Roma Pupils’ Perceived Relationships with Non-Roma Peers and Experiences of Peer Violence

This article examines how Roma pupils in Slovenian primary schools perceive their relationships with non-Roma peers and how they experience peer violence. It underscores the significance of interpersonal relationships for pupils’ well-being and the necessity of creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive school environment. The results of an empirical qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews with a sample of 20 pupils from Roma settlements in Slovenia indicate that pupils generally perceive their relationships at school as positive and friendly, yet they continue to face peer violence and discrimination based on ethnicity. Their responses to such incidents include retaliation, seeking help from teachers, or passively ignoring the events. These results highlight the importance of fostering interethnic relations, promoting inclusive practices, and ensuring a safe school environment, while also contributing to a deeper understanding of the specifics of Roma pupils’ inclusion in the Slovenian school system.