News

8 April – REYN gives visibility to young Roma children affected by the war in Ukraine

This day last year, when we marked the 50th International Roma Day, we enthusiastically looked toward a better Europe for all, emphasizing the fundamental need for equality, inclusion, and participation to fight antigypsyism — we all hoped this year would be different.

But, one year later, the persistent discrimination and social inequalities that Roma in Ukraine face are only exacerbated by war. Roma are encountering additional hardships when seeking humanitarian assistance to meet their most basic needs, even while trying to cross borders to safety.

Today, we want to tell you the stories of young Roma children and their families experiencing additional adversity due to the war and share one organization’s work to bring hope on this 51st International Roma Day.

Hear me – See me – Stand with me tells the story of the REYN Ukraine‘s remarkable work, acknowledging their tireless efforts to create safe and welcoming spaces for Roma families fleeing war zones. A Station of Hope serves as a safe haven; it provides a welcoming environment where children can express themselves, be heard, play, and interact with peers. At the same time, parents can engage with professionals, learn, and support one another. Despite the harsh environment of war, a Station of Hope succeeds in building community and creating a sense of normalcy for children and their families.

Watch the video here. How will you contribute to making 2022 different for young Roma children and their families? Will you hear Roma, see Roma, stand with Roma? Take to Twitter with the hashtag #standwithRoma to join the conversation.

Khetaun sam zoraleder. Opre Roma! / Together, we grow stronger. Rise up Roma! 

Every day, education and care for children

On International Roma Day we echoed our call to action in a video: let’s promise equal and quality education and care to Romani and Traveller children. Every day.

A kindergarten’s experience of inclusion

- Blog | REYN Admin

In the first video we have met Fatima and we heard the story about her experience of preschool assistant. This video tells the story on the kindergarten’s experience of inclusion. What was their most important learning? What were the biggest challenges in building the trust between the preschool institution and Roma community? What are their plans for the future?

A project supported by UNICEF and implemented in collaboration with civil society organization Open Academy Steb by Step aiming at strengthening the capacities of kindergartens for inclusion of children with disabilities and Romani children in Croatia.

Good stories 2: Step toward inclusion – kindergarten’s perspective from REYN-Croatia on Vimeo.

Barriers that Roma people face when accessing the health system in Macedonia

- Blog | REYN Admin

Nevzat, is one of the 25,000 Roma who suffer from multiple chronic diseases (tuberculosis, bronchitis and asthma) in Macedonia. He often requires the services of the emergency medical assistance for the protection of his health and life. But the emergency medical care does not meet his every call.

My first job ever as Roma assistant in kindergarten

- Blog | REYN Admin

A project supported by UNICEF and implemented in collaboration with civil society organization Open Academy Steb by Step aiming at strengthening the capacities of kindergartens for inclusion of children with disabilities and Romani children in Croatia.

In kindergarten “Kosjenka” in the town of Vinkovci during the course of this program, mother Fatima got her first job ever – as a Roma assistant.

Good stories: My first job ever as Romani assistant in kidergarten from REYN-Croatia on Vimeo.

Who are the Roma?

- Blog | REYN Admin

This video by Open Society Foundations explains who the Roma are and what challenges Roma communities face across Europe.

Roma women breaking stereotypes and prejudices

- Blog | REYN Admin

To be a Roma woman is something special. To be an educated Roma woman is something exceptional. A video, which won the Women are future Award in the category Key Woman, tells the story of Samanta Baranja, REYN member and REYN Slovenia National Network coordinator.