Monthly Periodical of The Roma Inclusion Office The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina

No. 54, October 2015 Photo of the month: Protest in front of Serbian Government Founder and Publisher of the Periodical: The Roma Inclusion Office of the Govern- ment of AP Vojvodina Dear Editor in Chief: Duško Jovanović Readers, Managing Editor: Aleksandra Mićić

The team: Dragana Rajić Aleksandra Mićić Tijana Čubrilo he October issue of our magazine begins Ljiljana Maričić with texts in the field of Education. The first is about the primary school in Tovariševo, Correspondents: T Ferenc Koso while the second is about the celebration of the Coordinators for Roma issues of the AP new academic year at “Mihailo Palov” College, Vojvodina and the third is a presentation of the project im- Ivana Koprivica plemented by the Pannonia Fund.

Translation into Romani: The Employment section offers an article Nota Bene, Centar za prevođenje i učenje about The School of Joy in Kikinda. stranih jezika Novi Sad The Local Government section contains arti-

Translation into English: cles about Romani coordinators. The first is an in- Nota Bene Centar za prevođenje i učenje terview with the coordinator from Novi Sad. The stranih jezika, Novi Sad coordinator of Subotica, Stevan Nikolić, writes

Technical Preparation and Printing: about his view of the society’s attitude towards Lola preduzetništvo, Beograd, the Romani community, which is followed by the www.lolapreduzetnistvo.co.rs article about the status of Romani coordinators in

Circulation: Vojvodina. 1000 copies Provincial institutions is a section with the text about what provincial institutions have to of- Address: Bulevar Mihajla Pupina 25, 21000 Novi Sad fer in order to improve the Romani status. Tel: 021/488-17-23 The National Council section presents an ar- [email protected] ticle about the protest against the disrespect for www.inkluzijaroma.vojvodina.gov.rs the will of the Council majority. CIP - Cataloging in Publication In the part concerning Social protection you The Matica Srpska Library, Novi Sad can find text about the Children’s Week and The 323.1 (=214.58)(=497.113) International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. The Decade of Roma in AP Vojvodina: The NGOs section covers the FRKA festival, and Monthly Publication of the Roma Inclusion Office / Editor in Chief Duško Jovanović the Pumpkin Days, which took place in Kikinda for -2011, No. 1 - Novi Sad: The Roma Inclusion the 30th time. Office of the Government of AP Vojvodina, We remind you that, thanks to the Research 2011-.30 cm and Education Center and the Preschool Teacher Monthly. In Serbian, English and Romani Training College “Mihailo Palov” from Vršac, you language - In Romani printed in reverse can read our publication online at www.rec.org/ COBISS.SR - ID 261834759 bilten/.

Your editorial board Education TOVARIŠEVO PRIMARY SCHOOL - EXAMPLE OF EDUCATION FOR ALL

We were visiting "Mileta Protić" Primary School in Tovariševo and interviewed the school principal, pedagogical assistants, and teachers to see how they perceive and promote diversity, multiculturalism and dialogue.

The Romani language The second chance for cle includes basic literacy and with the national culture education functional literacy basics. The elements With the scholar year of first cycle of the programme is “Mileta Protić” Primary 2011/2012, the school started equivalent to first four grades School in Tovariševo is the first realising the project of Func- of primary school. The second school that introduced the Rom- tional Primary Education of cycle covers the basics of gen- ani language with the national Adults (FPEA) “Second Chance”. eral primary education and is culture elements. The school This project is being developed equivalent to the programme has a significant number of Rom- as a national model of primary of the fifth and the sixth grade. ani pupils, so this subject means education of adults, pursuant to The third cycle includes basic a lot to them for preserving the the Law on the Fundamentals of education and training for sim- Romani language, tradition, and Education System (2009). ple occupations. It covers the culture. Šeća Kolompar, a peda- Aim of the experiment is to programme of the seventh and gogical assistant at the school, introduce FPEA in the education the eighth grade. This model teaches the Romani language system of the Republic of Serbia; includes education and profes- and is very satisfied with her job. to provide a model of education sional training based on labour She believes that the existence in which an adult acquires both standards and labour market of such subjects is extremely im- basic and professional educa- needs portant, but also necessary. It is tion; to provide a greater cover- The overall objective of an opportunity, not only for the age of adults in basic education, FPEA: the acquisition and im- Romani children to preserve their to train a sufficient number of provement of knowledge, skills, identity, but develop it as well; schools and school teams for the values and attitudes necessary at the same time, it is a chance realisation of the FPEA model. for a proactive and construc- to introduce the Romani culture Education is three-year long tive problem solving and coping to other pupils, so all the pupils and is carried out in three cy- with the challenges of everyday could know each other better. cles - one per year. The first cy- life, improvement of family and

2 Education personal life conditions, perfor- mance of simple tasks and ap- propriate behaviour in work sit- uations and work environment, further education and active participation in the community. Dušan Jovanov, the school principal, praised the employ- ees because all the teachers ac- cepted the idea of introducing a model of primary education of adults in their school. The school has received accolades as one of the top ten schools in Serbia im- plementing the project, which makes them extremely proud. During the interview we found Šeća Kolompor, Romani elementary school teacher out that there is an interest amongst the residents of Bačka Palanka for subsequent comple- Expected general outcomes tion of primary school, but also that the participants were both • Language Literacy Romani and non-Romani people. • Mathematical literacy These shattered two prejudices: • Basic Science literacy The primary school in • Digital Literacy Tovariševo is an excellent • Managing one’s own learning process • Troubleshooting example of a school that • Social interaction and cooperation with others cares about all of its • Civil liability for Democracy pupils, considers them all • The health competence equal, and gives them the • Environmental competence opportunity to preserve • Initiative and entrepreneurship their national identity, but • Cultural awareness, multiculturalism also to become familiar and creativity with different identities. Thus, the school becomes a place where, besides the that the Romani do not want to to improve and become equal basic material, students be educated, and that it is only members of society. The school learn and accept diversity, the Romani who have not com- enrols all generations, so there pleted primary school. is a situation of three different and this is another role We were told in the school generations attending classes si- amongst the many that that pupils regularly attend multaneously, but it is not a bar- schools should assume. classes, that they are interested rier for classroom work. in learning, and that they want  Tijana Čubrilo

3 Education

Gala ceremony “MIHAJLO PALOV” COLLEGE CELEBRATED THE BEGINNING OF THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR

The first day of October was the start of the new school year at Preschool eacherT Training College “Mihajlo Palov”, so they held a ceremony. The ceremony was honored by the presence of the Director of the Roma Inclusion Office in the Government of AP Vojvodina, Duško Jovanović, Dan Konstantin, Consul General of the Republic of Romania, as well as the academician Milosav Marjanović, a regular member of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts and president of the Education Committee of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts.

he welcoming speech more than 1,000 professional our students and professors; was given by the col- preschool teachers, more our publishing activity has Tlege principal, Jelena than 100 specialists; during lasted for more than 20 years. Prtljaga. “Ever since this in- our panel discussions the col- And at the same time, while stitution became an accred- lege was visited by more than stepping on paved and proven ited institution of higher ed- 1,000 scientists and experts paths and proven education ucation, we have produced who shared their world with roads, we are looking towards

4 Education

Europe with the intention to basis and the real value they Dr. Jelena Prtljaga, presented modernize, “said Prtljaga and pursue. I’m sure this school the commendations and gift further added “We learn three will be your grounds on which books to the students with languages here, this is a melt- you will build excellence in best graduate and postgradu- ing pot of several cultures, the education of the young- ate papers in the academic and our words are heard far est. In that name, I wish you year of 2014/2015. beyond the Vršac vineyards a lucky start of the path you This was followed by the - in Slovenia, Croatia, Mac- have just stepped onto”. promotion of the book “Didac- edonia, Hungary, Romania, The ceremony continued tics of preschool mathemat- England. And in this dialogue with a musical and literary ics” by Dr. Aleksandra Mandić, with the world we are listen- part of the programme enti- promoted by the academician ing very carefully and drawing tled “The Heritage of Values”, Milosav Marjanović, and mod- new values, but not forget- created by Professors Dr. erated by Jovana Pavlović. ting the ones from which we Branduša Žujka, Dr. Eufrozina The program ended with originated - that the educa- Greonjanc, mr Ivana Đorđev, presenting diplomas to gradu- tion of the young generations msr. Ljiljana Kelemen and ates, and after the plenary is a matter of honor, trust, Jasmina Stolić, and performed lecture by Prof Dr. Grozdan- and genuine love for the child by the Colleges students and ka Gojkov, the new students and the children’s world. I am an accompanist from the Mu- were handed out student’s convinced that nothing paves sic School “Josif Marinković” transcripts. the way for learners and helps in Vršac, Jelica Kentera.The them progress fast like a good principal, assistant professor  Ljiljana Maričić

Director’s address

5 Education

PRESENTATION OF THE PROJECT "IN MY LANGUAGE – THROUGH INFORMAL EDUCATION TOWARDS EMPLOYMENT" IMPLEMENTED BY CIVIC FUND PANONIJA

ivic Fund “Panonija” is one of the old- projects: We learn together– live together, Mul- est organizations in Novi Sad / Vojvodina, tiplication - living in tolerance, Dositeum 1, 2, Cwhich has been working for more than 20 3 and others. In accordance with the mission years on programs of education for democratic and goals of the organization, the objectives citizenship, and has for the past 10 years, paid of the projects were directed towards under- full attention to cooperation with schools and on standing and accepting diversity, dissemination work with students and teachers and, relevant of responsibility to young people in school by institutions, and prominent individuals. In the strengthening their role in participation in the broadest context, “Panonija” works on education school community, empowering youth through for democratic citizenship (EDC) through affir- different types of workshops, peer education mation of civic education and works in strength- and activism. Special attention is devoted to ening democratic values, with special emphasis young people in rural areas, which is now the on the preservation of multiculturalism in Vojvo- case, in the framework of the project: IN MY dina, interculturality and intercultural values. LANGUAGE – THROUGH INFORMAL EDUCATION Among the projects implemented in the period TOWARDS EMPLOYMENT. from 1994 to 2002, the most distinctive, multi- Panonija has developed a network of as- year projects of “Pannonija” were Open club, sociates and collaborative organizations, coop- GeoTakt 1 i 2, campaign ToEurope, Open Circle; erative schools and teachers, a well-developed the next period was also marked by multi-year communication with authorities and institutions

6 Education and the cooperation and support of experts The project “In my language – through informal and expert teams. Panonija is experienced in education towards employment” is being imple- managing projects of various structures - from mented with the aim to include a greater number simple short term, to complex, long-term, re- of young people from vulnerable groups through gional projects with more than 10 partner or- informal education - members of national com- ganizations. Accordingly, Panonija has the ex- munities who are trained in the languages of na- perience in managing budgets from several ten tional communities and the Roma in Vojvodina, thousands of dinars to in order to facilitate ten thousands of eu- the selection of oc- ros. Beginning in Janu- cupations and prepa- ary 2015, the project ration for the labor “Association of teach- market. Young peo- ers in minority lan- Specific objectives of the ple who are educated guages, inclusive and Project: in languages of eth- intercultural educa- nic communities are tion” started, with the among the especially 1. Improving the quality of informal ed- support of the Open vulnerable group of ucation in the official languages of AP Society Foundation - children and youth in Belgrade. The project Vojvodina, through training of trainers AP Vojvodina. With involves schools from (TOT) for 20 young members of National frequent problems in Subotica (Elementary Communities formal education, in- School “Ivan Miluti- 2. Creation, adaptation and translation formal education in novic” and Elemen- native languages has from Serbian language of programs in- tary School “Matko been practically in- tended to choosing occupation and en- Vuković”), Selenča acsessible for them. try into the labor market and their ad- (Elementary School Many of them, at the aptation to the needs of young people “Jan Kolar”), Kulpin very moment when (Elementary School from vulnerable groups - members of entering the age of “Jan Amos Comeni- national communities in Vojvodina, who youth - at 15, study us”), Đurđevo (“Jovan are educated in their mother language and live in rural areas, Jovanovic-Zmaj”) and putting them as well 3. Testing and carying out training / work- Nikolinci (Elementary as the whole category shops in the language of ethnic com- School “2. oktobar”) of young people from munities of Vojvodina, for 200 young and national coun- rural areas to an even people, in order to acquire new compe- cils of national com- greater extent more munities are included tencies and increase the level of com- excluded from usual as well. A number of petitiveness in the labor market flows of informal edu- needs and problems 4. Providing conditions for the realization cation. Finally, young faced by young mem- of the project and its sustainability people of the same bers of national com- age, who are study- munities in Vojvodina ing the languages of were identified among ethnic communities the first activities of this project. The project are deprived of proper professional orientation, proposal “In my language - through informal ed- because testing is conducted in the Serbian lan- ucation towards employment” has the aim at of guage, which is not their primary. overcoming just some of the identified needs.  Source: www.panfond.org

7 Employment

"THE SCHOOL OF JOY" IN KIKINDA

Any action that aims to improve the educational status of Romani children should be supported and encouraged. Lack of money should not be an obstacle to education and progress. The School in Kikinda has done a lot in helping Romani children’s progress at school, so these results should be commended. Working atmosphere at the School of Joy

he education system in that has received funding Results the municipality of Ki- through public works in the Miroslav Meržan, president Tkinda includes 400 Rom- competition of the Provincial of the CA “Rroma Rota”, ex- ani children, which is a large Secretariat for Economy, Em- pressed his gratitude to the Pro- number. Primary school chil- ployment and Gender Equality. vincial Secretariat for showing dren can attend “The School They used these funds to hire understanding for the impor- of Joy” – a daycare that has two associates who work with tance and role of “The School been organized for the past the pupils of “The School of of Joy” for the education of five years by the Citizens’ as- Joy” and help them with their Romani children and their ad- sociation “Rroma Rota” from school work. vancement in the education Kikinda. It is this association system. Miroslav Meržan told 8 Employment

Working atmosphere at the School of Joy

us that the school functions as they do not understand helps We talked with pupils who a day-care and additional help children achieve some positive regularly come to the School. for school. It is a place where results. The grades are bet- All their experience and an- children receive help with ter, the interest in school has swers only confirmed the ne- homework and studying, where increased, and the kids like to cessity of its existence. They they prepare additionally for come with new questions and a all said they would love to tests and written assignments. desire to learn and master the come to the School because The atmosphere and the en- school curriculum. These are they are treated like family, vironment they are familiar the School’s tangible and vis- and because they always get with, and which provides them ible results, which should be the help they are looking for, the freedom to ask anything encouraged and nurtured. both for school and any prob- 9 Employment

Students doing their homework lems that trouble them. Maths dren, and try their best to help continuously monitored and is everyone’s hardest subject them in the reintegration into promoted, but it is often not to, so that is what they do the education system. possible. The only reason is most at the School. In the “The School of Joy” the lack of financial resources, The school is attended by the pupils are given school so the president the associa- a large number of children supplies and hygiene parcels, tion is trying every year to get who spend several months in which are necessary for them funding that would allow the the shelter and therefore have to attend school freely. Yet, School to operate freely. The to either repeat the grade or that also requires financial re- competition of the Provincial return to school at the time sources that are often lacking. Secretariat for Economy, Em- when a large part of the cur- However, anything the pupils ployment and Gender Equal- riculum has already been cov- get means a lot to them. ity has partially improved the ered, which makes it difficult It would be best if the financial situation, but some for them to attend classes. The Schools could be open through- additional funds are required. associates in the School pay out entire school year because special attention to these chil- the pupils’ work would be Tijana Čubrilo

10 Local Self-government

Interview with Radmila Zećirović, coordinator for Romani issues in the municipality of Novi Sad ROMANI COORDINATORS - A LINK BETWEEN INDIVIDUALS AND INSTITUTIONS  Did the job systematisation within the  Could you describe your typical work day? local government include the Coordinator My work days are different, because my func- for Romani issues? tion is flexible, so I have to work both in the of- Our local government systematisation includes fice and in the field at Romani settlements, hold the position for the coordinator for Romani issues. meetings, coordinate between institutions, and  Are the municipal budget special funds also between individuals and institutions, and I of- planned for the realisation of plans for the ten go to the training being organized for Romani Romani? Coordinators. Special funds are planned, but only for open competitions by NGOs, because Local Action Plans have not been adopted.  What is your cooperation with the local government and central government bodies? All activities are mainly carried out in coop- eration with local government.  Tell us about the activities within the Decade of Roma Inclusion on the territory of Radmila Zećirović your municipality in education, employment, housing, health, and human rights.  What are your priorities and plans for The City of Novi Sad supports the Romani in this year? the implementation of the programs and activities The priority is the adoption of local action of the Decade of Roma in every area through an plans for the Romani, as well as the separation of open competition for NGOs. a specific budget line for the Romani that would be  How do you get the information that you used to finance any future plans. need in your work? How do you improve  Can you tell us what are you particularly your knowledge? proud of in your work and what you con- Knowledge improves through training organ- sider your greatest success? ised by the state and donors. The greatest success is that I have helped  Explain the operation of the mobile team many Roma people in realising their right to per- and your part in it? sonal documentation, pointed out their problems Mobile team for Roma inclusion is a municipal and the ways of solving them to local authorities, body that is composed of institutions represented and that I have enrolled most of them in a special by individuals: Centre for Social Work, National Romani voters list, so the official number of the Employment Service, a Coordinator for Romani is- Romani in the city of Novi Sad is now increased. sues, a pedagogical assistant and a health mediator.  Message to your fellow Romani from Novi There are 5 of us in the team. The mobile team is Sad. used for information exchange and joint action at Get educated and go looking for a job because the local level and in the field. My role is to coordi- it is the key to success. nate the work of the mobile team and institutions.  Tijana Čubrilo

11 Local Self-government

THE ALPHABET OF INCLUSION

Stevan Nikolić Without a kind and open-minded society, which is ready to provide every community with equal opportunities for development and meet its needs we cannot expect the same level of social responsibility either. The frequent terms used in public include “interculturality”, “inclusion”, “equality”, human, children’s, gender, and minority rights… In spite of the fact that we are at the beginning of the 21st century, we still face “injustice”, “discrimination”, "stereotypes", "segregation", "prejudice"…

12 Local Self-government

typical example of this the environment and different Romani community, discrimina- is the Romani communi- approaches to life values. The tion and deepening its isolation. Aty. For many years it has Roma community is satisfied Unfortunately, this fact is recog- been excluded from major so- with the minimum participation nized and accepted by few. cial development programmes. in society and has no preten- The present situation can Because of this treatment many sions or capacity to participate be changed only by true assess- members of the community in government. ment of the current state and could not develop the knowl- As a rule, the majority pop- by planning activities that will edge of properly using the in- ulation ignores these facts and result in sustainable change struments for realizing one’s interprets the passivity and lack in society. Sustainability is rights, or even the sense of of initiative for status change as ensured by establishing inter-

The state has adopted three instruments for active support to Romani inclu- sion. These are pedagogical assistants, Romani health mediators and Romani inclu- sion coordinators. These are big systemic steps that pave the road to sustainable inclusion. However, the state has not yet shown any serious intention to perma- nently keep in the system the persons who have undergone training and gained the trust of the community. In some communities, their survival depends on the politi- cal will of the ruling political structures. This represents a bad attitude towards the idea that tries to offer a sustainable mechanism for smooth inclusion of the Romani in the local community. Pedagogical assistants, Romani health mediators, and Roma Inclusion coordinators are the newly appointed officers, whose support is expected by the Romani community expects support. The appointed persons at these positions must not be subject to change for the sake of political interests. The bad history of the Romani community must not be repeated, and therefore the state should act responsibly with the people acknowledged as the bearers of sus- tainable change in the Roma community by the state itself. The wheel of progress must never stop!  Stevan Nikolić, Romani Coordinator in Subotica social responsibility. Exclusion an argument that “they” (the sectoral cooperation between from social activities has mul- Romani) are not interested in relevant institutions, and by tiple effects on the entire soci- changing their way of life, but putting emphasis on the fam- ety. This situation in the Romani that “love it that way,” that ily in every programme. Every community produces resistance “ they do not want to cooper- activity requires financial sup- which results in self-isolation ate,” that “ they do not want port. The final result would and indifference to events to work”, that “they love steal- be the clear desire, the need, outside the community. A pas- ing” ... The consequence of and the knowledge that we sive attitude towards society such attitudes is the creation of live “with each other” and not forms parallel perceptions of negative stereotypes about the “next to each other.”

13 Local Self-government THE STATUS OF ROMANI COORDINATORS IN AP VOJVODINA

he Roma Inclusion Office has invested in through a vari- omy, Employment and Gender of AP Vojvodina held a ety of programmes, training and Equality, Dr. Slavica Denić, pre- Tround table discussion on equipment,” said Jovanović on sented the project of coordina- “The status of Romani coordina- the coordinators. tors’ inclusion in five municipali- tors in AP Vojvodina” in order to Provincial Deputy Ombuds- ties: Inđija, Vršac, Novi Sad, Bač stop dismissal of Romani coordi- man Eva Vukašinović, said that and Ruma. With this project, the nators in local governments. the institution of the Provincial Secretariat provided funding of The round table was attend- Ombudsman monitors the status their salaries for a period of six ed by representatives of the Pro- of the Romani Coordinator. “We months, and the obligation of lo- vincial Ombudsman, Provincial even visited the Romani coordi- cal governments was to continue Secretariat for Economy, Em- nators in Vojvodina, as a part of funding for another six months ployment and Gender Equality, the Ministry of Public Administra- tion and Local Self-Government, UNDP in Serbia, representatives of the National Council of the Romani national minority in Ser- bia, the Roma Integration Coun- cil of AP Vojvodina and Romani coordinators. Director of the Roma Inclu- sion Office, Duško Jovanović, pointed to the emergence of dis- missal of Romani coordinators, and the fact that during the last month only there were four co- ordinators dismissed in the mu- nicipalities of Kikinda, Kovin, Round-table participants Pančevo and Bač. He pointed out that he also addressed the a project, and drafted opinions and to seek approval from the coordinators from Vršac, Som- in order to improve their condi- relevant Ministry for employing bor and Pećinici who had been tion. However, the new situation the coordinators indefinitely. under political pressure by local further jeopardizes their posi- She pointed out that only two of authorities. They have resisted tion, but it proves that we were the five municipalities partially this pressure, which was fol- right when we proposed that fulfilled a contractual obligation lowed by their dismissal. “These the law be modified in order to in the sense that they continued are the people with whom we provide the conditions for con- funding for another six months. initiated a number of activities solidating the status of all the The round table was attend- and they are an integral part Romani coordinators in a unique ed by only three former coor- of our Office, the people that way” emphasized Vukašinović. dinators from Inđija, Vršac and the international community Assistant Secretary for Econ- Kikinda, who introduced the par-

14 Local Self-government

ticipants with the problems they people who protect the inter- tween the Office and the coordi- have encountered in their work, ests of the community socially nators and stressed the need for the results achieved and the marginalized in every sense can- institutional support to resolve reasons for dismissal. Ninoslav not exercise their legally guar- this issue. She emphasized that Jovanović, a former coordinator anteed human rights? “What can UNDP will support the initiative in Inđija, said that the coordina- the members of the community of the Roma Inclusion Office to tors have done many projects expect in that case? “ asked cease dismissal and hire new co- and the results of Romani co- Jovanović and added that it was ordinators. ordinators should not be ques- a paradox that coordinators had Bearing in mind the fact that tioned. “We came to the conclu- been also dismissed in munici- preparations of the Strategy for sion that the places with people palities where they lead mobile Romani Inclusion are underway, dealing with Romani issues dis- teams and are involved in pro- whose implementation requires play an evident shift in the reali- jects worth roughly 5,000,000 active participation of Romani sation of the rights of the Rom- euros. coordinators, it was concluded ani community. What came as a The representative of UNDP, that reception with the depart- surprise for all the participants Bogdanka Tasev-Perinović, in- mental minister, Kori Udovički,

Round-table participants

today is that the coordinators formed the participants of the should be requested in order to have been fired even where that meeting about the activities prevent further dismissal. Also, position had been systematized, and efforts of that international local governments, regional in- as is the case in the Municipality organisation in the process of stitutions and agencies, national of Kikinda. These coordinators coordinator inclusion in local and international institutions do not see any other way out of governments since 2005. She and organizations will be asked the new situation than leaving pointed out that some coordina- for support in resolving the sta- the country and seeking politi- tors from southern Serbia sought tus of the Romani coordinators. cal asylum in Western European refuge in the EU countries just countries. What message does because of the pressure. She it convey to other Romani when welcomed the cooperation be- Ljiljana Maričić

15 Provincial Institutions

Address of the Roma Inclusion Office’s director PRESENTATION OF PROVINCIAL INSTITUTIONS PROGAMMES IN ORDER TO IMPROVE THE STATUS OF THE ROMANI

Residents of Radojevo 16 Provincial Institutions

he educational training centre located in Novi Sad, was founded by the Provincial Government and the Provincial Secretariat T The representatives of provincial for Economy, Employment and Gender Equality in May 2012. The aim of the educational centre institutions held a panel is to prevent long-term unemployment so that discussion for members of the the youth would get training and acquire new Romani minority in the village knowledge and skills which would help them find of Radinci, the Municipality of a job more easily. The courses provided by the Educational Centre include: pre-intermediate Nova Crnja, in order to present English language course, intensive English and the opportunities that the German language courses, intensive course of provincial institutions provide informatics, training for locksmiths, painters, to their clients. The speakers rebar fixers, masons, and welders, training for working at height, training for start-ups, train- were Nataša Bešlin, representing ing for bookkeeping, as well as for sports and Educational Centre, Branislav technical climbing. “Today we have come to Damjanov, provincial delegate of present what the Educational Centre offers to the Municipality of Nova Crnja, the Romani youth. These are various retraining and additional training courses that increase Slavica Denić, representing the PRESENTATION OF PROVINCIAL employment opportunities. Most importantly, Romani Status Improvement it’s completely free – medical checks, sanitary Sector, and Duško Jovanović, booklets, and even accommodation. We cooper- INSTITUTIONS PROGAMMES IN ORDER director of the Roma Inclusion ate with the National Employment Agency, and TO IMPROVE THE STATUS OF THE in this sense we monitor the percentage of our Office. students’ employment, as well as the scarce oc- ROMANI cupations. These are the key elements for our

17 Provincial Institutions annual training plan,” says Nataša Bešlin from the Educational Centre. PROTEST AGAINST “This evening’s visit to Radojevo is not the first. We have been pointing out the same thing THE DISRESPECT since the establishment of the Roma Inclusion Office, and that is that no one can help the Rom- ani from their offices. We go to the field, talk to FOR THE WILL OF people and get direct information about the real situation, identify the issues and the ways of re- THE MAJORITY OF solving them together,” said Duško Jovanović, director of the Roma Inclusion Office. He pre- ROMANI NATIONAL sented all the benefits that the Office has to offer and invited the panel participants to use COUNCIL MEMBERS them. Branislav Damjanov, provincial delegate of Ministry of State Administration the Municipality of Nova Crnja, said that the panel had been organised as an attempt to or- and Local Government issued a ganise the Romani in order to educate them decision rejecting the request for and present them with the possibilities of what the registration of the change of the they can achieve through the local government Romani National Council President in and the Province. “The Province has enabled the Register of the National Council us to introduce Public Work for a period of six which had been submitted by Dejan months, and a lot of Romani are involved, and Vlajković, general secretary of the the local government has provided six buses for Council. Since this decision is a direct free transport for all students,” said Damjanov and pointed out that the Province also helped violation of the will of the majority the Cultural and Artistic Society in Radojevo by of the Council members, several Roma providing bus transport and accommodation for organizations held a protest outside children on two occasions - the first time in Italy, the Serbian Government building. and the second time in Budapest. This Society’s members are both Serbian and Romani children. Slavica Denić, Provincial Assistant Secretary t the regular meeting in Leskovo on 2 Sep- for Economy, Employment and Gender Equal- tember, the two-thirds majority voted for ity in the Romani Status Improvement Sector, dismissing the former President Vitomir praised the initiative of the Romani to discuss A Mihajlović, and electing the new, Srđan Šajin. about the dedicated activities for the Roma- However, this meeting was annulled and de- ni offered by the institutions throughout the clared illegitimate. This was precisely the reason year, which is primarily related to employment. for a large number of Roma gathering in front “What the Romani Status Improvement Sector of the Serbian Government and showing their has to offer now, just like last year, is the assis- dissatisfaction with this decision. Furthermore, tance in the financing of textbooks for children, they wanted to draw attention to their particu- transport costs, and school meals; this year we larly infavourable position in society, especially also had a competition for housing, and its re- at a time when millions of euros allocated for sults are expected soon,” said Denić. improving the position of the Romani are spend on everything else except for their original pur-  Ljiljana Maričić pose.

18 National Council

Srđan Šajn addresses the protesters

Srđan Šajin addressed the audience and said in the dirt without electricity or water. “We’re that Mihajlovic is untouchable for now and that looking for a change because there are millions the time will come when this will change. He of Euros allocated for the Romani, yet someone pointed out that if a change comes and the will abuses them. My colleagues who are coordina- of the two-thirds majority of the Council is even- tors were fired because they did not want to do tually adopted, this will show that the officials political campaigns. The only party I work for is are working in the interest of citizens, and not the Romani,” said Jovanović. After the protest, in their personal interest, and added that they the representatives of the Romani national mi- will repeat a vote for this decision three months nority submitted a draft of the Strategy for im- later if they see no results. Tefik Ramadanović, provement of the Romani position to the Prime a member of the Council, stressed that despite Minister of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar the efforts that the protest does not take place, Vučić, and pointed out that the Serbian Govern- they failed to receive an appropriate response ment must create a body that will implement from the government. “We kindly ask and urge the Strategy. this government to do by law. If the Government The day after the protest the continuation of doesn’t adopt a positive decision, we will organ- the third regular meeting took place, at which ize another protest with even a larger number Vitomir Mihajlović was voted again for the Presi- of people and block the borders at Horgoš and dent of the Romani National Council by a ma- Srpska Crnja, and highways,” said Ramadanović. jority. The meeting was also marked by the ap- Ninoslav Jovanović, representing the Council pointment of new officials, and heads of district in Vojvodina, says that the will of the people and regional offices of the Council in Serbia. is to have textbooks, not to seek refuge, have school supplies for their children, not to live  Ljiljana Maričić

19 photo report

20 photo report

21 Social protection FAMILY SUPPORT - BEST SUPPORT TO CHILDREN

The Children's Week, which took place in the period from 5 to 11 October 2015, pointed out the actual situation of children and young people in society, as well as the right that every child has – the right of growing up in quality life conditions, both within the family and the whole community. The event was organized by the association "Life as an inspiration," with the support and patronage of the Ministry of Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Policy; this year's motto of the Children's Week was "Family support - best support to children."

he Children’s Week has a long and rich tradi- tion and has been celebrated in our country Tever since 1934. Over the years the mission The general objectives of of the Children’s Week has evolved, and this event the Children's Week are: has become a model of comprehensive coopera- tion between the state, civil organizations and all • drawing the attention of general the social actors that are united in their struggle public to the rights and needs of chil- to improve the position of children in Serbia. The dren; activities programme of the Children’s Week in- cluded a range of activities both at the national • pointing out the responsibility of fam- and at the local level with the full participation of ilies, schools, the state and its insti- children and young people. tutions in the protection of children and the realisation of their rights; Workshops for the Romani children • presentation of the results achieved The association “The power of family” held a so far; creative workshop in Veliki Rit for Romani preschool • pointing out the examples of good and school children entitled “My desire, my pow- practices and problems in the realisa- ers,” and “I’ll learn my rights.” In the first work- tion of children’s rights; shop, the children introduced themselves and said what they like to do in their spare time, and then • encouraging intersectoral cooperation they drew their wishes. It could be concluded that in creating conditions for respect for the children did not have too big and immodest the rights and optimal development desire; on the contrary, they wanted basic things of each child; such as dolls or balls that would have made their • promoting the active participation childhood happy. The aim of the second workshop, of children in making decisions that “I’ll learn my rights” is children realising their concern them; rights and obligations. Children were familiar with • starting new initiatives and actions some rights such as the right to education and the that contribute to improving the right to play, and learned about some new, such as situation of children in the Republic the right to be different and to be protected from of Serbia and the realization of their discrimination. rights.  Ljiljana Maričić

22 Social protection

The Children's Week promotes improvement in the status of children through development of all the conditions for normal growth of a child and the provision of financial, social, cultural, health and educational support. Therefore, every day should be children’s day, and the Children's week would serve only as a reminder of children’s rights.

Workshop My desires, my powers

23 Social protection

THE INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ERADICATION OF POVERTY The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is celebrated on 17 October throughout the world; the most vulnerable people in Serbia are large families, the unemployed and people with disabilities, primarily the Romani who are six times poorer than the Serbian average.

The problem of poverty welfare centres should spend long to the municipality. The The problem of poverty more time in the field in vil- price is that of the minimum most often affects children lages, because a large num- wage, and people decide for under 14 and the elderly in ber of people do not know themselves how they will rural areas, but also large their social protection rights. use the money. It can be for families, the unemployed, In addition to large fami- wood, electricity, food, bus single parents and persons lies with children, poverty fares, medical services, etc. with disabilities, and fami- also threatens single parents Offices do not give the money lies they live with. with one or more children. lest it would be spent for oth- On the International Day er purposes. for the Eradication of Poverty Offices for the Serbia has about 86,000 ben- Eradication of Poverty The International Day eficiaries of financial social Offices for the Eradica- for the Eradication of assistance and about 100,000 tion of Poverty are located Poverty celebrated in people living below the pov- in several municipalities in Novi Sad erty line. This year the Inter- Vojvodina, such as Ada, Mali Acting Head of the Social national Day is celebrated Iđoš, Bačka Topola, Senta, Welfare and Child Protec- under the motto “Leave no Novi Bečej, Nova Crnja and tion Administration in Novi one behind: think, decide are financed through differ- Sad, Nebojša Krezović, at- and act together”. The data ent projects. Help from the tended the action of the Red from the Ministry of Labour, office implies quick help or Cross of Novi Sad, which was Employment and Social Poli- assistance that can be provid- implemented in the Soup cy show that the main cause ed by the Mayor or the Centre Kitchen for the occasion of of poverty is unemployment, for Social Work. This aid has The International Day for the and that the number of the to be earned through a form Eradication of Poverty and poor is higher in villages than of community service from Hunger. The soup kitchen in cities. the family members who are users were handed out ap- This is exactly why the capable of working. These ples donated by the “Rotary Ministry announces certain tasks are not performed by Club” of Novi Sad. On that measures and employment the office alone, but together occasion Krezović thanked policy, and the goal is that with the local community and the Rotary Club on behalf of the representatives of social all the institutions that be- the City of Novi Sad for their

24 Social protection

he United Nations declared 17 October Tas The International Day for the Eradi- cation of Poverty. The aim of celebrating this day is to promote awareness of the need to eradicate poverty throughout the world, particularly in developing countries. The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty has been celebrated since an event in 1987, when about 100,000 peo- ple attended the revealing of a monument dedicated to the eradication of poverty.

act of humanity. “The city directly reducing poverty ef- In addition to increasing administration funds numer- fects that includes provid- budget allocations for the ous programmes of the Red ing firewood, food packages poorest citizens, it is neces- Cross and the Center for So- and hygiene products for the sary to provide the key re- cial Work aimed at supporting poorest, “said Krezović. quirements such as quality vulnerable population. The Red Cross Secretary of child care, quality education city budget allocated 31.5 Novi Sad, Dragan Lazić said and protection of children’s million dinars for the Soup that his organization hands rights. Kitchen this year, and each out 600 cooked meals and 800 year, among other things, lunch packages to the Soup we also fund a program for Kitchen users every day.  Ljiljana Maričić

25 NGO

LLP VET4 MEDIATION WITH ROMA, the need to foster mediation and to recognize the profession of mediators

druženje građana Radovi u Toku is im- The pilot Mediation4Roma training has in- plementing the LLP VET4 Mediation with volved intercultural mediators in two trainings URoma, co-funded by the EU Lifelong composed, each one, by 3 f2f meetings followed Learning Programme, by the Central European by the online part. The training has highlighted, Initiative - CEI Cooperation Fund - by the PGF as it was detected during the elaboration of the programme, Making the Most of EU Funds for research A state of art review of the mediator Roma and by own funds. professional, available in the project website Mediation4Roma is aligned with the objec- www.mediation4roma.eu - the mediators’ need tives of the EU Framework for National Roma In- of updating knowledge and know-how. tegration Strategies 2020 and with both the CEI Udruženje građana Radovi u Toku reached Plan of Action 2014-2016 and the CEI Instrument the potential beneficiaries through its network, for the protection of minority rights. through meetings with Roma and non Roma as- The project aims at empowering Roma com- sociations, and institutions, particularly useful munities through an European Roma mediation was the contribution the Roma Inclusion Office, framework. The Vocational Education and Train- APV gave during this phase. To facilitate the in- ing (VET) certification for Roma Mediators, to- volvement of female mediators a pink quota was gether with the project’s results also intend to created. The number of mediators interested foster the recognition of the professions. to take part in the training was higher than ex- The Mediation4Roma project promotes a pected, the project VET4 Mediation With Rome standardized certifiable curriculum for Roma foresees to train 25 mediators. The online train- mediators in the partner countries involved (RS, ing is developed through the e-learning platform ES, IT, BE, RO) through e-learning training fa- part of the website - that will remain active till cilities. The e-learning VET solution aims at im- September 2016 ― where participants are regis- proving Roma people’s access to digital literacy tered and materials uploaded. but also intends to adapt skills to new mediation Both training have been characterized by challenges, thus rendering mediators more em- the fundamental contribution given by the Pro- ployable in the SMART economy. vincial Office of the Protector of Citizens - the

26 NGO

I’M PROUD TO BE ROMANI

Ombudsman that brought an added value giving The fact is that the Roma are a very high contribution in the fields of children/ discriminated against in the world and women’s rights, housing and services. they are on the margins of society. This The Provincial Office of the Protector of Citi- was exactly the reason for the members zens, the Ombudsman, together with the Provin- cial Office for Roma Inclusion, the Central Eu- of the Roma minority, as well as those ropean Initiative, the European Affairs Fund of who support them in their human rights, the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina and the to take a walk for the first time in Know-How Center, supporters of the project, Serbia, within the festival FRKA (Festival have contributed, actively and continuously, in of Roma culture and activism) and to the implementation, dissemination of the pro- point to their position in society. The ject also taking part into the activities. The pro- event was held on 25 September and the ject’s supporters will be, without any doubts, organizers were the Know How Center, key actors in developing pathways of project’s sustainability. Civil Rights Defenders, as well as the During the training, organized in an inter-ac- Roma Cultural Centre. tive way, became clear the phenomenon of dis- crimination faced by Roma as well as the will of mediators to participate, actively, in improving the living conditions of Roma communities and t was opened by a procession of about 200 par- of the society in general. The majority of par- ticipants, who walked from the Serbian gov- ticipants are people that finished, or are close Iernment building to the “Mixer House,” when to finish the University. Participants are charac- the Festival of Roma culture and activism offi- terized by a high level of education, this is the cially began. “We have gathered here to pro- results of the active policies undertaken by the mote our culture. Culture and tradition are our Autonomous Province of Vojvodina to favor the best trademarks “, said Dragan Gračanin, mem- improvement of Roma people’s living conditions ber of the Organizing Committee of the Festival and their advancement in society. Without any of Roma Culture. doubt mediators are needed to improve social Adi Sinani from the Civil Rights Defenders cohesion, they represent the linking chain be- said that Roma are discriminated against in Ser- tween communities and institutions. Difficulties bia and that this can be seen in all the reports and obstacles to enter in the job market have of the Commissioner for protection of equality been also detected. It is needed, today, to fos- and the Ombudsman. “Ethnic distance has not ter mediators, to recognize their profession and changed and I doubt it will change in the next to stabilize their working conditions taking him/ year. Therefore, it is important to point out the her out of forms of permanent insecurity. problems of the Roma,” Sinani concluded. An exhibition by an academic painter, Ivan Marzia Clucher, Radovi u toku Preda, entitled “Roma and Art” was organized

27 NGO during the festival. His paintings are abstract, while graphics are meant to portray the life of the Roma and their situation in society. “I found the inspiration in Prague when I attended a Roma festival, where I met Roma from different areas who are also discriminated against. Then I realized how much we as a community are in a poor position in society, and that was the inspi- ration for this exhibition. This is my first major solo exhibition. I am very pleased. I own my suc- cess to my parents, to support of Roma NGOs, as well as the Municipality of Bač. My mentor from my high school student home, Stevan Filipović is someone to whom I am most grateful because he saw my potential and a great desire to enroll at the academy”, said Ivan. Art exhibition of Ivan Preda Beside the exhibition, a debate on the topic “Europe, the Balkans and the Roma”, a docu- and emancipation were organized. The accom- mentary about Šaban Bajramović, as well as panying music program featured the band Crne discussion on Roma women between tradition Mambe from Niš, GRUBB from Novi Sad and Gip-

Promotional poster of the FRKA festival

28 NGO

sy Mafia from Zrenjanin. show that Roma are an integral part of society, Director of the Roma Cultural Centre, Dra- and that the essence of the festival is using art gan Ristić said that “Roma Pride” is a way to to promote Roma interests.

The Organizing Committee of the Festival of Roma culture and activism has sent eight requests for the improvement of public policies towards the Roma. Their demands are:  Formation of a permanent government body that would ensure implementation of strategic documents  Improving status of the Roma citizens  Ensuring full application of domestic legislation and international documents relating to the prohibition of discrimination  Adoption of new strategies to improve the Roma status  Troubleshooting of multiple discrimination when it comes to members of the Roma minority  Introduction and full implementation of a series of affirmative measures in the fields of education and employment  Equal freedom to all citizens  Full and equal participation of Roma in the EU accession process  Proportional representation members / Roma community in the institutions, facilities and services at all levels of public authority.

 Ljiljana Maričić

29 NGO

Ružica Veldi THE 30th PUMPKIN DAYS IN KIKINDA

For the thirtieth time, Kikinda hosted the event called the Pumpkin Days. The program for this year lasted for four days, from 8th to 11th October, during which the visitors had the chance to taste the traditional dishes and take part in various competitions and a fancy dress party, visit an exhibition, attend concerts and professional lectures. The main event, as every year, was measuring the heaviest and the longest pumpkins.

mongst the numerous cial Secretariat for Labour Em- presented one of the national stalls at the Pumpkin ployment and Gender Equality. Romani dishes – the gypsy stew. Adays, the stall of the The Secretariat provided the Two years ago Zoran Tairović, Citizens’ association “RROMA NGO with the resources with a Romani painter, told me that – ROTA” was exceptional for a value of 50,000 dinars for a he would like to paint the tra- its gastronomic specialties promotion of the Romani na- ditional Romani house with the that are part of the tradition- tional cuisine and culture. The traditional Romani dish, so he al Romani cuisine. Miroslav resources were used for buying asked me what the dish was. I Meržan, the organisation CEO, the cooking material, the pa- told him that it was the gypsy said that it was the organiza- vilion, and the chairs, which stew and that’s exactly what tion’s first presentation at the will be of use in the NGO’s fu- we are cooking today. The biggest event in town, which ture activities, as its members interest is great. Everybody was a project by the Provin- say. “For the very first time we wants to taste something new. 30 NGO

This year’s winner of The Pumpkin Days, Dušan Jankov from Čurug, brought the largest pumpkin, which weighed 433 kilograms, whereas the winner in the category of the longest pumpkin was the consecutive winner Jožef Varga from Temerin, whose pumpkin was 216 centimetres long. “RROMA - ROTE” stand at the Pumpkin Days

I hope that we would present tion from Mokrin, together animal blood, which is added the Romani history, culture, with the cook Goran Vujović, to the meat mixture, and that and tradition through our fu- explained how the gypsy stew is a complicated procedure. ture projects as well. We owe is made. “Different types of Many dishes are now lost be- our gratitude to the Provincial meat, plenty of onion, pars- cause recipes weren’t written Secretariats, who are our sole ley, carrot, and many spices down”, says Veldi and also adds benefactors for the projects, have always been present in that next year they are going yet, unfortunately we haven’t the Romani cuisine. Another to make the Romani flatbread. received any resources from frequent dish in the Romani the municipality for the past tradition is brndov, which dif- two years”, said Meržan. fers from the gypsy stew in  Ljiljana Maričić Besides the gypsy stew, the stall also offered home- made Romani mekike (deep fried pieces of dough). The Romani woman who made them told us her recipe. “The homemade mekike – plichinte are made of flour and water only. Since there is no yeast, for the dough to grow you must mix it well and then deep fry it in oil. I learned to make this dish from my mother when I was 12“, proudly says the cook. Miodrag Veldi, the pres- ident of the Romani organiza- Hostess fries Romani flat-bread

31 The biggest pumpkins