ROMLIT project

On 23 October 2025, the UEA hosted a highly engaging half-day seminar organised by BALID, the ROMLIT project and the UNESCO Chair in Adult Literacy and Learning for Social Transformation. The event, attended by around 40 participants both in person and online, opened with heartfelt tributes to the late Dr Juliet McCaffery, BALID’s active executive member who passed away in June 2024. Colleagues highlighted her lifelong dedication to literacy for marginalised communities in Africa, Asia and among Traveller groups in southern England, her influential publications, and her passionate advocacy for learner-centred approaches.

The main focus was a presentation by Dr Spyros Themelis on the ROMLIT project, which co-creates culturally representative children’s books and professional training resources with Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities. Participants explored beautiful bilingual publications such as The Basket-Maker’s Donkey, Stone Soup and The Perfect Playhouse, and noted emerging evidence that these materials are boosting young children’s confidence, school engagement and school engagement while strengthening intergenerational learning. Discussions emphasised the vital role of oral traditions, trust-building and genuine collaboration when developing literacy provision for marginalised groups.

The event closed with the formal introduction of Professor Anna Robinson-Pant as the new President of BALID. Further information and ROMLIT resources are available here.