The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina

A MonthlyMonthly PPeriodicaleriodical ooff TThehe RRomaoma IInclusionnclusion OOffﬁ ccee The Roma Decade iinn AAPP VVojvodinaojvodina no. 10, november 2011. 2011. no. 10, november

MMOREORE TTHANHAN LIFELIFE

IInterview:nterview: SSnežananežana RepacRepac SSupportingupporting thethe RomaRoma wwithoutithout positivepositive discriminationdiscrimination

SuccessfulS f l Roma:R RajkoR jko Ranko Jovanovi Jovanović FFromrom a ttamburitzaamburitza ttoo a wwhitehite ccoatoat

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 1 IINTRODUCTIONNTRODUCTION The Founder and the Published of the Periodical: The International Roma Decade which was offi cially The Roma Inclusion Offi ce of the launched in 2005 in Sofi a represents the biggest project Government of AP Vojvodina on the international level dedicated to the Roma. The go- vernments of central and south-eastern European coun- The Editor: tries (Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia, Mon- Duško Jovanović tenegro, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Romania and Spain), in which around 10 million of Roma people are living at the The editor of theme of the number: economic and social margins of the society, have signed Snežana Dimić, dipl. pedagogist this document.

The main goal of the Decade of Roma is the improve- The Team: ment of the position of the Roma in fi elds like education, Dragana Dimitrov, professor of Serbian employment, housing and health. Certain documents and language and literature action plans have been created, developed and carried out Marija Petković so far that have directly infl uenced and initiated the im- Ružica Nikolić, dipl. economist provement of the position of the Roma. Igor Dimić, preschool teacher Petar Miler, engeneer of mechatronics - The Republic of Serbia has also become the part of master degree the International Roma Decade, wrote its own Strategy Snežana Dimić, dipl. pedagogist for the Roma Integration and accepted the action plans Jovana Davidović, phylologist - master degree for education, employment, housing and health. Correspondents: If we take into account the fact that the Decade has Roma Coordinators of APV been going on for the past six years and that, unfortuna- Zita Farkaš, pharmachologist tely, its results are not as visible and noticeable as it has been expected that they would be, and that the Roma who Photographer: live in rural areas are not that informed about the things Vitomir Dimić that have been done in this fi eld, the main goal of this periodical is to introduce the local, provincial and inter- Translation in Roma language: national institutions and NGOs to the activities which are Marija Petković being carried out in AP Vojvodina. The experiences in solving specifi c problems in particular environments can Translation in English language: and should be used as examples for other environments Foreign Language Center SOHO, Novi Sad for solving the same or similar issues. Technical Preparation and Printing: Today, we can proudly introduce the “vojvodina mo- MAXIMA GRAF, Petrovaradin dels” we use for solving the Roma issues because this [email protected] particular province has done the most for the integration of the members of the Roma national community into the Circulation: society. Those are exactly the models and the information 1000 that we would like to present to the public and to follow and inform them about all the actions that are happening Address: Bulevar Mihajla Pupina 25, or not happening within the Decade of Roma. 21000 Novi Sad The Team

2 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina TThemeheme ooff tthehe nnumberumber 110:0: MMoreore tthanhan llifeife TTHEHE AAGREEMENTGREEMENT IISS WHATWHAT ITIT TAKESTAKES TOTO BUILDBUILD Izvor: EHO

Roma settlement Bangladeš in Novi Sad In Republic of Serbia there are almost six hundred and ﬁ fty Roma settlements where approximately four hundred ﬁ fty thousand Roma people live. The living conditions in these settlements are in most cases under the minimal ones. A large portion of these settlements do not even have the bare infrastructure, the surrounding roads, sewerage and drinking water. Instead of constructed residential buildings, these families live in improvised accommodation. Is this life or is it just an imitation of it? The project called “Social Inclusion and Housing Improvement in the Roma Settlements in AP Vojvodina in Republic of Serbia” was initiated in July 2001. Since then, it has yielded results that bring the hope that one of the biggest problems of the Roma, this are the virtually unbearable living conditions, are about to cease. The result of a long-lasting experience

Robert Bu, the coordinator of the project says that the Roma Resource Center at the Ecume- nical Humanitarian Organization has a long-lasting experience in working with the vulnerable groups and the Roma national settlement.For many years, we were the unique typical organization that provided single material help for the Roma. However, our experience has changed since we focused on the cooperation with the inhabitants of the Romasettle- Izvor: EHO mentBangladeš in the outskirts of Robert Bu with residents of Roma settlement in Opovo Novi Sad. The survey we conduc-

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 3 TThemeheme ooff tthehe nnumberumber 110:0: MMoreore tthanhan llifeife Source: EHO Source: EHO Source: EHO Work planning and execution ted in the settlement has helped and Cooperation, the Norwegian del according to which this orga- us signiﬁ cantly to recognize all Church Help and the Ministry of nization functions. This model is the other needs and problems of Foreign Affairs of Norway. What named the Sustainable renovation the Roma. – Bu says. makes this project different is the of Romasettlements , and it is the result of the long-lasting experience of the RRC and it was constructed in association with the Swiss partners. So far, the project has been conducted in the Romasettlement of Bangladesh in Novi Sad, in the Romasettlement in the municipality of Žabalj, in the Third New Settlement in the municipality of Opovo as well as in the Roma- settlements in Vašarište, Putrija, Novo selo, Donji grad in municipality of Bečej and in the settlement Ciganski kraj in Bačko

Source: EHO Gradište. Work in progress The Roma as the “owners” The Roma Resource Center fact that it was conceived upon of the project (RRC) at the Ecumenical Huma- the unique model of work with nitarian Organization conducts the members of Roma national This kind of a model is possi- this project in association with settlement, where the most im- ble only if it the Roma represen- foreign investors such as the portant factor is the contribution tatives living in these settlements Humanitarian Organization of of the very Roma nation. Still, take part in it. The project is plan- Swiss Protestant Churches, the this is not exclusively bound to ned and devised exclusively with Swiss Agency for Development this project, but is simply a mo- them cooperating. Apart from Source: EHO Photo: S. Nikolić Photo: S. Nikolić Roma settlement „Ciganski kraj“ in Đurđevo once A danas...

4 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina TThemeheme ooff tthehe nnumberumber 110:0: MMoreore tthanhan llifeife

And today... ć ć Source: EHO Photo: P. Gavrilović Photo: P. Gavrilović Photo: P. New bathroom and roof in Bečej municipality that, this model of work implies that includes three Roma men or ject documentation , to alter the fl exibility and adaptability to in- women who are chosen by the purpose of the ground where the dividual and specifi c problems of settlement inhabitants, and who settlement is situated into the re- the inhabitants of the Roma set- will represent their rights and in- sidential area and consequentially tlement. In this manner, the parti- terests. The next stage is initia- the recognition of the settlement, cipation of the Roma in the entire tion of the forum for Perspective devising a plan of the detailed re- project was encouraged and proof the settlement development gulations as well as the possibility moted. The Roma are even gi- that imply activities of the afo- for legalization of the individual ven the opportunity to gain some re mentioned committee and the houses in the settlement. extra assets by taking part in con- local administration , together As we were informed by the struction work and by supplying with the public companies, non- project coordinator,Mr Robert second-hand building material. governmental organization all for Bu, the representatives of the lo- As such, this project has a goal the sake of fi nding the best so- cal administration that governs to improve and develop the entire lution for the existing problems. the Romasettlement included in Romasettlement. Upon that, the RRC conducts the project have taken part in the We work in association with fi eld surveys on socio-economic project, but, in his opinion, the the inhabitants with who we prac- status of the inhabitants, which problems of Romasettlements are tically agree on the initiatives and is followed by production of the still not of high priority in a large interventions, we plan the pro- project documentation. The work number of municipalities. jects and when the times comes to training makes it possible for the realize them, Roma men and wo- inhabitants to attend courses in In the beginning there was… men are the only ones who should building and installation-related be in charge of the process, as the crafts. The next stage is individual MrRobert Bu, the coordinator project coordinator says. planning of mending or construc- of the project says that the model tion of houses in the settlements. of the “Sustainable Renovation of The stages of the project Upon the distribution of the bu- the RomaSettlement” was tested ilding material, the restoration or in the RomasettlementŠangaj, The stages of the project reconstruction of the houses start. in Novi Sad. On the basis of fi - alization are also the part of the led survey, the RRC got almost “Sustainable Renovation of Ro- Where is the Local disappointing results. Namely, maSettlements” model. In the be- Administration? more that 70% of the roofs were ginning, there is the introduction leaking, and more that 60% of the to the inhabitants through use of The model mentioned requ- windows were broken. There was public presentations and confe- ires the local administration to no sewerage network, nor was rences, but also through the im- participate actively, and this im- there electrical power. Only four mediate contact with them, and plies provision of fi nancial means of the houses had a bathroom. this surely is the most important for the construction work to be But was the most disappointing part of the fi rst stage. What fol- performed so as to improve the was the fact that approximate- lows is the forming of the Settle- infrastructure, to provide support ly 100 inhabitants out of 233 in ment Development Committee in the process of creation of pro- total, lived of 120 dinars per day.

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 5 TThemeheme ooff tthehe nnumberumber 110:0: MMoreore tthanhan llifeife

When we sum it up, the true con- tinuation of the sentence In the beginning there was isNothing. The situation was not different in the other settlements included in the project., either. The problems were mostly the same – inexistent sewerage, the problems with the rooftops, poor socio-economic status of the inhabitants.

Distrust as an impediment

It is evident that this kind of a project would never succeed unless there was the interest of the very Romasettlement. If Source: EHO it was the case, we would not Planning of the future work be in the position to work on the By saying:We include new elements into our project every year, sin- improvement of the living condi- ce we learn so much together with the Roma during the project activi- tions. MrRobert Bu emphasizes ties. We have entered this project bravely and it has been one of the that the RRC does not have any greatest challenges for us up to now. Therefore, we intend to continue ambition whatsoever to impose with the project. ,Mr Robert Bu gives us hope and an promise of the their concept of work; neverthe- brighter future. less, what made the whole thing more diffi cult was the distrust of the inhabitants who had been room made of solid material. as to regulate their rights granted involved and taken advantage of In Romasettlement in the by the law. In this way, the pro- for political purposes before the municipality of Bečej, the project ject exceeds the problem of resi- project. We had to work hard to included construction of 90 septic dence and it actually creates solid earn their trust and to show them tanks, 98 functional bathrooms, foundation for the development of that with their active contribution 11 of the houses were complete- Roma population in all aspects. in the project, they can contribute ly reconstructed with the in-built to development of the settlement bathrooms and one small house It does not end here they live in. At the moment when was made of the second-hand bu- the settlements were built and the ilding material. The project Social Inclusion water supply was regulated, they of the Roma and Housing Impro- started to trust us and our pro- More that solving the problem vement of Roma men and women ject. of residence in AP Vojvodina in Republic of Serbia is going to continue in the Today, it all looks like this... This model of work also next year as well. What is planned implies activities in the scope of for 2011/2012 is improvement of In the Bangladešsettlement education, work training, em- housingconditions in the Margi- in Novi Sad, all the houses got ployment and self-employment. tasettlementin municipality of functional bathrooms, electrical The RRC organizes work with Plandište , in the settlement of installations and new roofs, whe- children and the youngin the fi eld Deronje in municipality of Odža- reas as many as 90% of them got of education and it also implies ci, the settlementDonjiPetrovci an additional room made of solid work with the inhabitants of the in municipality of Ruma and the material. Romasettlements in the fi eld of settlementAdice in the City of InCiganskikrajsettlement in- health education and maintenan- Novi Sad. The projects will inc- Žabalj, all the houses got bathro- ce of living environment. Apart lude 130 Roma families. oms, electrical installations and from that, the lawyer at the RRC 75% of them got an additional visits and counsels the Roma so Snežana Dimić

6 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina TThemeheme ooff tthehe nnumberumber 110:0: MMoreore tthanhan llifeife TTURNINGURNING OVEROVER A NEWNEW LEAFLEAF ININ LIFELIFE OFOF THETHE ROMAROMA

Angela Slavnić, a coordinator for the Roma issues in Bečej municipality has actively participated in a project „Social inclusion and improving living conditions in Roma settlements in AP Vojvodina, Republic of Serbia”. In an interview for our magazine she talks about the beginnings, problems and results of this project.

washing mashine drain pipe so washing the laundry was difﬁ - cult. This project provided children with room for personal hygiene, enabled parents to teach their children to maintain personal hygiene in a civilised

ć way and washing machine drain pipes enabled them to keep their clothes clean.

* What did this project mean to you as a coordintor for the Photo: P. Gavrilović Photo: P. Roma issues? Angela visiting Roma settlement - This project helped me to * What was it like at the rials were late or insuffi cient, but improve an important segment beginning? there were also others who were of living of the Roma popula- not ready to make in effort and tion. A team of experts worked - At the very beginning, work in this project, but fortu- on this project who in addion during a project presentation nately there was a small number to problem of living conditions there were those who believed of such people. Problems were also focused on other goals of in success and a large number of solved while working and there the Roma Decade. Therefore those who doubted. Their doubts were no major setbacks in the this project helped me to solve were not unfounded. Most of project. numerous other problems of them were used for various the Roma people in my munici- political purposes. On the other * What is the signifi cance of pality. hand when an investment like a project like this? this appears in such diffi cult Dušan Radul, a Managing times you have to admit it seems - As a coordinator for Director of the Roma Inclusion a little unrealistic. However, as the Roma issus a lot of parents Offi ce in Žabalj municipality we were signing the agreement turn to me because of insuffi - talks about the same topic their trust was growing. Most of cient conditions for maintaining * How would you describe the families chose to take part in personal hygiene of their chil- the situation in the Roma settle- construction which is of course dren. School representatives also ment called the Gipsy block prior our greatest success. contacted me to discuss visible to the project was realized? consequences of lack of hygiene - Before the project Social * Which problems did you with the children. A reason for inclusion of and improvement come across? thoses problems was absence of living conditions of the of room in a house where they Roma people in Vojvodina was - Important thing was that could learn about basic personal conducted, the Roma lived in some families were unsatisfi ed hygiene habits. Their parents extremely poor conditions. They during the project. Some of them fi rst have to heat water in order lacked some essential items of were unsatisfi ed because mate- to bathe and they did not have

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 7 TThemeheme ooff tthehe nnumberumber 110:0: MMoreore tthanhan llifeife

families chose the materials to be used for building the bathrooms. Some families invested additional means that helped them in adaptation of other parts of the houses (doors, windows, roof). The dwellers took part in the realization of the project together with the construction

ć workers by which they gained some experience in the jobs of builders and painters.

* What are the actual results of the projects? Foto: P. Gavrilović Foto: P.

Dušan Radul in a conversation with our journalist This Roma settlement got living such as electrical power ical Humanitarian Organiza- a paved road which makes it and drinking water. Also, there tion (EHO) was held and in easier for the adult Roma people was no sewerage system nor the meeting we made a register to reach the village and their were there any bathrooms. This of the bare necessities of these children can reach their school primarily endangered hygiene households. Most of them voted more easily. All the houses got of children who were, therefore, for construction of bathrooms. functional bathrooms and elec- avoided by their peers. More- Upon that, we made a ranking trical installations. Thus, the over, the road that leads to school list according to which we made Roma now have normal condi- was not paved, which made the the decision on the families that tions for maintenance of their trip to school more difﬁ cult. This were included in the project. personal hygiene. This project block is placed in the outskirts of The list was based on the criteria made it possible for the Roma to Đurđevo, which made the Roma established by the board that have what they should have had isolated and excluded from the comprised the people living in a long time ago. community. the block. Every family in the block was visited by the Ecumen- * Besides the mentioned * Could you describe the ical Humanitarian Organization results, what else did this project realization of project? team who, after discussing with yield for the Roma? the dwellers, made the plans \- In the very beginning, regarding the project realization. This project made it possible a meeting with the Ecumen- According to their needs, all the for the Romany to help themselves and to achieve and learn something new. On the other hand, the project created bonds between the Roma people by helping each other. They worked and learned together for a better

ć future. Most importantly, this project is what opened a whole new chapter in the life of Roma people. They no longer dream of a better future, they are living it now. Photo: P. Gavrilović Photo: P.

Dušan Radul on the ﬁ eld work Snežana Dimić

8 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina TThemeheme ooff tthehe nnumberumber 110:0: MMoreore tthanhan llifeife IINN BETTERBETTER FUTUREFUTURE WEWE BELIEVEBELIEVE

And then there was sunshi- ne. EHO team came to this family lead by Robert Bu and the ﬁ rst sun beams appeared. The way he worked with people surprised them. Works began soon and the results and progress became visi-

ć ble. The family did not have a bathroom. Therefore keeping hygiene was diffi cult. We know how important hygiene is, so not having a place in a house to mainta- Photo: P. Gavrilović Photo: P. in hygiene meant that their health Gan family with Angela was threatened. A bathroom is A story begins like this: A fa- then continue her education, she today a part of their home. Cur- mily with six members lives in a got married. The youngest dau- rently they are waiting to get hot small shabby house in extremely ghter is still a pupil. And so time water so that magic can begin. diffi cult conditions. Parents are passes and parents are afraid that The bathroom is not the only unemployed. Everything they their destiny will repeat with their thing family got with this project. earn working hard, they spend children and that they will grow In addition to that they gained will on essential things for living. If if old living as peons, worrying for and strength to change their lives can be called living at all. Their the existence of their family. Like for better themselves. Their faith two sons fi nished third degree of any other parents they wish only in future is restored as if it was high school, department – Dri- the best for their children, but reborn. They can carry the burden ver and they are also unemploy- they can not play their role as they of life more easily now. The truth ed. Their daughter’s wish to go would like to. Tired of empty pro- is that it is still not easy but one is to high school has not come true. mises that never came true they certain - this project initiated new And although they agreed that slowly lost faith that something life fi lled with success. The sun- she should pause for one year and good is ever going to happen. shine is there, the rest will come in future because faith and effort bring satisfaction. We are eager- Hapiness found her ly waiting for the sequel of the Family of Roma- story. na Stojanović from Jovana Davidović Čurug also got a bath- Snežana Dimić ć room. Romana, a student of a fi fth grade, says she is happy for it and that bathing which used to be a torture became pleasure now and Photo: P. Gavrilović Photo: P.

the best part of the day. ć In addition to the bathroom, her family got funds to expand the house. Romana likes her friends to come to visit her. Therefore she says she is happy because she will now have space where she will enjoy with her friends and now when the winter is coming she and her friends like all other children will have to spend some time

indoors. Gavrilović Photo: P. Gan family in their newly renewed bathroom

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 9 IInterviewnterview

TThehe DDirectorirector aatt tthehe DDevelopmentevelopment FFundund ooff AAPP VVojvodinaojvodina SSnežananežana RRepacepac SSUPPORTINGUPPORTING TTHEHE RROMAOMA WWITHOUTITHOUT PPOSITIVEOSITIVE DDISCRIMINATIONISCRIMINATION

The warmth we felt while we were making this interview is a proof of her saying that, for her, all people are the same. The Director of the Development Fund of AP Vojvodina does her job in a professional manner and she answers our questions regarding the encouragement of development of Roma community in a con- crete manner. She divides the users of the funds into the ones who have a good idea for business and the ones that do not. * Could you present the history of the Fund?

– The fund was founded in 2002 for the purpose of development of economy, agriculture and employment in AP Vojvodi- na. In my opinion, it is by far one of the best projects of Vojvodina Administration since the capital of the Fund is derived from the ć privatization performed in Vojvo- dina and one part of these assets is directed towards the Fund. In this way, the assets are returned to where they were produced, this is, Dimić Dimi V. photo: V. to economy, agriculture and they practically help to incite the pro- and what received the greatest best length of the loans meant for duction or to invest the means on number of applications are the the agricultural production. some higher level. In almost ten agriculture and agricultural esta- years, the Fund has placed 225 tes. These are, in fact, our most * How have you contributed million euros which means that numerous users whose number the Fund and its users since you the capital has been turned over exceeds the total amount. Apart became the head of it? through 5.500 loans we have ap- from that, the Fund focuses on fi - proved. The purposes of the loans nancing exports. There have been Surely it is the competition have varied. Our procedures are specialized, recycling and eco- opened throughout the whole public; the competitions for ap- logy-related and tourism-related year since it makes it possible proval of the loans are published competitions. The agriculture for everyone to think deeply abo- in the media and on our website. is the most vital segment of the ut their future investments and We organize education in all mu- private sector in the Province and then to apply, as opposed to the nicipalities so as to make the lo- that is what majority of citizens competitions opened only in the ans available for all the citizens, do. By paying reasonable atten- period of thirty days which force to individuals and legal entities, tion to our farmers’ needs, I belie- people to make quick decisions. depending on the competitions ve we have made all their realistic Now we have a higher quality. I opened. wishes come true, this is, the ones believe this is much easier for the that can be realized at the mo- people. Besides, the entire agri- * Which competitions are of ment. This is clearly visible when culture is now fi nanced for fi ve most interest for citizens of Vojvo- one tours the villages or when years, whereas it was only three dina? one gets engaged in the problem to fi ve years in the past. This is a of development of agricultural huge step forward and great help – Up to now, we have ope- production. At the moment the for the farmers. ned more than fi fty competitions. Fund provides the lowest interest What is also important is the What we have fi nanced the most rates in the region as well as the fact that for the sector of agricul-

10 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina IInterviewnterview

organized in the right direction. What I would like to suggest strongly is that the Roma must get educated. We also have some loans under the court procedures in the total amount of the loans, but there is a colleague of ours who had an MA Thesis on the subject of Who has succeeded with the loans and who has not. And the ones who have succeeded are the ones who are educated. If you are in agriculture and if you want Photo: V. Dimić Dimić V. Photo: V. to be serious about it, you must Snežana Repac in conversation with our journalist study about it. Whoever had even the High School of Agriculture fi - ture it is no longer necessary to special sensibility such as Roma- nished, they made it to repay the devise a business plan by which ny population, women’s business loan, to buy a tractor and to have the costs have been signifi cantly and up to now, no one has been quite a good vehicle. The know- cut and the people are relieved left without means if their busi- ledge is one of the essential pre- since, in the past, it often was an ness idea is a good one, be it men, conditions to success in business. impediment for application to the women, Roma population, un- The capital is to follow. One can competition due to their lack of derdeveloped municipalities etc. have the money but if they are knowledge in making business This means that everyone who has not wise in managing it or how to plans. We solved the issue by applied with a good idea, a feasi- produce something, they will not providing software that practi- ble project, has been accepted in know how to spend this money. cally calculates the credit rating the competition. The rules imply And together with this knowled- and profi tability of the future in- that this institution is not the one ge, but with little money, one can vestment. By protecting the Fund providing subventions. This is so- achieve a lot. With Mr Jovanović, as an institution and the citizens mething that I wish to emphasize; I visited the College for Nursery from going bankrupt in the inve- even in case of subventions pro- Teachers in Vršac and I was deli- stment, we immediately provide vided by state institutions such as ghted to meet such great students. the response to the question whe- ministries, one must have a mort- This, in short, is my advice on ther an investment would yield gage offered to the ministry in what can help the Roma to escape profi t or not, I believe that busi- order for this subvention to be gi- the poverty. ness procedures of the Fund have ven at least for the following fi ve been signifi cantly improved by years. We provide quite favorable * You have mentioned educa- simply becoming more available loans but some property is a must tion as the essential pre-condition and cheaper for its users. in order to provide the mortgage for the progress of Roma commu- for the loan. For these ten years, nity. How have you contributed to * Have there been users of we have had many users, but we education? the Fund that belong to Roma po- surely have no register based on pulation? nationality since all people are – What our contribution is equal for us. refl ected in are the fi ve computers – Yes, there have, but what that we presented the community needs to be pointed out is the * You have mentioned the with. I start for the fact that when fact that we have organized two two rounds of education organi- a child begins to study something, rounds of education in the Parlia- zed in the Parliament of Vojvo- and this surely includes the PC ment of Vojvodina aimed at Roma dina. What impressions did this literacy, he or she needs a com- population. We do not practice education make on you? puter which does not necessarily positive discrimination by special need to be a new one. What is im- competitions, either. Of course, – Since then, some time has portant is that every child should this group is specifi c, this is, of passed. I believe it to have been study with these computers and

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 11 IInterviewnterview

also to be present in the most va- TThehe ppresidentresident ooff OOpovopovo MMunicipality,unicipality, MMiloradilorad SSoldatovioldatović ried circle of social networks. If we are in need for more advanced GGRARAĐAANINI OPOVAOPOVA DOBILIDOBILI ŠANSUŠANSU computers due to business requ- The local administration of the municipality of Opovo, regardless irements, we give our existing the low annual budget, succeeds in working strategically on the impro- ones to good students, to asso- vement of the position of Roma national community. The president of ciations, just in order to provide the municipality of Opovo has presented the position of the Roma in his them with a possibility to have a municipality as well as the activities realized there. basic condition for learning. * Could you present the * What have been the current * What is your opinion on the municipality of Opovo, its size activities recently? existence of The Roma Inclusion and geographical position? Offi ce? – The projects whose real- – The exceptionally favor- ization is currently ongoing – In any case, this Offi ce is able position and the resources are the construction of the necessary. As I know the people it possesses make an excellent Opovo- Debeljača road, fi nal- working at the Offi ce, the people basis for affi rmation and develop- ization of the building of sports who are rather young, eager and ment of our municipality. Opovo and recreation center in Opovo, simply demonstrating this immen- municipality is one of the smallest reconstruction of the old school se power to improve the lives of municipalities in Vojvodina. It is building in Barandaand its trans- Roma population, I believe that it situated in the south of Banat, formation into a local hospital, is essential for them to turn to the only 30km away from Belgrade as well as other projects that are young Roma, because it is them and Pančevo, and 40km away aimed at improvement of the who are the future. I am honestly from Zrenjanin. In 203km2there quality and conditions of living not in the least keen on making are 11.016 inhabitants , within of Opovo municipality citizens’ any differences whatsoever and I the four towns: Opovo, Baranda, in the scope of social protection, always do this rather diffi cultly. Sakule andSefkerin. All the education, utility infrastructure Everyone is the same for me. To towns are situated on the left and so on. provide the young with the possi- bank of the river Tamišthat fl ows * Could you tell us more bility to get educated and to see for 29km, along the municipality about the position of the Roma them return this by getting great territory. It is 3km away from in Opovo municipality? marks and later to integrate in the the Belgrade – Zrenjanin main – The Roma live in all four society is the best way for them road, and the same is the distance towns within the municipality, to contribute to the development between the municipality and the but the typical Roma settlement of Roma population. I think this Koridor 10 (the highway). There is the most important, this is what exists in Opovo. There is not is a regional road going through everything should be based on, much difference between Roma the municipality- R-124 Pančevo and the rest is to follow naturally. population and the other citi- – Zrenjanin. The “Nikola Tesla” zens when it regards their prob- * What is your message for airport is 50 km away from the lems. The Roma hold an equally the young Romani who have en- municipality. important position in the society tered the world of academic education?

– Take advantage of all your talents, feel no obstacles in your life and courageously step forward to accomplishment of your goals. Set them clearly and achieve them one by one.

Snežana Dimić Source: Opština Opovo Road construction Opovo - Debeljača

12 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina IInterviewnterview

For the sake of improvement of living conditions and the municipality infrastructure, in 2007, Opovo municipality conducted the program “Support to the Process of Inclusion - Improve- ment of the Housing Conditions and the Socio-Economic Status of the Roma Community”. We provided training for various crafts for four people who had the elementary school fi nished, which was the pre-condition to the training. In the very settlement, there was an object installed where the training took place, a typical house. Within the scope of the project, a lot of attention was paid to education and self-education. The project was conducted in cooperation with the Ecumenical Humani- tarian Organization – The Roma Source: Opština Opovo Resource Center, the Roma Milorad Soldatović Inclusion Offi ce of the Prov- ince, the Province Secreteriat as the others, and their situation the Roma for the period between for Architecture, Urbanism and is mainly conditioned and deter- 2009 and 201. However, due to Construction, and the Province mined by their poor material and the lack of funds , the realiza- Secretariat for Work, Employ- residential position, inadequate tion of the activity was leveled ment and Equality of Genders. and a low level of education. down to the above mentioned A great deal of attention is paid common activities that are taken to Health Care of Roma popula- * In what way are you depending on the funds avail- tion through the activities taken attempting to help them? able. The problem of employ- by the local hospital of Opovo. ment is evident in the munici- Namely, these are the activities – The actions taken within the pality, with all the inhabitants in of the fi eld team, as wellas the scope of specifi c areas are mainly general. Within the programmes programs and projects conducted coordinated with the institutions that were presented as opportu- with the purpose of improvement that are, in accordance with their nities for the increase of educa- of health and hygiene awareness, fi elds of expertise, aimed at tion levels, qualifi cations and a the culture of healthy living, the certain issues. Thus, for instance, greater chance for employment, importance of prevention and in the fi eld of education, the the program “Second Chance” health care. municipality mainly cooperates was realized. It was presented with the elementary school and to the ones who showed interest, * What are your plans for the pre-school institution. The under the authority of the elemen- the future? help provided is mostly refl ected tary school, and it was mainly the in the provision of books, the Roma who attended presenta- We are planning to fi nish the costs of breakfast, students trans- tions. They perceived this chance existing and to start new project port and similar. In 2009, the as their opportunity for additional activities, all for the sake of municipality devised the Local education and meeting the pre- improvement of life and standard Action Plan with the objective to conditions for a higher competi- of the inhabitants. improve the education status of tiveness in the labour market. Petar Miler

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 13 CCoordinatoroordinator fforor RRomaoma iissuesssues IITT ISIS DIFFICULT,DIFFICULT, BUTBUT WEWE AREARE FIGHTINGFIGHTING

The municipality of Kula is a multinational community which has for decades been trying to nurture and develop tolerance as a legacy for the future. Therefore they took part in the International Roma Decade. From a coordinator for Roma issues we ﬁ nd out what has changed in the municipality of Kula concerning the Roma people.

Roma settlement used to be, we planted some trees and today there is a playground there” says Mr Kovač.

Local action plans

A coordinator for Roma issues in Kula municipality, Mr Janoš Kovač, in further conversation for our magazine stated that a local action plan for the Roma was ﬁ nished in May. This

ć plan will continue solving the problem of living conditions of the Roma. In addition to LAP, a social chart of the Roma has been made as well. According to the chart there are 504 Roma Photo: P. Gavrilović Photo: P. people living in Kula (there is About his job Mr Kovač Minority Rights with the support still no exact number according says: „I have been doing this job of a Dutch humanitarian orga- to the latest census) for three years now. It is a tempo- nization “Spolu” (“Together”). rary job according to systemati- Up until 2005 four families were Living conditions zation of workplaces. As for the dislocated from the Roma settle- local government, I have great ment because local government, One milion dinars in the cooperation with them as well AP Vojvodina and a foreign municipality budget has been as with Municipality Chairman donor bought them houses in aimed for improvment of living Svetozar Bukvić. In the past the village. After two-year break conditions. The money will be years a lot has been done on the the action of dislocation was available when foreign invest- Roma integration” – Mr Kovač taken over by the municipality of ments and donors come. Those begins his story. Kula and the Government of AP funds are not enough to solve the Vojvodina. “On location where problem. Action plan incluyes A dislocation of the Roma settlement Instead of reed or tin roofs, cardboard boxes and nylon fami- Mr Kovač considers a dislo- lies who lived in that settlement now have roof over their heads. cation of one illegal settlement They all got houses with gardens in Sivac and Crvenka. Thanks to in Kula municipality a great the donor from the Netherlands, four houses have been bought for former inhabitants of the Roma settlements in Sivac. The Govern- success. That Roma settlement of AP Vojvodina helped six families two out of which were ment is in Sivac. Dislocating expelled from their homes in old german basements in land-plateau people of this Roma settlement Telečka in Crvenka. The municipality dislocated ten families with began in 2003 as recommenda- 108 members in this way. tion of Ministry for Human and

14 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina CCoordinatoroordinator fforor RRomaoma iissuesssues a purchase of eight to ten more With support expect to solve the problems of houses, because of the number the Roma families on a long term of familias that live in very bad „I would like to say that basis after the adoption of Local conditions in this area. One we have very good cooperation Action Plan for the Roma” – says family remained in an old wine with Social Work Center and we Mr Kovač. cellar in Crvenka and the other have achieved a lot in that area. family moved to an appartment People come to us to seek help Employment in Crvenka. Sixteen people live on one-time basis and for various in one shabby house in Kula and other reasons. I have patience to According to Mr Janoš there are twenty people in the listen to all of them and to try Kovač one of the biggest prob- other. Living conditions are very to help, that is the reason why I lems for the Roma population bad in the entire municipality. do this job. We solve everyday is uneployment. Finding a job We plan to adapt twenty Roma problems which are important seems to be a problem in every houses and to make bathrooms for our Roma population. A municipality. He says that in Sivac only one Roma person has a permanent job as a cleaner in communal service company. ”Through the Roma inclusion offi ce we published competitions for selfi mployment. Some people applied, made business plans, found endorsers. I expect the realization of those projects to start in the ć next few months. There are also certain courses organized by the Offi ce within a Project “Improving the employment the Roma in AP Vojvodina”. That

Photo: P. Gavrilović Photo: P. project was presented in a public Janoš Kovač and our journalist discussion in a conference room in forty houses, as we found out few thousand dinars donated by in Municipal Assembly in Kula. from Mr Kovač. Social Work Center means a lot Forty Roma people took part in to some people. We also coop- the public discussion. The aim Education erate well health care centers, was to introduce Roma people to where the Roma can get medical the possibilities of retraining and According to Mr Janoš help. If possible, we also help employment by providing them Kovač, a coordinator for Roma them ﬁ nancially if they need to with menthors and technical issues, 125 young Roma people pay for treatments. support”, said the coordinator. go to kindergarten, elementary We also cooperate well Mr Kovač, the coordinator and secondary school. There are with the Red Cross. Whenever is determined and sure that the 2 senior students from Kula at clothes, shoes or hygienic packs Roma people will never go back University. “Our Roma children are being given out, they inform to where they were before and have free textbooks, stationary, me and I pass the information to that permanent effort to improve snacks, free monthly public my Roma people. their position can not be in vain. transport tickets even in those Those packs containing food schools outside the municipality and hygienic products mean a of Kula. Our students have schol- lot to socially threatened fami- Igor Dimić arships and free accommodation lies. The same applies for non in campuses” says our coordi- goverment organizations which nator. we cooperate well with. We

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 15 EEducationducation EEDUCATIONDUCATION STRONGERSTRONGER THANTHAN BARRIERSBARRIERS

One of the segments of the Roma Decade as well as the aim of our magazine is education of the Roma people and the attempt to make them realize the essence and the importance of it. We wish to encourage those who do not have enough self confi dence or ambition to start and continue the way towards the thing which should always come fi rst – education. That path is diffi cult to pass without any barriers, but in order to reach a higher goal, we have to overcome them. Is that possible or are those just empty words on a piece of paper, we are going to fi nd out from a high school girl

from Subotica. Photo: S. Nikolić Anja Halilović is 18 years old Anja Halilović and is fi nishing High School of Economics in Subotica, Depart- very strange to me. The city is big, lived in a small room with her ment of bank employees. From crowds in the streets are amasing, parents, Anja managed to make the beginning of her education different people, different a few good friends who she her results have been excellent. school... All of that made me a keeps in touch with even today. She has had many ups and downs little crazy. However, the biggest Having accepted the way of life in school as well as in her private problem was the little room of 10 in Belgrade and having found life. However, the problems she square metres, where we were new friends, she had to move has faced, have not distracted her all supposed to live: my mother, once again to Subotica. Even and therefore having strong and my father, my younger sister and today, she does not know the determined spirit, she is one of me. After living in a comfortable real reason for leaving Belgrade. the best students at school. Anja apartment where I grew up, I had The Halilovic familiy bought a was born in Leskovac where she to live in one room without a bath- house in Subotica and got a new fi nished third grade of elemen- room. You can only imagine how member of the family, who is 13 tary school. Family problems led my parents must have felt when years younger than Anja. “His to moving her family to Belgrade. because they were not able to fi nd birth brought us a lot of happi- Anja explains how diffi cult was a better place to live. They must ness in life. I am still an excellent the separation from her grandpar- have felt like the most incompe- student. I have a lot of friends, ents, especially grandfather who tent creatures and yet they knew but only a few very close friends. she loves more than anything that it had to be like that in order They are always there for me in the world. After few years to get better one day, which came and I am always there for them. she realized herself that moving out to be true”. Despite problems It has never bothered them that house was the best solution for that followed this little girl, she I am Roma and they are not and her family. For many people, continued her excellent success they have never had any preju- who come from small towns, at school. At school competitions dice about me or my family. multimilion Belgrade is a real in Serbian language she has been They come to visit me often and challenge. Anja reveals how one among the best: she won a second I visit them too as if there is no Roma familiy handled the situa- place twice in a municipal compe- difference in nationality and that tion and how they overcame diffi - tition and a third place once in a is exactly the way it should be”, culties: “Coming to Belgrade was city competiton. Although she Anja explains. During moving

16 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina SSuccessfuluccessful RomaRoma houses and changing the envi- FFROMROM A TTAMBURITZAAMBURITZA TOTO A WWHITEHITE CCOATOAT ronment, Anja did not have any troubles adjusting to new situa- Rajko Ranko Jovanovic, in his interview for our newspaper speaks tions, although she is a member about how come that he has replaced his tamburitza with a white coat. of the Roma community. As she He shared with us his memories of some pedagogical measures used explains, she has only experinced upon him as a child and his father’s strong disagreement with his choice discimination from those who of profession. He expresses his opinion about the condition of the health are rude and intolerant to every- care protection in his municipality, and tells us about how to help Roma- body who is differet from them. ni people integrate into Health Care System as well. It has not been a problem for her, as she thinks that those people should not worry her at all. Anja is today a senior student in High Shool of Economics and she is planning to fi nd a job in a bank. She says taht she would be satis- fi ed to have the most ordinary job at the bank, because one cannot succeed if they do not start from the beginning. If she does not fi nd a job, she will go college and archive archive

become a bank manager, which ć would be her dream come true. “I will be determined in everything in order to achieve my goals and to succeed in life. I will set an example to other Roma people and prove that it is possible to become a Business Manager who once lived in a small room and in spite of all the problems the Roma Source: from R. R. Jovanović people face I have become what I Rajko Jovanovic on his workplace have always wanted” says Anja. Anja Halilović is only one in *When did you ﬁ nd out what myself suddenly among “the a sequence of positive examples would you like to do in your white coats’. which show that desire for educa- life? In that time, I knew nothing tion can be stronger than barriers neither about pharmacists nor which life and society impose, - Truth to tell, I should admit pharmacies. As I was never ill and especially those imposed on and say, that without taking my in my childhood, doctors and the Roma people. The question is school success into consider- pharmacists were a complete – what about thousands of other ation, never in my dream, not unknown to me. young Roma people who live in only me, but my family members My parents regularly gave Serbia in very unhygenic condi- as well, altogether with the inhab- me “pedagogical hiding” for tions, who beg in the streets and itants of the village Deronje, did attending classes, and my devoted have bad reputation in institutions suppose that my profession and reading and writing, so I had to and media...Should this young the landmark of my life would move on the ceiling in order to girl be a signal to our country be pharmacy. Me, as a member study, but when I was revealed and society which shows that the of the Romani community, a even there, my borrowed books Roma can be the best in certain future musician, grimy as I am, were burned, followed by the things or should they only have noticeable a kilometer away pedagogical measures already place in the media when they do amongst “the whites”, not having mentioned, of course. Since I something wrong. anything to do with it, found was the best pupil in the class, Ružica Nikolić

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 17 SSuccessfuluccessful RomaRoma archive archive ć Source: from R. R. Jovanović Rajko Jovanović on the beginning of his path and considering the fact that in enrolled to medical school. I got certain period of time I was also the following couple of days I did back to Sombor tomorrow, and the studentship of the Tito’s not go to classes, the alderman of took the documents in order to Foundation. During my educa- the class, and the school’s prin- apply to medical school. The tion period I fi nanced myself cipal used to come, all with the school mentioned above was mostly due to my school success, intention to take over the respon- highly ranked in the old Yugo- and later on, due to my Youth sibility for my future educa- slavia, so having good grades Movement activities on the level tion on their personal expense. was not a guarantee for enroll- of the local communities to the Unfortunately, they were accom- ment, especially for the pharmacy to the level of the federal youth panied with ignominious words major. My future profession was organizations. I was the fi rst Rom and a pitchfork. A week later my appointed by the school’s secre- – the juvenile offi cial in the old father got an invitation and a fi ne tary, who after receiving my Yugoslavia, and the district dele- from the court, which calmed documents, said that I stood a gate near the Republic confer- the situation down for a bit. Not great chance to be admitted to ence, in charge of the work of even to the time of his death did the pharmacy major, which was the committee in the educational my father completely recon- my primacy. In the class, formed segment of the Serbian youth. In cile himself with my choice of out of the future pharmacists that time I was honored for my profession. coming from all Yugoslav states, work and activity from SSRNV. there was also me. It was the fi rst My activities in the Youth Move- *How the idea of enrolling time ever, that a Romani foot ment were the ones that ensured to high medical school and the has crossed the threshold of this me my workplace as a phar- pharmacy major was born? school. macist in 1982 which was not possible to achieve neither with - Upon the fi nishing of the *Who was your biggest my social status, nor with all the specialized training education, I support on your educational scholarships and awards I got. I enrolled in economics school in path? was often asking myself, if my Sombor as the fi rst pupil on the old man was right when he used rank list. On the way home I met - I was a municipal student- to say to me “Who would give a school friend who was behind ship as well as Healthcare Centre you, a Gipsy, a job?” me in his school grades, but who studentship in Odzaci. For a

18 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina SSuccessfuluccessful RomaRoma

to Romani patients that it is true that there is a Romani pharmacist and that he is standing right in front of them. Disbelief and suspicion, and as a ﬁ nal result of the unsuccessful mission is their question: ”What are you doing among these whites, and where did you see that black and white people like each other. It would have been better for you if you had been a musician, or a horse seller, and after all, where did you see an educated Roma person?... We do not need that.”

*How long have you been doing this job? archive archive ć - It’s almost three decades of my being a pharmacist, which, for Romani instance is an envi- able service accrual. I would also like to point out that for more than thirty ﬁ ve years, I have the status of a commuter, from the educational destinations in my Source: from R. R. Jovanović childhood, and now, to my work- Ranko Jovanović and his two loves – a book and a pharmacy places of my profession.

*Would you please share brought about certain privileges *How is your relation- with us some interesting memo- as well. During my education on ship with your male and female ries associated with your educa- the relation between Sombor and colleagues? tion and work? Deronje, I walked on foot the distance from Odzaci to Deronje, - To cross my heart, I take - At the beginning of my both on summer and winter, more my hat off ﬁ rstly to the female education in Sombor, majority than hundred of times, which colleagues, for being so tolerant of the senior pupils thought that means nearly 800 kilometers. for my activities so far. On our I had come from some African However, since I was actively workplaces we are all the same, state, primarily because of my engaged in sport, it was a great and we are obliged to behave skin complexion, and then exercise for me. The beginning in such a way by the law, work because it was not quite fashion- of my work as a pharmacist was codex, and job duties as well. I able for a Roma to be enrolled to associated with the central phar- think that my female and male such an elite school like this. macy in Sombor. After meeting colleagues comprehend to a great I was chosen to be the presi- the patients of Roma origin, I was extent my mission and vision of dent of the youth community trying to establish the commu- the Romani enlightenment and and the school’s facilitator of the nication in Romani language, education. I want to say that I sports activities. In the fourth year which proved to be the impos- have used and have “spent” at I was also elected to be the presi- sible mission and a completely least a half of my service accrual dent of the whole school’s youth, paradoxical situation. Dressed in on the improvement and raising and as such I became a member a white uniform, from my head the levels of my knowledge in of the School’s Council, which to heels, I am trying to explain the various segments of my life.

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 19 SSuccessfuluccessful RomaRoma

There are lots of people whom * In your opinion, how *How can we help Romani I have been teaching and who far is the perception of health people in the process of integra- founded a number of ways of developed amongst members of tion in the health care system? employing others, and all that the Romani population in your due to my signed guarantees, municipality? It’s high time the Romani certifi cates, diplomas, references people, apart from the legal and requests. - If we compare the cultural rights they have, understood and life, the health life and the comprehended their own respon- *Considering the fact that hygienic habits of the Romani sibilities towards the current health is one of the prior fi elds people a half-century ago, and laws and especially towards the in the Roma Decadei, did you, now, it seems to me that the great Republic of Serbia. As long as as a medical worker take part so steps forward have been made. there are Gypsy tents and their Romani inhabitants, and if the far in some of the projects in this The life expectancy age of some situations in the settlements area? Romani males and females is don’t improve soon, there will the fi rst indices. There is a high be problems with diseases and - Enhanced activity associ- number of those Romani living those specifi c illnesses, which ated with the preservation of the in our community who are in within other nations have almost hygienic and health care culture their seventh, and a considerable been forgotten. There is a great of the Romani, has been initial- number of those in their eight difference in the hygienic habits ized a decade ago, which is many decade, as well. The substan- between those living among years before today’s activities tial percentage belongs to the villagers and those living in and plans. In the beginning we preceding female population, Gypsy tents, slums and on the were visiting certain areas, and whilst the stronger gender rarely margins of society. When the together with medical workers lives more than sixty fi ve years. conversation about the Romani checking the obligatory vacci- The short-life trend is “reserved” inclusion in the Health Care nations of the Romani children. for tamburitza players whose System starts, we should fi rst ask It is known that the majority of average age in the last thirty ourselves whether there are the Romani families, due to their years has been about fi fty three right conditions for that nowa- ignorance, and many other years. It has been the case, days, and who is responsible for known and unknown reasons, commonly, and it still is, that its implementation. It is inappro- have been avoiding regular after tamburitza players’ deaths, priate to ask for Romani inclu- vaccinations and the obligatory their wives continue to live for sion in all life segments after medical examinations of their more than two decades. Being several centuries. All until 150 – children. Nowadays, rarely can a slave to unrecognized profes- 200 years ago, the entire commu- you fi nd a Rom child without a sional careers, competing with nity was on the same threshold medical-care booklet or a health others in having a better and and at the beginning of the health station having no adequate a more rich life, as well as the enlightenment and the culture of record keeping. There have been degradation of some life princi- hygienic habits. As Romani have more projects of the cooperation ples and adequate healthy habits, always been to a great extent isolated and on the margins of all between the Romani corpora- has resulted in the fact that many the happenings in their surround- tions and Health Care Centers of the virtuosi musicians had way ings, we have an apparent indi- associated with dentist’s and too early given their instruments cator of the huge discrepancies gynecologist’s services in our in legacy to their sons or grand- in the perception of health care community. sons. At some point during 2012. habits between Romani and The part of Romani health I should fi nish the fi rst of series others. The law should be appli- project about taking part in the of my books, titled The Primer cable and obligatory for each and prices of drugs for which Romani Book of Health for the Romani every individual, and some older patients have no fi nancial means Children and the Youth, which people know that there used to be for, but which are their priority, will be dealing with hygiene big fi nes for those who have been is being worked on currently. and health care education and avoiding vaccinations and other The plan mentioned has its own training. duties. offi cial budget limit. Jovana Davidović

20 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina IInterviewnterview

PProfessorsrofessors drdr GoranGoran BulatoviBulatović andand mrmr LjiljanaLjiljana LLj.j. BBulatoviulatović FFROMROM TTHEHE AANGLENGLE OOFF OOURUR TTRAINERSRAINERS

A paralell interview made on a seminar „Media literacy and education” where we spoke to professors Goran Bulatović (GB) and Ljiljana Lj. Bulatović (LjB) clearly proves that our lecturers know well and have a clear image of what we wish to achieve with this magazine and that they realize our progress. Their responses show that they are compatible and synchronized. They discover our strengths and weaknesses, they see how much progress we have made and they monitor our work through every issue and they note down comments which are a part of their preparation for the next seminar. Photo: S. Denić

* On the seminar you ideas, how we see ourselves. provoke curiousity, responsi- said that working with young Media also affects our decisions bility and creative potentials people is a challenging but also and behaviour and therefore has of the young. The rest is just responsible job. What did you to be socially responsible. On learning techniques which they mean by that? the other hand the media is a can practice. great industry inspired by profi t GB: – Working with young and which benefi ts from our LjB: – The mere fact that we people is a big challenge and ignorance, habits and passive- work with young peple who are requires great responsibility. ness. Those who wish to work ready to change the world and That responsibilty is increased in the media have to realize ourselves who are already tired by the fact that young people and feel that and to undere- of that, makes us younger and like to work in the media which stand themselves and to know more eager. Nevertheless, each does not only transmit messages why they want to work in that new generation has its doubts, and information and is cheap area, to set a clear objective for goals, very specifi c demands fun. The media affect how we themselves. For a lecturer it is and complex needs – which perceive the society in which we the most diffi cult part of work are a challenge for teachers live and work, other people and and the biggest challenge – to and trainers because they have

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 21 IInterviewnterview Photo: S. Denić

Trainers with our journalists to adapt the existing teaching * In what way do specifi c our participants but to specifi c methods to those generations. It Roma issues and problems features of the media they work is very demanding and not easy affect the choice of teaching for – press, electronic, daily, at all. methods you use in the seminar? monthly, online - to previous And why? knowledge and experience of * How did you start coop- our students, organisation and eration with a periodical The GB: – They do not. Meth- need of your team. Roma Decade in AP Vojvo- odology is universal with all dina? students. There is no Roma, LjB: – There are no special Romanian, Hungarian or teaching methods for specifi c GB: – There is a history of Serbian methodology with national or any other communi- cooperation between the Roma students of journalism just like ties. Just like there is no special Inclusion Offi ce AP Vojvodina there is no Roma, Romanian, journalism related to specifi c and the Faculty of Management Hungarian or Serbian jour- features of any national, ethnic, in Novi Sad where, among nalism. There is only respon- religious or any other commu- other things, we we teach jour- sible or irresponsible, good or nity. Our teaching methods are nalism. I suppose that is what bad journalism, good or bad universal and always follow the made us suitable in addition to texts, good or bad teachers. On same direction – direction of our students and our recogniz- the other hand “the Roma issues good, responsible and profes- able way of work. and problems” as you call it, do sional journalism. LjB: – Our work and the not only and exclusively affect results we achieve as professors the Roma population. Those * Can you explain to and trainers of young journal- problems and issues affect me as readers how you fi nd topics for ists, not only on the Faculty of well as other citizens no matter your seminar? Managment but also our training which national community they work outside the faculty, made belong to and that kind of atti- GB: – Topics for seminars us distinctive. Your manager tude should journalist have. We are made based on previous Duško Jovanović recognized do not adapt our methodology detailed analysis of your maga- our skills as something which and approach to journalism and zine – we analyse topics you could contribute to your maga- training in our seminars and process, approach, genres, zine. workshops to nationalities of sources of information you use,

22 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina IInterviewnterview way you ask questions, titles you have realized during our meet- the issue, titles etc. You already give to your texts, page break, ings that your young magazine know that we are trying to adapt equipment and everything else team is eager for knowledge our plans to your needs. Perhaps including the very organization and improvement, that they you do not know that we dicsuss of team’s work. Just like there are ready to make an effort, your needs with your editor in is no serious and responsible that they can fi nd the time and chief like „insiders“. journalism without detailed that they want their magazine preparation, research and check to become better and to reach * What is your advice for there is also no quality lecture all people, not just the Roma potential journalists? What or workshop without a detailed in Vojvodina and Serbia. They would you say to those who analysis and preparation. want emancipation and they have doubts? Like any good journalist want Europe. It is our way as should know what the needs of well (as your teachers). Our GB: – If you wish to get his readers are, what his readers program for future workshops rich quick, you should better should know likewise a good and improving your team will fi nd another job. If you wish to lecturer and journalism trainer depend on analysis of this very change the world, you should should know what the needs of issue of your magazine. fi rst learn to change yourself. his students are. Therefore we Before you learn to write and do not make up topics for our LjB: – Our main goal is speak, you should learn to seminars but we get them from for you to acquire as many watch and listen. you. journalist and editor skills as Get yourself some comfort- possible. How much progress able shoes – a job of a journalist LjB: – To put is shortly you make can be seen in issues can give you nasty calluses. – you suggest topics. Each published between two semi- new issue and later a seminar nars. LjB: – Working in the is one detailed evaluation of They are better focused, media is incredible privilege entire team’s work as well as better equipped, have some new and incredible commitment. selfevaluation of our work. columns, have better topics, Working in the media can There are two issues between better choice of interviewees seduce you, enchant you and two seminars. We carefully can address greater public ... motivate you. It is demanding, analyse what your weaknesses Changes for better are obvious, sometimes dangerous and are, what requires extra work, among other things, bacause we always constant. which techniques could help focused on simple changes and If you have professional your team, how much should details which are visible at fi rst attitude towards information we focus on practical work sight. Now we are facing more and your readers – work in and how much on theory, etc. complex procedures concerning the media will never bring any We always decide on three key choice of topics and the way fi nancial satisfaction, but it topics and the rest is focused on of their processing in order to will bring enormous personal participants’ practice. It proved „bring the magazine to life“ and and professional pleasure and excellent in case of your team. reach more readers. We will do respect. Are you sure you can that step by step hopefully in deal with all that? My advice – * Can you tell us about the well structured periods so that reasses yourself before you step plans for our team. we do not stop halfway. into the world of the media. Besides (laughter) it is GB: – Bringing a maga- clear from your questions that Dragana Dimitrov zine to life, attracting readers we have to work more on focus and building up its reputation of the interview as one of the and infl uence on public is a basic genres in a magazine. And huge task which requires a lot there is a series of topics which of work, time and money. I relate to team work, editing of

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 23 PPicturesictures ooff llifeife WWHEREHERE YYOUROUR HEARTHEART ISIS THERE’STHERE’S YOURYOUR HOMEHOME

During the state of Yugoslavia, the big market in Subotica had the reputation as one big mall with great opportunities for trade. Because of this adventage many Roma from Macedonia came to live in Subotica.

ins with the parents to work in the market. The youngest child of the family of Curtis, who is also our source, he completed the Higher School of Education teachers and their working life started in elementary school as a pedagogical assistant.

Trader from the childhood

Curtis told us that he had a nice childhood, but in addition to school duties, he had the weekend to help parents in the market. At fi rst, the only prese- rved goods. During those years, Testing a new market ket, call your wider family, to along with customers from the continue the family business former Yugoslavia, was a lot of Family Kajtaz among the together. customers from Poland, Roma- fi rst came to Subotica, they mo- The family is patriarchal nia and Russia. ved from Macedonia actually Kajtaz fi ve-member family, „My parents trained me from the largest Roma settle- the Islamic religion, which co- how to treat customers, how to ment in Europe. They were pro- mes in Subotica with a baby sell goods. As the years passed ducing and selling jeans. Glut and two children. The elder son and my charges were higher. on the market of Macedonia and Jimmy returned to Skopje whe- At the beginning I was a little the popularity of fl ea markets in re he fi nished primary school. ashamed, but eventually it all Subotica is Amit, head of the fa- The middle son, Allen rema- litter in its place. I’ve learned mily Kajtaz, 1989. years led to the decision to investigate new market opportunities. In Sub- otica comes with friends. For him, the start was very diffi cult, although it was a good trader: he knew bad Serbian language environment was different than the one from which it came, the locals were very skeptical about renting apartments and slept many nights on the market under the counter. After a period of adjustment, Amit decided to buy a house and brought the family to Subotica. In order to Photo: S. Nikolić better use of market fl ea mar- Kertis Kajtaz

24 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina PPicturesictures ooff llifeife that every commodity has its own customer, „said Kertis. His parents never allowed them to neglect their school. According to him, school duties were always ﬁ rst. Today we do not deal with more old activity - the production of jeans, but the goods are purchased from Novi Pazar, Turkey and Hungary. Roma families from Macedonia were a „golden age” of trade advantage in the best manner. They expanded the business and bought the house. There were those who were unable to cope. Disintegration of Yugoslavia are former citizens of Macedo- nia became an overnight party in Serbia. For them it became a big problem, because even today, after six months have to cross the border in order to be able to return to Serbia.

More supply than demand Photo: S. Nikolić

According to the words of Amit and Kertis Kajtaz Kertisa, the best period was the trade until 2000. year. After the The goods which they offered levels of unemployment and democratic changes introduced was twice cheaper and lower falling living standards, there new measures in terms of regi- quality. Purchasing power has are fewer buyers in the market- stration stands, or companies. declined, so the citizens prefer place ranks. Due to decreased Rome troubling collection of to buy cheaper Chinese goods. sales volume of a Roma family paperwork, but fail to deal with If we compare the period befo- from Macedonia were forced to it, says Curtis. According to re and after 2000. year, we noti- return to his hometown. Some him, the price depends on the ced a big difference, both in the of them were a few years back counter and order in the hall purchasing power of citizens, as yet again to Subotica. Freedom where she is. The most expen- well as the width of the range. of movement and way of life sive are Hall 1 and the middle According to Curtis, once the that they had in Subotica, were line, where the Roma families market is constantly working, crucial for their return. have their own stalls. Month- they went to the market early As well as in Macedonia ly expenditure is around 8,000 in the morning, going to run out has many relatives and friends, dinars. During this period there of sellers of goods, so great was the family Kajtaz says that Sub- was a large change, so to Sub- the demand for goods. Today otica is the place where their otica, as well as for sellers at the situation is different, gre- life will continue. ﬂ ea markets. A large number ater than the supply of goods of Chinese coming with a wide demand. Enough to go to the Ružica Nikolić range of their goods, which market at 8am, because there pose a threat to local retailers. are no buyers. With increasing

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 25 NNGOGO A REFINEDREFINED SENSESENSE FORFOR PROBLEMSPROBLEMS OFOF THETHE ROMAROMA

There are seven hundred thirty Roma people living in the area of Kovin municipality, according to the most recent poll. Their needs and problems are registered by the Roma non-governmental organization“Ašu- nen Romale”. Together with the great help and support of Kovin municipality and the Roma Inclusion Offi ce, a signifi cant number of their problems has been resolved. Although there is still a lot of work to be done , the members and associates of the Association persist in their strive to provide decent life conditions for the Roma. One thing is for sure – their effort is certain to persist in this enterprise. The Ašunen Romale association from Kovin was founded in 2003. Ever since then, it has worked on the improvement of the social status and life quality ofRoma population. The association has been fi nancially suppor- ted by municipality of Kovinever since it was founded. This suc- cessful cooperation is a great pri- de of both sides. The Association also cooperates with institutions

on the level of the province, the Dimić Dimić V. Photo: V. Roma Inclusion Offi ce , the Ad- ministration of the Province for Vesna with the association members Work , Employment and Genders activities done in order to provi- tions, in 2009 there was a project Equality, and the Province Secre- de water supply and sewage for for paving of streets in Bavaniste- tariat for education, administra- ten families with forty members Roma community. It was conduc- tion and national communities, all in all. These were mostly, fa- ted in association with the Roma and local instructions – Local Ad- milies with a greater number of Inclusion Offi ce and the munici- ministration, Social Work Center Roma children, whereas in one pality of Kovin. The Association and the Public Utility Company. case, the family included only also contributed in this action. Apart from that, what is of great one person, aunt Doda, who is Job opportunities for importance for this Association now seventy-nine years old. “For Roma people is the cooperation with non-go- the fi rst time in my life I have wa- vernmental organizations thro- ter in my yard. I don’t have to go The Association also contri- ughout Vojvodina, that creates a to the neighbors to get a bucket of buted in employment of Roma network of associations ; this in water any more”, said aunt Doda people, and so in 2009, a young turn represents a stepping stone with tears in her eyes. Roma woman, RenataMunćan, for accomplishment of the com- The project was conducted was employed in Kovin local mon goal which is the inclusion on the local level. The municipa- hospital. In 2010, eleven Roma- of the Roma into all segments of lity of Kovin was the project car- people were employed through the society. rier. The Association , as a partner application of the president of the in the project, in cooperation with Association in public tenders. In For decent living coordinator for Roma questions, 2011, another young Romawo- identifi ed the households which man ,Ružica Miler was employ- The AšunenRomale, in co- needed the facilities the most . ed in Special Hospital for Mental operation with UNDP , has re- Apart from the Association, the Diseases in Kovin. alized the project For decent li- partner in this project was the ving with the aim to improve life Center for Social Work of Kovin A special pole for the Roma conditions in unhygienic Roma as well, which assessed the socio- communities. The project lasted economic status of the families. The members of this non- from March to September 2009. Apart from this project aimed governmental organization have During that period, there were at improvement of living condi- contributed in the effort to enlist

26 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina NNGOGO the Roma in the pole in a great number . According to it , there are seven hundred and thirty Roma people living in the area of Kovin.

Motivating Roma students

The Association has provided school necessities for the children regularly attending school together with the help from Local Administration.Apart from that , New Year’s presents are provided for Roma children every year.

Since January this year, with Dimić Dimić V. Photo: V. assistance of the Roma Inclusion Members of Ašunen Romale association Offi ce, the Association has provi- not in the project. They will also World Roma Day, on 8April in ded free school breakfast for si- be involved in fi eld-work. The the Culture Hall. The celebration xty Roma students form socially fi eld-work implies registration is attended by many of citizens of needy families. The Association which would return the children Kovin, numerous guests form pla- provided school breakfast for who dropped out of school back ces nearby and other non-govern- Roma children from this category to the system. The associates mental organizations, the Local even before, but since the funds will also work in the fi eld of all Administration representatives, were not always available, it did the settlements, not only the ones the Social Work Center, the Red not include all children. Now, included in the project. Besides Cross and it is always presented thanks to the help form the Offi - that, the project will also encom- in the media. ce, all of them will get breakfast pass adult education. that is necessary for them. In this Through realization of this Roma language on the radio way, the Roma students are enco- project, Roma children will gain a uraged to achieve greater results, lot. First of all, the Roma children In cooperation with the local to continue their education and will fi nd the care and attention radio station Bus, the Association by this help their family and all given motivating, whereas those is conducting a project fi nanced the Roma in improvement of the- children who are excluded from by the Ministry of Culture. This ir position. the system will become a part of it is a radio-programme in Roma A new chapter in the again. On the other hand, the adult language that is broadcast twice Roma education Roma who have not succeeded in a month. completing primary and secon- The Roma people in Kovin This month will see the be- dary education will be presented municipality do not deal with the- ginning of the realization of with this opportunity and this in ir problems on their own, they are DILS project that the Association turn will provide them more job not left outside alone, nor lonely takes part in. The funds available opportunities. Regarding the fact any more. In this manner, they for this project are aimed at pro- the percentage of the uneducated are given an opportunity that they viding Roma children with books and unemployed Roma is still ra- will seize in the best way possi- and breakfast and for other vario- ther high, this project will be of ble .together with the help from us activities such as sports , music immense importance both for the the non-government organiza- and art activities. The members of Roma individuals and the entire tion Ašunen Romale, and with this non-governmental organiza- Roma community. every new activity, they will be tion, the associates in the project, one step closer to achievement of will help in realization of extra- The World Roma their common progress. curricular activities , they will Day Celebration present a bond between the Roma Jovana Davidović families and the school and will Every year, the Associa- also include the schools that are tion organizes celebration of the

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 27 HHealthealth TTHEHE CCOMMONOMMON CCOLDOLD AANDND INFLUENZAINFLUENZA

At least once a year all of us are experience this boring contagious illness and some of us even encounter complications of the common cold and inﬂ uenza such as bronchitis or sinus inﬂ ammation. We often say that we got the common cold by sitting on cold surfacesor by wearing clothes not warm enough. It is a fact that the cold affects the common cold occurrence but it always takes a virus as the pathogen of the illness. It is the virus that causes the illness and the cold only contributes to it. By exposing ourselves to cold we actually decrease our resilience of the immune system and by this make it easier for the virus to enter our body, since the primary protectors, the white blood cells are weakened. There must be a carrier of the virus in our vicinity so as for us to get reached by the virus and get sick.

The common cold and infl u- the area of throat and larynx and in meeting with them, not to shake enza are two similar diseases, both this way, the disease is prevented hands and to change their hand- are caused by viruses that enter or the symptoms are decreased. kerchiefs frequently. What we can our body through respiratory , If we have been out to the cold, do for ourselves is , at least, not to this is , the breathing system. The we have decreased the activity of shake hands nor kiss friends when differences are refl ected in the fact our immune system and by this we meet them if they are sick. At that these two are not caused by impeded the primary resistance home, we are not to drink nor eat the same viruses as well as that the against the virus. form the same dishes as the person symptoms of the two are different as well. Both the viruses are transmitted in droplet way. If one person caught or sneezes, the droplets of mucus are sent in the air and these are full of viruses. If we are standing next to these people in the way of these droplets, our face, nose and mouth is in direct contact with the dispersed mucus. We inhale this liquid and the virus enters our respiratory system in this manner. The disease can also be transmitted by hands if we get into contact with someone’s mucus and transfer it to our nose or mouth. This is a less Droplet transmission of the virus common way of transmitting. In the ways mentioned, the virus It is of great importance to who is ill and of course, we must reaches the mucosa ofthe respira- learn how to protect ourselves take care of our immunity. tory system. In contact with the from transition of the viruses. In Here is what we can do to throat cells, it stays there, enters the fl u season (the common cold for our immunity and to prevent the cells, multiplies and by exiting viruses are active in spring and diseases: a regular diet based on the cell it destroys it. What ensues autumn, and the fl u virus is active lots of fruit and vegetables is a is the massive destruction of the during winter), we are to avoid must; the best choice are the citrus surface throat cells and emission crowds as much as possible. If fruit, kiwi, cabbage and peppers; of the virus in immense quantities. we still have to be in a crowd, high intake of vitamin C be it These released substances can be let us hope that the ill know how the natural or the synthetic one, transmitted further so that they to behave when they are ill.This if we are not sick, 500mg a day attack the respiratory system cell means they should cover the face are suffi cient(1 vitamin C tablet); again. IF the immune system is with a handkerchief or with a hand some useful minerals are iodine, active, the initial penetration of the atleast if they sneeze or cough zinc and selenium; vitamins A virus is going to be decreased in and not to kiss other people when and E; vitamin A can be found in

28 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina HHealthealth carrot, pumpkin and the vitamin teas and which contain substances E can be found in nuts; Propolis, that constrict the capillaries of the royal jelly , Echinacea, Zhen Shen, nasal mucosa which prevent the AloeVera and numerous other runny nose. Should some more plants or mixtures of honey with severe forms of the illness or some honey derivatives can help our complications ensure, it is neces- immunity stay strong. sary to address the doctor. The common cold is the state As opposed to the common characterized by sore throat and cold, the fl u is a somewhat more larynx, runny nose that is at fi rst severe condition that is charac- Heamophylus infl uenze type A clear and transparent and after 5-6 terized by disorder of the general days it transforms into the so called state together with the less promi- virus A and B), these serotypes mucopurulent, this is, it becomes nent disorders of the upper respira- modify from one year to another. yellow or green. The following tory passages. The initial signs are Every year, there is a new sero- signs can be noticed: high temper- temperature, headache, unproduc- type present in infections. These ature, coughing and hoarse voice. tive cough, plugged nose, fever, modifi cations are monitored by It usually takes 5 to 7 days to pass sore muscles and joints, loss of the WHO and on the basis of their with no major complications. The appetite and the general weakness. experts’ estimations, vaccines are most common complications are The illness lasts for 5-7 days. The produced throughout the world. middle ear or sinus infl ammation. complications ensue more often The treatment Is symptomatic and The cause of this illness are the so that is the case with the common if the patient demonstrates some called rhinoviruses with more than cold and they include bronchitis, more serious symptoms or more 100 types, coronaviruses, parain- respiratory organs obstructions, severe complications, they need to fl uenza viruses, adenoviruses and pneumonia and sinus infl amma- address the doctor. so on. Regarding the number and tion. The pathogenic of the fl ue Two years ago, a problem the variety of these pathogens, one are the infl uenza viruses types arose with the appearance of cannot develop resistance to the A and B. The type A is the most the new serotype of the virus, common cold. The therapy is symp- common pathogen of fl u and it described as the A type virus tomatic. Paracetamol or acetyl- shows the most severe condition, H1N1. We shall not enter the issue salicylic acid for the temperature, whereas the type B is less frequent of the pathogenic of the Spanish ibuprofen or a similar adequate and causes a condition that is not fl u or Hong-Kong disease, it is medicine, for the sore throat, one too severe. Since the fl u is caused can use some of the oribletes only by these two pathogens, the containing antibiotic, some syrups vaccine production is therefore based on thyme or primrose for alleviated but not 100% certain. cough, certain sprays or medica- These types of the viruses present tions that are used in the form of various serotypes (subtype of

Flu virus - high enlargement

essential to know that one speciﬁ c subtype of the virus was the pathogenic of the illnesses that appeared two years ago and that this subtype re-appeared in a new form, that it was highly contagious and that it represented a severe illness condition with severe complications, and that the Health System did not have a vaccine against it. Rather quickly, the community had to be One of the rinovirus variants protected by a new vaccine that

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 29 HHealthealth was effi cient but also, according Table 1. to some scientists, toxic due to a Difference in symptoms of the common cold and fl u substance that was added to the vaccine in order to strengthen the immune response. This yielded Simptomiprehlade Simptomigripa numerous confl icts. However, this Bolugrlu Bolugrluslabiji subtype of the virus is in regres- sion and we therefore do not expect Kašalj Kašaljslabiji some higher proportion of the Curenjenosa Curenjenosaslabije illness caused by it this year. Still, Temperaturablaga Izraženatemperatura vaccination against the common fl u is preferable when it comes to Promuklost Promuklostslabija the high-risk groups and for other Glavoboljaslabija Glavobolja people as well, according to the Slabost recommendation of the WHO. It is up to you to decide whether you Boloviumišiđimai will or will not get the vaccine. If zglobovima someone nevertheless gets sick, it Gubitakapetita is only important to pay attention to whether this person belongs to Komplikacije the high risk group of smokers, to Upalasrednjeguha Bronhitis the group of the ones with chronic Sinusitis Opstrukcionibronhitis cardiovascular or respiratory Upalapluđa diseases, pregnant women, babies or the elderly. If the person notices that the symptoms are more severe that is the case in the common fl u, they should certainly address their physician, especially if they Simptomiprehlade Simptomigripa belong to the high risk group. Bol u grlu Bol u grlu slabiji The next table encompasses the similarities and differences Kašalj Kašaljslabiji between the common cold and fl u. Curenjenosa Curenjenosaslabije In order to prevent ourselves Temperaturablaga Izraženatemperatura from getting the common cold and Promuklost the fl u, we have to protect pour Promuklostslabija immunity and we need to take Glavoboljaslabija Glavobolja care when we are in contact with Slabost the ill; if we happen to develop the Boloviumišiđimai illnesses, we need to spend some time resting, to take plenty of zglobovima liquid and to decrease the temper- Gubitakapetita ature. If some more serious symp- Komplikacije toms ensue, it is necessary toad- dress the physician who will treat Upalasrednjeguha Bronhitis these symptoms adequately. If a Sinusitis Opstrukcionibronhitis person is ill, they should stay at Upalapluđa home and rest in order to decrease the transmittance of the disease. * The pictures taken from: http://aktualno.hr/novosti/arhiva /2010/11/20/15649_Narodni+recepti+protiv+hunjavice.html http://sr.wikipedia.org/sr/%D0%93%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%BF http://sr.wikipedia.org/sr/%D0%9F%D1%80%D0%B5%D1%85% D0%BB%D0%B0%D0%B4%D0%B0 Zita Farkaš

30 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina CCultureulture JJOURNEYOURNEY TOTO THETHE CENTERCENTER OFOF THETHE EARTHEARTH

U oktobru su učenici Osnovne škole „Veljko Vlahović”, koji redovno posećuju ogranak Gradske biblio- teke u Novom Sadu „Trifun Dimić” u Šangaju, imali priliku da posete Petrovaradinsku tvrđavu, Muzej grada Novog Sada i podzemne katakombe. Većina se tom prilikom prvi put srela sa ovim lokalitetima.

proved to be a cultural institution we can depend on when it comes to inclusion of the Roma population because they provided children with free admission and a guide to all facilities (upper level exhibits as well as underground military galleries). This was an ideal opportunity to give the children an unusual and magic day especially because it was Saturday and usually there are no activities going on in school and library on Saturday and therefore time is often wasted in Šangaj. Some of the travelers vi- Source: GBNS sited the Petrovaradin fortress for Visitors of the Museum city of Novi Sad the fi rst time and had the chance In October students of ele- trovaradin fortress and to visit the to learn how to behave in a mu- mentary school „Veljko Vlaho- Novi Sad City Museum. Having in seum, a bus or in a public place. vić”, who otherwise regularly visit mind children’s very bad fi nancial According to them it was a memo- the branch offi ce of Novi Sad City situation, Novi Sad City Library rable day which they will gladly Library called “Trifun Dimić” in and the Roma Inclusion Offi ce of remember and hope to repeat one Šangaj, had a chance to visit the the Government of AP Vojvodina day. But until that day comes, we Petrovaradin fortress, the Novi turned to JGSP „Novi Sad” which will go back to Jules Verne and Sad City Museum and undergro- provided free bus journey to the get to know the center of the Earth und military galleries. Most of fortress and back. through his books. them saw these sites for the fi rst The Novi Sad City Museum Dragana Dimitrov time. The branch offi ce „Trifun Di- mić” continually tries to establish reading and work habits with children. Long time ago the library expanded and acquired a new sen- se and new roles when it comes to establishing young people’s taste for books and culture. Therefore today in addition to required reading and doing homework children can learn about history and other sciences through literature in a very attractive way. Following literature, mem-

bers of the library wanted to make Source: GBNS a trip to underground of the Pe- Catacombs

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 31 CCultureulture AABOUTBOUT THETHE POETPOET

Maja Familić was born and li- in 1989, I was motivated by the the challenge of his poetry. I write ves in Novi Sad. She is the student ambition directed in the way of about the Roma, about my people at the third year the “College of with no home, the people who Professional Studies Teacher Tra- came out of blue, but the people ining”, in Novi Sad. In February who, in their search, can choose 2011 she received the certiﬁ cate the world of their own and choose of the course, “Romalogy” from a brighter future. professor Svenka Savić at the Phi- losophy faculty at the University archive archive

of Novi Sad. She published a book ć of poetry, “Jar hope” in Serbian * Thanks to ﬁ nancial support of language in 2009th year. She parti- the Provincial Ofﬁ ce for Roma Inclu- cipated in the poetic events and fe- sion printing of my latest collection of stivals. In October this year, at the poems was enabled. invitation of the Ministry of Dia- spora, she participated in the Bel- Dragana Dimitrov grade Book Fair as the author and she met with the public intonation Source: from M. Familić of the Roma language by reading NIGHT AND DAY selected poems from a new cycle painting improvement, but, unfor- bilingual collection, Cup hopes in tunately, I was not understood by Serbian and Roma languages, pu- my parents. The concealed seed of After thousands of years blished by “Futura publications” strength and the everlasting source I return to the path Of my ancestors. in Novi Sad. of love for painting bore in me a being fragranced like fresh colors I am welcomed by the sound A spiritual recognition - and I have never stopped pain- Of iron strings. of lyrical harmony ting. In the shallow waters of the pond weeds The frail shadow of humiliation. As a poet and a descendant in the world of imagination, I believe Does this still exist?! in magical self-awareness - I believe in poets’ words and the step Where is the humanity of a ć that leaves a footprint, in the drops frosty morning, That tears the petals of spiritual value. Of the new-blossomed In touch with the poetic Magnolia? expression, I announce an encounter with myself. I perceive the A girl is collecting them In the spring breeze

light in the dark sea of death and Gavrilović Photo: P. And creates – a new fl ower. sorrow and through this poetic cry I search for the path towards a bet- Buxom in the offspring ter and a more worthy reality. She resembles an old lady My desire, ambition as well as the artistic tendency was gro- The bells weep… wing slowly even at elementary What provided me a shel- Are we not humans anymore? school. I envied the intelligence ter after my parents passed away, Is there a demon and the graceful appearance of my were the colorful metaphors and I Still peering form our skulls school teacher and by this, I brave- started writing. And divides us into emptiness? ly spread my wings and took off to I my lines so intense, I feel the For a night and a day… affi rmation and growth of my own freedom and I tear down the iron personality. prejudices and I discover the sha- Upon fi nishing high school dows by which a poet discovers Maja Familić

32 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina