A EUROPEAN Union funded project is ensuring marginalised students are receiving first class experience in their learning.

Roma young people and ESOL — English for speakers of other languages — learners at Bolton College have been taking part in the PEER — participation, experiences and empowerment for Roma youth —in partnership with the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan).

Twenty-five students carried out research involving their peers to provide feedback to college bosses to about how the overall student experience could be improved.

It is one of a number of projects taking place within the two-year, pan-European PEER Project.

Launched in January 2015, the EU-funded scheme runs in partnership with a number of organisations across the continent including the University of Babes-Bolyai (Coordinators), Universitat Autonoma De Barcelona and University College Dublin.

UCLan’s Dr Cath Larkins, Co-Director of the Centre for Children and Young People’s Participation, said: "Both Roma and ESOL learners have developed their confidence and leadership skills through the hands-on programme.

"The scheme aims to empower marginalised students so they can improve their lives and promote respect and understanding for their rights and talents.

"The energy, commitment and resourcefulness these young people exhibited in finding out the views and experiences of their fellow students has been impressive."

Voja Sajn, aged 19, is a Spanish Romanian learner currently studying plastering at Bolton College.

Voja, who trained as a PEER mentor along with five others at the University of Central Lancashire, said: "I arrived in the UK in 2014 and couldn’t speak a word of English. I spent a year in ESOL Foundation at Bolton College and received excellent support.

"Taking part in the PEER Project has been an amazing opportunity. I’ve made friends, helped people and led a team — Power2Youth — to complete research within the college.

"No-one ever told me I was good at anything until I came to Bolton College.”

As well as helping the learners to develop their confidence and leadership skills, the results of their research, including feedback on the college’s current facilities and catering services, have presented to other EU organisations via Skype.

Reta O’Connell, ESOL Lecturer at Bolton College, said: "I’ve been absolutely astounded by the students’ energy, diligence, commitment to the project and to making positive changes within college.

"I’m very proud of the standard of work they have produced and that it has been used as good practice by other EU partners."

Peter Griffiths, Head of Essential Skills at Bolton College, said: "I am delighted with our involvement in this project and it is so encouraging to see the development of this particular group of students.

"A lot of time and effort has gone into making this work behind the scenes and I am particularly appreciative of the contribution made by our staff."