Tag Archives: Integration

Thessaly and Roma

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Thessaly and Roma

The Meeting of the Roma Federation of Thessaly with the Deputy Regional Governor Andriana Komitsa focused on initiatives by the Thessaly Region to support vulnerable social groups, particularly the Roma community, addressing issues like education, health, and employment.

Emphasis was placed on targeted interventions tailored to local Roma community needs, combating social exclusion, and improving access to services.

The discussion included the importance of ongoing communication and collaboration between the Thessaly Region and the Roma Federation to enhance the living conditions of Roma families.

Roma in Slovenia

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Roma in Slovenia

Melisa Gutmann and Sandi Horvat are members of the Slovenian Roma Academic Club (RAK), which was founded in 2008. Horvat joined it two years later and has been its president for the past few years, while Gutmann is the vice president, who has been working in the club for ten years. We bring you their stories, their rich experiences, observations and warnings about what the real problem is… Read the double interview, from which it is clear: “The problem is not the Roma, the problem is in the system, which has been repeating the same mistakes for decades.”

Roma in Serbia

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Roma in Serbia

Minister for Human and Minority Rights, Demo Beriša, visited Beočin to discuss challenges faced by the Roma community with local officials and community members.

Beriša emphasized the importance of open dialogue and collaboration to improve living conditions for the Roma minority.

The visit reflects the Ministry’s approach of engaging directly with citizens to understand their needs and work with local governments on solutions.

Evaluation?

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Evaluation?

The Slovak government is launching a new phase of a program aimed at monitoring and evaluating public policies for the Roma population, particularly marginalized communities, to better address their needs.

The initiative, which follows a previous phase, emphasizes the importance of collecting and analyzing current data to assess the effectiveness of implemented measures and improve decision-making at various governmental levels.

A budget of over 5.68 million EUR has been allocated for this project, with funding from both the European Union and the Slovak state budget, aiming to enhance socio-economic integration and improve living conditions for marginalized Roma communities.

It is simpler to evaluate what has not really been done rather than doing things that matter.

Serbia – Challenges

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Serbia – Challenges

The article discusses the challenges faced by young Roma in Serbia, including education, discrimination, and the desire to emigrate for better opportunities.

Despite improvements in educational attainment, young Roma still face high unemployment and discrimination in the job market, leading many to consider leaving Serbia.

The article emphasizes the need for systemic change and support from both the state and the Roma community to ensure young Roma can thrive and contribute to their society.

Imer Traja Brizani

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Imer Traja Brizani

Imer Traja Brizani, a prominent Romani musician and composer, celebrates 30 years of his group Amala and 46 years of artistic creation, blending Romani music with jazz and classical influences.

He emphasizes the importance of music as a means to break stereotypes and foster cultural dialogue, highlighting his family’s musical legacy and collaborations with notable artists.

Brizani advocates for better understanding and support for the Romani community in Slovenia, stressing the need for professional knowledge to combat stereotypes and promote genuine inclusion.

Roma in Slovenia

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Roma in Slovenia

The Council of the Roma Community in Slovenia urges the government to adopt a comprehensive and inclusive approach to address key issues facing the Roma community, emphasizing the need for dialogue and responsibility from all institutions.

They highlight the importance of legalizing Roma settlements and improving basic infrastructure, as living conditions directly affect health, education, and employment opportunities.

The council condemns the rise of anti-Romani sentiment and calls for stricter sanctions against hate speech, public education for officials, and campaigns to combat stereotypes.

EU Neighbours East

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EU Neighbours East

The European Union, World Bank, and UN Development Programme conducted a comprehensive assessment of the living conditions of Roma in Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine, with results presented in Tbilisi on August 19.

The study combines survey data with real-life experiences to raise awareness of the Roma community and support the development of inclusive policies.

The project’s goal is to reduce the gap in multidimensional poverty and access to socio-economic rights between Roma and non-Roma men and women in the three countries.

Slovenia and Roma

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Slovenia and Roma

The Slovenian Council of the Roma Community, led by Jožek Horvat Muc, emphasizes the need for the regulation and legalization of Roma settlements, active economic inclusion, and the sanctioning of hate speech.

They call for a clear political framework based on dialogue and responsibility, adhering to the principle of ‘nothing about Roma without Roma’.

The council advocates for improved living conditions, active labor market participation, and stronger measures against anti-Roma sentiment, including public education campaigns.

Leskovac Roma

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Leskovac Roma

A study on the position and needs of youth in Leskovac, Serbia, revealed significant issues such as unemployment and lack of opportunities, but did not specifically analyze the situation of young Roma and Romni.

The research, conducted with 301 participants aged 15 to 30, highlighted that nearly 90% of youth feel they lack equal opportunities compared to peers in other Serbian cities, with many planning to leave Leskovac.

The absence of data on ethnic backgrounds limits understanding of inequalities faced by young Roma and Romni, emphasizing the need for targeted research and inclusive youth policies.

Integration

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Integration

Ecaterina Topor, a young Roma woman, transformed her life through education, learning three languages and becoming a qualified chef, which boosted her confidence and opened new opportunities.

After graduating, she received guidance from the National Employment Agency, leading to a successful internship and job at a local restaurant, despite facing some prejudice due to her ethnicity.

Currently employed at an international company, Ecaterina advocates for education and self-reliance, encouraging other young Roma to pursue their dreams and build their futures.

EU, Bosnia, and Roma

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EU, Bosnia, and Roma

The European Union will allocate 12 million euros through IPA funds to improve housing conditions for the Roma population in 15 local communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).

The program aims to address the housing needs of Roma families and will be implemented with the support of the UN Development Program (UNDP).

The Minister for Human Rights and Refugees, Sevlid Hurtić, emphasized the importance of directing funds to areas with the greatest needs, highlighting collaboration among local institutions, the EU, and the UN.

ReIMAGINE

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ReIMAGINE

EDUCULT, based in Vienna, is working on the ‘ReIMAGINE’ project to diversify European memory culture, focusing on the history and experiences of the Roma community.

The project involves collaboration with partners from five European countries and aims to create innovative educational tools, including a board game dedicated to Roma heroes.

‘ReIMAGINE’ will develop an interactive training toolkit for educators to present diverse historical perspectives and is supported by the EU’s Erasmus+ program until 2027.

Montenegro – Equal Opportunity

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Montenegro – Equal Opportunity

The NGO for the support of Roma and Egyptians emphasizes that educational inclusion must be measured by tangible opportunities for children, such as access to schools and scholarships, rather than just strategies and public messages.

Positive progress has been noted in the educational and social inclusion of Roma and Egyptians in Montenegro, with the Ministry of Education playing a key role in improving their situation.

The organization stresses the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders, including the Roma community, to create effective policies and ensure equal educational opportunities for all children.

Integration in Montenegro

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Integration in Montenegro

The article discusses a project supported by the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights of Montenegro aimed at improving the integration of the Roma and Egyptian communities in Nikšić through various activities, including workshops and training sessions.

A final panel event was held to discuss the support for the full inclusion of the Roma and Egyptian communities, featuring representatives from various sectors, including education and local government.

Key indicators of the project’s success include the active participation of youth from the Roma and Egyptian communities in identifying problems and proposing solutions, as well as improved collaboration between local authorities and NGOs.

Roma in Serbia

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Roma in Serbia

The Roma community in Serbia is advocating for better living conditions and proposed two methods to improve their situation alongside the country’s development.

Salih Saitović, President of the Democratic Union of Roma in Serbia, emphasized the need for a broader policy on labor value, education, and equal job opportunities for all citizens, regardless of their background.

The YUROM Center and Roma education representatives proposed amendments to education laws to ensure systemic support for Roma students, including affirmative enrollment and prevention of segregation in schools.

Culture

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Culture

Young Roma from Brezje and Jedinščica explored radio and Roma culture in Prekmurje, Slovenia, visiting various cultural centers and participating in media workshops.

The initiative aims to provide opportunities for young Roma to learn about their culture and improve their social skills, fostering interregional connections and self-confidence.

Participants expressed enthusiasm for the experience, highlighting the importance of community engagement and the desire to pursue their goals despite challenges.

Maribor Roma

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Maribor Roma

The article features Murim Baftiarov, an activist working to improve the position of the Roma community in Maribor, emphasizing the importance of education, support, and collaboration with the wider society.

Since 2023, he has been involved with the Roma association ‘Sprememba Takoj’, which aims to bridge the gap between the Roma and Slovenian communities and promote positive changes for Roma in Maribor.

He shares his personal educational journey and highlights the need for professional assistance to enhance stability and conditions within the Roma community.

Slovenia and Roma

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Slovenia and Roma

The Novo mesto Society for the Development of Voluntary Work organized a day trip for young Roma from Brezje and Jedinščica to the Prekmurje Roma community, where they visited various cultural and educational sites.

The trip aimed to enhance the young Roma’s understanding of their culture and language, as well as to expose them to successful practices in the region, fostering their educational and employment aspirations.

Participants expressed their excitement about the experience, highlighting the importance of such opportunities for personal growth and community connection.

Slovakia and Roma

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Slovakia and Roma

The article discusses the ongoing challenges faced by Roma communities in Slovakia, emphasizing the need for better housing, water, education, and job opportunities to improve their situation.

Officials report significant investments in infrastructure projects aimed at improving living conditions, but some local leaders express skepticism about the effectiveness of these efforts, citing persistent issues like lack of sanitation and healthcare access.

The article effectively claims that these investments are for nothing.

There is a debate over the allocation of scholarships for Roma students, with differing opinions on whether support should be based on ethnicity or socio-economic status, highlighting the complexities of addressing poverty in diverse communities.

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