers, parents and grandparents, health workers, Roma NGOs and local authorities. The approach is about building trust, mutual learning and support and highlights how communities can address different types of discrimination and segregation – by including the youngest children and older adults, Roma and non-Roma, professionals, paraprofessionals and others.
Through vignettes, the chapter presents successes, achievements and lessons learned from different countries, and will include the voices and perspectives of diverse stakeholders.
