A Monthly Periodical of The Roma Inclusion Office ^honesko inkljistipe Kancelarijako pale inkluzija e Rromen|i The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina
ISSN 2217-5024
|indo 35, januari-februari 2014. br{ no. 35, january-february 2014.
Mese~nik Kancelarije za inkluziju Roma
ISSN 2217-5016 br. 35, januar-februar 2014. godine A Monthly Periodical of The Roma Inclusion Office
no. 35, january-february 2014.
^honesko inkljistipe Kancelarijako pale inkluzija e Rromen|i
ISSN 2217-5024
|indo 35, januari-februari 2014. br{
Mese~nik Kancelarije za inkluziju Roma
ISSN 2217-5016 br. 35, januar-februar 2014. godine
Foto meseca The founder and the Publisher of the Periodical: FOREWORD The Roma Inclusion Office of the Government of AP Vojvodina Dear readers, Here is the January-February issue of our magazine. In Editor in Chief: the foreword, we give a brief summary of the activities Duško Jovanović organized by the Office in 2013. The International Roma Managing Editor: Day was traditionally celebrated on April the 8th, and we Aleksandra Mićić held two seminars for the Coordinators for Roma mat- ters from AP Vojvodina, and training for new teachers of The Team: Romani language. In addition, measures of affirmative Dragana Rajić action have been implemented for the admission to sec- Zita Farkaš ondary schools, and higher education. We also success- Pamela Uzelac fully finished the project “Improving the Employability of Jovana Davidović Roma in AP of Vojvodina”. Finally, the Office signed a new donor contract with the Open Society Institute–Bu- Correspondents: dapest, which will contribute to improving the work in Roma Coordinators of APV the Office. Ivana Koprivica In The Status of Roma column, a meeting entitled “Im- proving the status of Roma in the Republic of Serbia” Translation into Roma: will be discussed. Igor Dimić In the Projects column, three projects “Improving the status of Roma women in five municipalities in AP Translate to english: of Vojvodina”, “The Initiative for local decision-making”, Ana Kozlovački within which a new recycling center will be open in the municipality of Žabalj, and an announcement of a cross- Technical Preparation and Printing: border cooperation with the Croatian municipality of MONDO-GRAF, Novi Sad Vinkovci has been made. www.mondograf.co.rs Two articles were featured in the Social Protection sec- tion. The first one is about the Social Inclusion and Pov- Circulation: erty Reduction Team, and the other one is about a meet- 1000 ing of the directors of social work centers in Vojvodina. Address: Bulevar Mihajla Pupina 25, We present you the “Smart Upbringing” project of the 21000 Novi Sad “InterArt” association in the Education section. The International Holocaust Remembrance Day was presented in the History section. We talk about Trifun Dimić in the Famous Roma section. The “Čiriklji” Association from Bački Petrovac or- ganized an art colony for school children, and we wrote about this in the NGO section. You will get to read about Vasilica, Romani holiday in our Tradition section. This issue includes a new section entitled Roma in the world, which will be a permanent feature starting from the next issue and will preent world famous Roma from all cultural domains. For the beginning, we presen you the text about Charlie Chaplin. We hope that this issue will fulfill your expectations.
Your editorial board ROMA INCLUSION OFFICE OF AP VOJVODINA IN 2013
Roma Inclusion Office of AP Vojvodina marked its seventh year of existence in 2013. In addition to now already traditional celebrations of the 8th of April, the International Roma Day, the Office held two seminars for Coordinators for Roma Issues from Vojvodina. Of course, the Office implemented affirma- tive action for admission of students to secondary schools, as well as to higher education institutions. The project “Improving the employability for Roma people in AP Vojvodina” was successfully completed, and a new donor contract was signed with the Open Society Institute-Budapest, for a new project entitled “Strengthening Capacities of the Roma Inclusion Office”. The Office also supported the organization of a seminar for new teachers of Romani language, since preserving Romani is underpinning for preserving Roma culture and tradition, and is fundamental to Roma people. Nevertheless, the thing that marked year 2013 the most is undeniably the opening of the sector for Roma Position Improvement at the Provincial Secretariat for Economy, Employment and Gender Equality, which marks a step further when it comes to the institutional solving of Roma issues. Photo: Mina Karadžić Photo: International Romani Day International Roma day at the Besides organizers, Roma NGOs a lovely musical collage of the Mulić assembly of the autonomous and Roma people themselves, the music trio - made of Ivan, Zoran and province of Vojvodina ceremony was attended by Mr. Mi- Dušan Mulić. Students of the Jovan roslav Vasin, Provincial Secretary Jovanovic Zmaj elementary school The Roma Inclusion Office of for Economy, Employment and Gen- from Đurđevo, and Isidora Sekulić el- AP Vojvodina celebrated the In- der Equality, Mrs. Ana Tomanova- ementary school form Šajkaš, recited ternational Roma Day in 2013, Makanova, the vice-president of the poems on Romani. At the end of the together with the Roma Inclu- Assembly of AP Vojvodina, Mr. Mi- ceremony, guests had the opportu- sion Council of AP Vojvodina. roslav Veskovic, Rector of the Univer- nity to see the excerpt from Hamlet, The event was held at the Gre- sity of Novi Sad, as well as many other a play of the Suno e Rromengo Roma at Hall of the Assembly of AP numerous friends of the Roma com- Theatre Company. Otvoren sektor za Vojvodina. munity. The guests were greeted by unapređenje položaja Roma
The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina as well as the Roma Inclusion Office. Seminar for new teachers of ”We have to change the ta- This department represents a contin- Romani language boo. I don’t take no for an an- uation of the cooperation between the swer. Poverty should be the mo- provincial institutions and members Training for new teachers of Ro- tive. Our children cannot be the of the Roma community and placing mani began on 16th of May in source of ignorance and una- the cooperation on a higher level. The 2013, with a seminar held in Be- wareness. We can take respon- newly formed Sector for Improving čej. The seminar was organized by sibility for creating the present the Roma Position has three Roma Municipality of Bečej and Provin- nationals besides Mrs. Slavica Denić cial Department of Education, Ad- and the future. The results we who are employed for an indefinite ministration and National Com- have achieved so far prove that period. Their entry into the Provin- munities, with the support of the could be done. cial Institutions means that the Pro- Roma Inclusion Office the Matica Petar Nikolić, President of the vincial Government has confidence Romska. The seminar, which las- Roma Integration Council of AP in the Roma community representa- ted for four days, was attended by Vojvodina tives and it gives them an opportu- twenty-one prospective teacher of nity to actively help in solving their Romani language. Another semi- “You know, I am a nuclear own issues, what is, after all, the basic nar was held for additional eighte- physicist, and I truly believe in principle of the Decade of Roma In- en new teachers in the municipality clusion. of Odžaci, on May 24th, 2013. This chain reaction. Hence, it is im-
portant that all of us, each in „One cannot do a lot in any respect, only collectively can we deal for their own area, help the Roma our presence in all areas of social life. First of all, we have to raise our community. Our help will educational capacities to the level where Roma intellectual elite is en launch a new series of action and par with the others, and is actively involved in solving the issues ad- activities. And it will validate my dressing our population in order to have more Roma representatives belief in a chain reaction.” in the institutions. That is a two-way process and we have to prove our Professor Miroslav Vesković, competencies and abilities in order for the institutional doors to open Ph.D, Rector of the University for us. In any case, by establishing the Council, the Office and the Sec- of Novi Sad tor in the Province, it was shown there is a will, manner and a way to Sector for Improving the Roma Position - running solve the issues.”
The newly opened Sector for Roma Slavica Denić Position Improvement of the Provin- cial Secretariat for Economy, Employ- This is very significant for the seminar was organized by the Mu- ment and Gender Equality is another Roma community, since it gives the nicipality of Odžaci in collaborati- step towards creating the institution opportunity to improve the Roma on with the Secretariat of Educati- for addressing the issues of the Roma position and to solve the issues such on, Administration and National community. At the head of this de- as education, employment, housing, Communities, as well as with the partment is Slavica Denić, MA. health and many others, which are support of the Roma Inclusion Of- There are already institutions in AP all responsible for the standard and fice and Matica Romska. Vojvodina that deal with improving the quality of living for one collec- The emphasis of the seminars was the Roma position, such is the Roma tivity. to prepare new teachers to teach the Integration Council of AP Vojvodina, language subject with the elements
The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina of Roma national culture. It was remony which took place at the munity, Duško Jovanović, Director planned to organize two additional Small Hall at the Assembly of AP of the Roma Inclusion Office and seminars by the beginning of the Vojvodina. Candidates were tes- Ranko Jovanović, President of the new school year, in case of ensuring ted prior to the Ceremony. The Association of Roma teachers of adequate financial resources. After tests were reviewed and evalu- Vojvodina, and educator at the se- completing the seminar, students ated by the following committee: minar for teachers of Romani. sat the final exams, and were award- Petar Nikolić,President of Matica The Certificate Awarding Ceremo- ed certificates by representatives of Romska, Marija Aleksandrović ny was also attended by Andor Delić, Matica Romska. MA, Professor at the Preschool Te- the Provincial Secretary for Educa- acher Training College “Mihailo tion, Administration and National ‘’This type of education is very Pavlov” in Vršac, then Professor Communities and Petar Viđikant, important. It was started by late Vitomir Mihajlović, President of Head of the School Administration Trifun Dimić. After his death, the National council of Roma com- for South Bačka and Srem. it all stopped. This is an oppor- “This way we give the opportunity and a chance to a vast number tunity for it to be re-launched of your fellow citizens, who are our citizens at the same time, to have again, more thoroughly in more detail, since it is an idea that completely identical conditions as all of the other students in our stagnated for years. I hope we schools. I consider that to be a great advantage, but a great respon- will be able to introduce Rom- sibility as well. Together, we have to teach our students not only to ani language in a number of speak Romani, but to foster their attitude towards elementary and schools in Vojvodina and Ser- secondary schools, as well as universities. I think that we should di- bia, because we are all aware of vide all responsibility and do whatever it takes for the number of stu- the role and importance Rom- dents attending Romani to grow, and, for the number of teachers of ani language has in preserving Romani to grow as well.” the Roma identity. Additionally, Petar Viđikant, Head of the School Administration it will lead to employment of for South Bačka and Srem Roma population, and will start the necessary process of stand- ardization of Romani language. It is important it all started. It is going to require a change of form, but it is important to keep going, not to tap into place.“ Marija Aleksandrović, Professor at the Preschool Teacher Training College “Mi- hailo Pavlov” in Vršac
Certificates for new teachers of Romani language
Certificates to new teachers of Mina Karadžić Photo: Romani were awarded at the ce- Participants of the seminar
The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Successful Conclusion
The final conference of the “Improvement of the Employability of Roma people in AP Vojvodina” project, took place on the 7th of May at the Hall of the Assembly of AP Vojvodina. Alongside the project users, the conference was attended by Miroslav Vasin, the Provincial Secretary for Economy, Employment and Gender Equality, Duško Jovanović, Director of the Roma Inclusion Office, representatives of the Božidar Adžija Adult Education Center, as well as representatives of EU Delegation from Belgrade. The event attracted substantial media attention. . Photo: Mina Karadžić Photo: Concluding conference of the project Bearing in mind the difficulties ized together with the Secretariat activities were realized: opening of Roma people encounter at the la- for Economy, Employment and the 20 new companies, vocation- bor market due to prejudice, lack Gender Equality, the National al training for 100 unemployed of education and qualifications, Employment Service, Local Gov- Roma, and vocational training for and based on previous experi- ernments, Coordinators for Roma 50 unemployed Roma nationals ence, the Roma Inclusion Office Issues, and NGOs. It was financed for a specific employer. prepared a project, “Improving by the EU funds in the amount of Employability of Roma in AP of €208,994, and in the total amount Vojvodina”, based on the invita- of €237,794. The project plans “This project has shown that tion from the EU Delegation in that all activities to take place in Roma are indeed ready for new programs and indeed are ready Belgrade, and within the IPA 2007 20 municipalities in Vojvodina: to take responsibility and com- RSEDP II program. Novi Kneževac, Kikinda, Sombor, mitment. They managed to rec- With the overall aim to improve Apatin, Kula, Bela Crkva, Bečej, ognize the importance and full the socio-economic condition of Žitište, Zrenjanin, Odžaci, Srbo- potential of the project. Prima- Roma through opening new va- bran, Žabalj, Novi Sad, Beočin, rily, what we want is to give peo- cancies and preserving the exist- Inđija, Ruma, Pećinci, Pančevo, ple a chance.” ing ones by motivating the work Kovin and Senta. During the 27 Miroslav Vasin force, the project has been real- months of the project, all planned
The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Affirmative Action in 2013 “From the moment we started the affirmative action up until this day, I stand by my belief that if the Republic of Serbia wants to stop The Roma Inclusion Of- the vicious circle of poverty of the Roma community, and integrate fice together with the National them into the system, the Roma have to be given a chance to be in- Council of Roma National Mi- cluded in the school educational system, i.e. the Republic of Serbia nority continued to implement has to provide the opportunity for every Roma student who takes the affirmative action for the en- entrance exam to actually enroll to desired track, as well as to provide rolment of Roma nationals into the scholarship for students in the first year of academic studies. Un- secondary and third education. fortunately, this is a bit different in practice.“ These measurements imply that Duško Jovanović those students who pass the placement, i.e., the entrance studies, led to a number of stu- Education and test could enroll into their re- dents who passed the entrance exchanging experiences spective desired tracks, out-of- exam, and were not ranked quota. Based on the Ministry of within the budget quota, to re- The Roma Inclusion Office or- Education’s decision, that quo- main unregistered. ganized yet another seminar for ta is limited to 2% of the total In the academic year 2013/2014, Coordinators for Roma Issues number of enrolled students, by implementing the Affirma- for municipalities in AP Vojvo- including students with disa- tive Action, 105 students en- dina. The seminar took place in bilities. Limiting the number of rolled at secondary schools and Vrnjačka banja. The goal of hold- Roma students who were to en- 47 students enrolled at higher ing this seminar was to gain new roll into first year of university education institutions. experiences, strengthen capacities, Photo: Mina Karadžić Photo: Participants of the seminar
The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina as well as to exchange experience At the Center for Professional nović signed yet another extre- gained during many years of work- Development of Kruševac, the mely important donor contract ing in the field. Roma Inclusion Office presented at the beginning of September At the three day seminar, coor- the achieved results in the proc- 2013. Namely, a one-year con- dinators got familiarized with the ess of improving the position of tract was signed with the Open- funding sources and opportunities Roma representatives at the city Society Institute Budapest for a for implementation of EU projects, administration, as well as Roma project entitled “Strenghtening and the analysis of the current sit- NGO representatives. In addi- Capacity of the Roma Inclusion uation at the local level in munici- tion to this presentation, Zoran Office”. Total value of the pro- palities of AP Vojvodina. During Kalanjoš, Coordinator for Roma ject is $77,072. the seminar, a visit to the Art As- Issues from Sombor, presented Project has three main compo- sociation of Roma (AAR) was or- work of the Coordinators from nents: ganized, where coordinators got all over the Province. The pres- • Roma Inclusion Office staff familiar with the work of the As- entation highlighted the condi- and associates trainings sociation, and also got the chance tion in all municipalities prior through training programs to see over one hundred and fifty to and after hiring Coordinators on managing EU projects, artworks of Roma painters from all for Roma Issues in order to re- EU fundraising, advocacy across Europe. flect the obvious improvement and strategic planning that This was also an opportunity in all areas. will provide relevant skills for coordinators to introduce cur- On the behalf of the local gov- and necessary knowledge to rent issues in their municipalities ernment and the Center, Nenad the Office, as a basis for more to everyone. For our paper, inter- Stanojević, director of the Cent- competent work within gov- viewees were: Danijela Ignjac from er, addressed the present audi- ernment, NGOs, and business Apatin, Vesna Novkov from Ko- ence. The participants were also actors at all levels. vin, Dobrila Nikolić from Zren- addressed by the Assistant Secre- • Mentoring support to the Of- janina, Miroslav Meržan from tary for Economy, Employment fice in developing strategic Kikinda, and Ninoslav Jovanović and Gender Equality in charge of approach in EU fundraising, from Indjija. improving the position of Roma, partnership building and fi- Slavica Nikolić, and president of nalizing the strategy of the Of- The Double Significance the Council for the Integration of fice for the period 2014-2017. of the Seminar Roma Petar Nikolić. • Study visit to Brussels, which The Roma Inclusion Office orga- would help to build the ca- New donor contracts – nized the last seminar in this year pacities of the Office for ad- A step further for Roma Issues Coordinators in vocacy. AP Vojvodina. The seminar was The Project team of the Roma This project will provide Roma held in Kruševac, and the topic Inclusion Office, in collabora- community with a strong insti- was the always current gender equ- tion with external associates, tution to which they can turn to ality, as well as the role of speech in works very hard on raising the and which will be a partner not discrimination. The participants money from foreign funds. Af- only to the Roma community, also shared their experience and ter successfully completing the but to NGOs and other institu- knowledge. The seminar also ser- two and a half year long project tions. Moreover, the Roma Inclu- ved to present the current results in “Improving Employability of sion Office will become a desired the field of improving the position Roma in AP Vojvodina”, finan- partner to new donors and EU of Roma in Vojvodina, in order to ced by EU through RSEDP II partners. start similar initiatives on the ter- Program, director of the Roma ritory of City of Kruševac. Inclusion Office, Duško Jova- Jovana Davidović
The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina The status of Roma
IMPROVING THE POSITION OF ROMA
A meeting on “Improving the Roma position in the Republic of Serbia” was held at the Great Hall of the Assembly of AP Vojvodina on February 20th. The meeting was attended by representatives of the central republic, provincial and local institutions, NGO sector and international organizations. The working part of the meeting was divided into five sections: Introduction, the Decade of Roma in Serbia, Social Welfare System and the problem of child begging, Examples of good practice, Discussion. Source: Government of AP Vojvodina of Government Source: Participants of the meeting
Symbolically, organizing an Roma in institutions – a key ing the Roma position, but that event on the World Day of Social solution to the problem are many Roma still burdened by Justice, aims to highlight the fact existential issues and cannot ded- that the social justice is based on At the sole beginning, the at- icate to their talent and creativity. the principle of improving the tendees were addressed by Mi- The goal of all institutions and fight against poverty, on promo- roslav Vasin, Provincial Secre- organizations is to enable Roma tion of labor rights, gender equality tary for Economy, Employment to easily put their creative ideas and achieving equal opportunities and Gender Equality, Duško into reality. for all. This meeting was a fertile Jovanović, Director of the Roma ground for presenting activities, Inclusion Office in AP Vojvodi- perspectives, policies and needs of na, and Petar Nikolić, president of “The biggest test of our civili- institutions and organizations, in the Council for Roma Integration zation is to imrpove the status of order to jointly influence the adop- in AP of Vojvodina. Roma“ tion of systematic and sustainable Miroslav Vasin said that Vojvo- solutions to the problems of Roma dina fulfilled all necessary insti- Miroslav Vasin community in Serbia. tutional requirements for improv-
The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina The status of Roma Source: Government of AP Vojvodina of Government Source: Organizers of the meeting
Director of the Roma Inclusion the lack of education, but a motive and weaknesses, the Decade has Office Duško Jovanović said that for further education. been very important because it let the goal of the meeting is not only to Romani know they are not alone. Decade of Roma Inclusion point to the examples of good prac- The issue that needs to be worked in Serbia tice, but to the errors, which should on is monitoring of the Decade, not be condemned, but a joint effort Decade of Roma Inclusion is i.e. to determine what funds actu- should be put into correcting them. an international initiative, within ally get to their intended users. When it comes to dealing with the which governments of Central and Nenad Vasić presented the ac- issues of Roma, it is essential to have Southeastern Europe pledged to tivities of the Roma Integration desire and initiative, as well as good work regionally on improving the Council in Republic of Serbia. coordination. socio-economic status and Roma One of the important areas this inclusion. The goal of Decade of Council is dealing with is em- “Romani are the conscience of Roma is to improve the status of ploying Romani, i.e. monitoring the mankind“ Roma, and to make visible and the implementation of affirma- Duško Jovanović measurable reports on achieved tive action in practice. Council’s progress. Priorities of the Decade Proposal was to write an open call Petar Nikolić, president of the of Roma are education, employ- for Romani, as well as to adopt a Roma Integration Council, marked ment, health and housing. particular document which would this meeting as a proof that the While speaking about Decade of encourage hiring. Council’s plan Roma community is not alone Roma, Dragoljub Acković, Deputy is also to launch a website, which when it comes to dealing with their Director of the Office for Human would help monitor the Decade problems, and added that poverty and Minority Rights stressed the of Roma Integration in Serbia, cannot be an excuse to Romani for need to extend it. Besides all flaws because all of the projects, their evaluation and given recommen- “The biggest issue for Romani is that we are not included in the sys- dations would be there. tem, that we didn’t recognize the need to get involved in the institution- Deputy Chairman of the Na- al system. Every type of discrimination could be overcome by getting tional Council of Roma National incorporated into the system. The power of the system is of paramount Minority, Dragan Vasiljković said importance. ” that Republic of Serbia achieved Petar Nikolić the least during the Decade of
The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina The status of Roma Source: Government of AP Vojvodina of Government Source:
Roma of all Southeastern Europe- munity, forced child begging by and 15% of those who do enroll an countries, and pointed out that organized groups, the impact of – leave school. the joint effort of all institutions is poverty, as well as lack of paren- missing, as well as direct partici- tal care. The attendees agreed on Examples of good practice pation of Romani themselves. the fact that the solution to the problem should be sought at the Following offices were pre- Child begging local level, as well as that the in- sented as examples of good prac- stitutions; primarily Center for tice: Secretariat for Health, Social In addition, an important topic Social Work should be a service Policy and Childcare of Kragu- of the discussion was the issue of which would point to failures of jevac, Center for Economic Em- child begging. The assessment unscrupulous parents and hold powerment of Roma from Srem- of governing bodies, institutions them accountable. Child beg- ska Mitrovica, and the Center for and civil society was that the pre- ging is one of the main reasons the Production of Knowledge and vailing risk factors of child beg- why 5% of Romani children nev- Skills from Novi Sad. ging are belonging to Roma com- er enroll into primary schools, D.J.
10 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Projects
A CHANCE FOR ROMA WOMEN essary equipment will be purchased for each company. Two round tables The Roma Inclusion Office of Vojvodina has signed yet another do- are planned to follow with the rep- nor contract. It is a one-year contract with the Embassy of the King- resentatives of the relevant institu- dom of Norway for the project “Improving the employability of Roma tions which will be included in the women in the five municipalities in Autonomous Province of Vojvo- decision-making process. dina”. The total project value is EUR 60,000. Partner of the Office for Roma Inclusion in this project is the Provincial Secretariat for Labor, Norwegian embassy-support Employment and Gender Equality. Implementation of the project to the developlment of the will begin in March of the current year. Western Balkans
The idea to write the project the municipalities with the largest Norwegian Embassy has two arose after the successfully coml- number of Roma population. grant schemes, which are an es- peted project “Improvment of the sential part of the support to the employability of Roma in AP Vo- Better Living Conditions development of the Western Bal- jvodina“, financed by the Euro- kans. One of them is the Ambas- pean Union, through RSEDP II The new project proposes so- sador’s Fund, whose funds are program, which helped to open 20 cial inclusion of Roma women in provided for the development of companies. AP Vojvodina, which contributes the civil society and local commu- The priority for municipalities to their better living and working nities in Serbia, Macedonia and is to systematize work positions of conditions. Workshops are planned Montenegro. The Ambassador’s Coordinators for Roma Issues, as for strengthening capacities in ac- Fund is open throughout the year well as to evaluate the level of suc- counting and finance, legislation, for the initiatives that typically last cess of the cooperation with the Of- administrative duties and market- up to a year and for an amount not fice so far. Additionally, it is impor- ing. Workshops will be open for exceeding € 100,000. The priority tant to establish whether the local all interested Roma women. In ad- is given to projects of anti-corrup- government passed a Local Action dition, they will be provided sup- tion and rule of law, security sector Plan for improving the position of port on calls for self-employment reforms and local defense, energy Roma and whether the government through mentoring and techni- issues, living conditions and cli- allocates funds from the budget for cal support. Ten companies are mate, and issues of inclusion and their implementation. Of course, planned to open, and as a form of growth at the local level. the main advantage will be given to help for starting new business, nec- Source: Roma Inclusion Office’s Archive Office’s Inclusion Roma Source: Reception at the Embassy of Norway
The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 11 Projects
A NEW PROJECT – THE RECYCLING CENTER
A new recycling center for collecting, redemption and processing of recyclable materials will be open in the Municipality of Žabalj by the end of April. This is a new project “Initiative for local decision ma- king“, in the amount of $103,000, which will be jointly implemented by the Municipality of Žabalj, Roma Economic Center of Vojvodina, Open Society Institute-Budapest and the Roma Inclusion Office of AP of Vojvodina. The Open Society Institute-Budapest provided $67,000, and the Municipality of Žabalj and the Roma Inclusion Office jointly provided $36,000. Source: Roma Inclusion Office’s Archive Office’s Inclusion Roma Source: Participants of the meeting
Four new collection centers in that the Government of AP Vo- devote a significant amount of Vojvodina are planned to open as jvodina is a regional leader when attention to solving the environ- part of the project, where second- it comes to projects that improve mental protection issues, which ary materials would be collected the status of the Roma commu- is a part of Serbia’s negotiations and redeemed, together with the nity. with the EU. local governments, companies “This project is of great signifi- The project of great and informal waste collectors. cance. In addition to encouraging significance the employment of Roma who are Government of AP of mainly engaged in collecting the The director of the Roma In- Vojvodina leader in recyclable materials, it will also clusion Office, Duško Jovanović, improving the Roma status contribute to the increase of the stated that the premises for the The Provincial Secretary for public awareness about the im- Center were provided by the Mu- Economy, Employment and portance of the environmental nicipality of Žabalj, while the re- Gender Equality Miroslav Vasin protection and it will introduce gional partner provided $67,000 attended the signing of the con- the European system of value in for purchasing the equipment. tract about the implementation the field of recycling waste at the According to Jovanović, the plan of the project, and he said that same time”, said secretary Vasin, is to hire ten people in the first of the opening of a recycling center adding that the project is in com- the project, and to connect over in Žabalj is yet another indicator pliance with Serbia’s promise to fifty Roma nationals, i.e. infor-
12 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Projects mal waste collectors by the end of this center, to connect them and Municipality of Žabalj the year. to formalize their work”, said - a reliable partner of “The fact is that there is a large Jovanović, adding that one of the Roma community number of informal waste col- the goals of the Center is to pro- lectors in Serbia, who are most- vide funds for education and fur- Municipality of Žabalj once again ly Romani. Our mission is to ther employment of the Roma showed the willingness to work animate these people through community. with the Roma national commu- nity, as well as to provide support to improving the position of Roma. The first Romani agricultural as- sociation was formed in this mu- nicipality, as well as the first local Roma inclusion office. President of the municipality of Žabalj, Čedomir Božić, said that the opening of the recycling center is just one out of many successful- ly realized projects in cooperation with the provincial government. “The project is of great importance to our municipality, since it will enable employment of our citizens, but will also raise the awareness about the need to protect the envi- ronment”, Božić said. D.J. Source: Roma Inclusion Office’s Archive Office’s Inclusion Roma Source: Source: Roma Inclusion Office’s Archive Office’s Inclusion Roma Source: Contract signing
The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 13 Projects
ANNOUNCEMENT of CBC projects
Representatives of the Cro- ment Agency of Vinkovci, as well At the beginning, the Direc- atian town of Vinkovci, visited as representatives of other city tor of the Roma Inclusion Offi- the Roma Inclusion Office. The institutions. ce presented the work of the aim of the visit was to make an The hosts included Slavica De- Office, and the current status agreement regarding the joint nić, Assistant Secretary for Eco- of the Roma population. After participation in the open calls nomy, Employment and Gender that, the representatives of the for CBC projects. The Croatian Equality, Rada Mitrović, direc- Croatian delegation, each in delegation consisted of represen- tor of the Provincial Institute of their own domain, spoke about tatives of the Employment Ser- Social Welfare, in addition to the the situation of Roma in their vice Regional offices Vinkovci, Director of the Roma Inclusion city. representatives of the Develop- Office, Duško Jovanović. Source: Roma Inclusion Office’s Archive Office’s Inclusion Roma Source: Participants of the meeting A small number of the “The purpose of today’s meeting is networking. Interregional cooper- unemployed and socially ation is something on which the EU has insisted. CBC projects are im- disadvantaged Roma portant for the countries in the region, mainly to exchange experiences. They are actually a new implementation of programs and projects that Vesna Kovač, Head of Depart- have already given good results. ment of mediation in the National The experience and knowledge we obtained in the work with the Employment Service in Vinkovci, Roma community are absolutely applicable to all vulnerable groups. said they currently have only nine These are models that have provided the results. registered unemployed Roma peo- Promotion of dialogue and cooperation is very important when we talk ple, and that the Roma in this mu- about the flow of money and capital, as well as when we talk about the ex- nicipality are really good entrepre- change of human resources and ideas. As such, it is of great importance for neurs. According to data available, the development not only of Serbia, but also the entire region. “ Ivanka Mandić, head of the depart- Duško Jovanović ment of information and analytics,
14 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Projects Source: Roma Inclusion Office’s Archive Office’s Inclusion Roma Source: Meeting
said that ten members of the Roma employed continues to increase, munication with the employer, population used measures of active and this can not only prevent and because most of the projects are employment policy. Milica Benić, stop the active employment policy oriented toward the unemployed, director of the Center for Social measures. while employers remain on the Work in Vinkovci, said that the records of the service show not even a member of the Roma population. So far they have recorded three cas- es, these are customers who have used the law to protect the family. The same problems on both sides
Head of the regional unit in Source: Roma Inclusion Office’s Archive Office’s Inclusion Roma Source: Vinkovci of the Croatian Institute Učesnici sastanka for Employment, Mario Paljušaj, pointed out that that there are the Opening of the self- sidelines. Only the unemployed same problems on both sides of the employment centers would be involved in all the ac- border, when it comes to the im- tivities of the center. They may plementation of self-employment The project idea that guests not all be able to get a job, but a projects. The first problem is cer- from Vinkovci proposed to their large number of unemployed will tainly the sustainability of newly host is the establishment of the be able to gain great experience, established firms. They do not Center for Self-Employment, and thus complement their CV. have any support, nor do they have one on each side. Activities of This type of a cross-border coop- an open door market. Entrepre- the center would include the or- eration is implemented through the neurs should deal with what they ganization of fairs, followed by exchange of knowledge and experi- know best; hence, the activity they the establishment of employment ences, and the future entrepreneurs have chosen, and everything else exchanges, as well as workshops will have open doors to export their should be taken over by the insti- for the unemployed. There is a products. tutions. On the other hand, Paušalj possibility of mediation in em- pointed out that the number of un- ployment, which involves com- Jovana Davidović
The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 15 Social protection
THE SOCIAL INCLUSION AND POVERTY REDUCTION TEAM
The Government of the Republic of Serbia has established a Social Inclusion and Poverty Reduction at the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration in July 2009. The team is responsible for strengthening the capacity of the Government to develop and implement social inclusion policies based on best practices in Europe and to provide support to line ministries in the development and implemen- tation of social inclusion policies, with regular consultation with the civil society. Today, the Social Inclu- sion and Poverty Reduction Team implements social inclusion policies and is located in the Office of the Minister without portfolio in charge for European integration.
The issues of social inclusion and The social inclusion continuing political priority even fight against the poverty of Roma of Roma since 2010 when it was adopted the have become a priority for all EU National Strategy for Roma People, countries since the adoption of the The Team for Social Inclusion, to- which has become a priority for all Framework for National Roma Strat- gether with the European Commis- EU countries. The issue of improv- egy in 2011, as well as for countries sion and the EU Delegation in Ser- ing the situation of the Roma pop- who are to access the EU. Serbia has bia, organized on June 18th, 2013 ulation has been identified in the set a solid basis for sustainable im- the second Workshop on Social documents of the European Com- provement of the status of Roma, Inclusion of Roma and in Serbia, mission and the European Parlia- especially in education and health as a continuation of a process that ment (EU Framework for National sectors. The next step towards im- began in June 2011. This event is or- Roma Integration Strategies), as well proving social inclusion and reduc- ganized at a time when improving as international organizations such ing poverty of Roma is to focus on the position of Roma is very impor- as the Council of Europe (Strasbourg raising the level of effectiveness of tant on the European continent, as Declaration on Roma). the adopted measures and connect well as for all candidate countries Analysis of the improvement them better with the available and and potential candidates. It’s good of the position of Roma at the future funding sources, including that this topic is of importance for local level donations. It is of great importance the EU, because it ensures that the that the strategic documents of the EU will provide more attention and In 2013, the team conducted an Government of the Republic of Ser- support to improve the status of analysis of cooperation and co- bia and the European Commission’s Roma in Serbia. ordination between the mecha- program of financial assistance in- It is of utmost importance that the nisms aimed at improving the clude measures issues of social inclusion and the fight position of Roma, which already The Team for Social Inclusion against the poverty of Roma received exist at the local level: the health and Poverty Reduction Strategy at greater prominence within the Eu- mediators, pedagogical assist- the Government of the Republic of ropean Union, as well as throughout ants, RCs. Some of the recom- Serbia actively participates in the Europe in recent years. In this re- mendations after the above-men- work of the six negotiating groups spect, the EU member states, as well tioned analysis are: in the process of negotiations for as the countries in the EU accession • Adoption of Local Action membership in the EU, of which process should contribute in defin- Plans (LAPs) within docu- Chapter 23 focuses on the reform ing clear and ambitious goals in ments in any area of social of the judiciary system and funda- the areas of employment, education inclusion of Roma, with the mental rights. In the chapter 23, the and poverty reduction of vulnerable mandatory adoption of the topic of the negotiation will be the groups, especially Roma people. Im- budget for their implementa- social inclusion of Roma in Repub- proving the socio-economic situa- tion in local governments. This lic of Serbia. tion of Roma in Europe has been a recommendation applies to lo-
16 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Social protection
cal governments. It is neces- • Establishing cooperation be- their motivation to complete sary that all the mechanisms, tween the individual mecha- it. Also, cooperation of NES that is, the relevant ministries, nisms for the inclusion of with Coordinators for Roma include work on achieving the Roma in the Republic of Ser- issues is helpful in faster find- goals set with LAP into their bia: Ministry of Health and ing Roma who are interested in job description, to allow di- Ministry of Education, Sci- participating in the programs rect involvement in the imple- ence and Technological De- of the NES. mentation of the planned pro- velopment should independ- • Establishment of integrated gram. ently establish and define the services of the labor market • Formulating a protocol on co- ways of cooperation between and social welfare services. operation between the hold- health mediators and teach- The already established co- ers of public policies for social ing assistants when it comes to operation between Center for inclusion of Roma in national monitoring the health status Social Protection and National and local level. and needs of school children. Employment Service should • Establishing a protocol on co- Education of parents to sup- be enhanced when it comes to operation with centers for so- port their children’s education the working-age Roma – who cial work on behalf of all insti- requires for teaching assistants are recipients of cash welfare, tutions in the municipalities and coordinators for Roma is- in order to encourage further in which they operate mecha- sues to work together, and it is employment of Roma . nisms for social inclusion of necessary for the Ministry of Roma are one of the most vul- Roma. Social work centers Education, local government nerable social groups in Serbia, emerge in all mechanisms as a and the Office of Human and and only through the joint efforts key player in solving the prob- Minority Rights to agree. Co- of the whole society can we im- lems of the Roma. In this re- operation between the Nation- prove their position in order to gard, a formal collaboration al Employment and teaching reduce the inequalities that exist between CSR as institutions assistants gives good results between Roma and the rest of the and other national and local when it comes to identifying population . mechanisms should be estab- the Roma who have not com- lished. pleted primary education and Mirjana Maksimović
The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 17 Social protection
SUMMARIZED RESULTS AND PRESENTED PLANS The Provincial Institute for Social Protection organized a meeting for the director of welfare centers from entire AP Vojvodina on February 20th, 2014. The Provincial Secretary for Health, Social Policy and Demog- raphy, Tomislav Bogunović, and the director of of Provincial Institute, Rada Mitrović opened the meeting.
The most significant results for Support to professional the Center for Social Work. In ad- the year 2013 of the Provincial Insti- associates dition, the Provincial Institute will tute were presented, results made by provide professional support to case skilled workers in centers for social During 2013, the Provincial Insti- study managers in initiating and or- work, as well as the program of pro- tute provided professional support ganizing round tables, forums and fessional support of the Provincial to the associates in centers for social non-graded trainings, all about the Institute for 2014. work in AP Vojvodina for case study topics relevant to day-to-day work managers. Last year, fifteen educa- activities of professionals in the field. Support for supervisors tional workshops were held on three Professional different topics in the field of child, and thematic meetings The Provincial Institute had been adult and elderly protection, and in providing professional support to the field of improving the organi- The Provincial Institute for Social centers for social work since 2010. zation of work in centers for social Protection supported the legal initia- In 2013, 20 group supervisions were work. Two hundred and eight case tive from centers for social work to held, which included all supervisors study managers and other associ- organize professional and thematic all over the Province. These group ates from 41 centers from all over meetings. In 2013, four meetings of meetings have both educational and Vojvodina attended the educational lawyers were organized hosted by: supportive function, and supervi- workshops in total. The topics of ed- Center for Social Work in Novi Bečej, sors are trained to plan and realize ucational workshops were: Families Center for Social Work in Žabalj and group sessions, to lead the group, at risk of separation from children, Titel, Center for Social Work in Bački create topics, exercises, create case Different levels and the importance Petrovac and Center for Social Work studies, lead and participate in the of planning, Service plan and time in Žitište. Central topics of the meet- discussion, to make conclusions, management in the process of case ings were: foster care of adults, foster reflect, summarize, and give feed- management. care of minors, relinquishing parental back. Also, supervisors are given The plan of the Provincial Insti- rights, open issues and problems. the option to “vent out”, to share tute for Social Protection proposes to Earlier this year, the Provincial In- problems they encountered during provide the professional support to stitute surveyed lawyers in centers work. case managers at the centers for so- for social work, in order to collect the The Provincial Institute for Social cial work through: attendance at case data about the necessity for lawyers to Protection will continue to provide study conferences, organization of get professional assistance. In accord- professional help to supervisors professional and consultative meet- ance with the needs, the Provincial in centers for social work through ings with case study managers and Institute will continue to provide the group supervisions and round tables other professional associates, and as assistance in 2014 to lawyers in cent- and non-graded educations organ- proposed by the Provincial Secretar- ers for social work by organizing pro- ized by supervisors themselves, even iat, inspection or the center itself, to fessional gatherings on topics chosen in 2014. In addition, the profession- provide the answers on issues or di- by employees themselves, and that are al help to supervisors will be given lemmas regarding the implementa- relevant to their day-to-day activities through individual consultation tion of case managing methodology and improving the professional work and periodical visits to centers, if or implementation of the Standard in centers for social work. necessary. on organization, norms and work at Maja Dumnić
18 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Education
I GIVE MY VOTE TO THE SMART UPBRINGING The “Smart Upbringing” Project of the “InterArt” Association, was promoted on February 28th at the Interna- tional Fair of Education “Putokazi” at the Novi Sad Fair. It is a national project focused on creative development of younger generations. On this occasion, ten best Romani students were awarded a voucher for “Student’s Planner”, a small organi- zer booklet aimed at helping the students organize their time and commitment. In addition to Roma students, vouchers were also awarded to the best students from all elementary schools in Novi Sad, as well as to the most successful children from the SOS Children’s Village “Dr Milorad Pavlović” in Sremska Kamenica.
Student’s Planner – a tool on nourishing family values, and sand visitors are announced. Me- for the 21st century also on encouraging the develop- dia representatives also announced ment of professional values. their visit. It has been made in order to com- Earlier this year, an action entitled pletely justufy the well-known say- “Exceptional directors for excep- About InterArt ing among the adults: Organization tional children of Novi Sad” start- os a key to success. This is the first ed. On the day of St. Sava, January InterArt Association was es- professional organizer, and a diary 27th, a seminar was held under the tablished in 2004, as an inde- of growing up at the same time. title “PR Promoters of Knowledge pendent and non-profit associa- In addition to noting down their and Skills for 21st Century”. tion, in order to achieve goals in school and extra-curricular activi- improving the alternative edu- ties, they could also make notes „Pametno odrastanje je svaka- cation, sustainable development, about travels, read books, interest- ko jedna od najlepših tema o scientific and technological de- ing events and experiences. kojima bi se moglo govoriti na velopment, media and cultural otvaranju Sajma knjiga i obra- activities, integration into the zovanja Putokazi. Zadatak svih EU systems and environmental nas odraslih bi trebao da bude protection. The most significant obezbeđivanje vedrijeg, pamet- projects of the Association are: nijeg i bezbednijeg detinjstva za Baby Exit, The School Oscars, našu decu. Ono mora da bude Fairytale World, Cultural Time u fokusu javnosti, s obzirom na machine, Student Organizer, Source: Internet Source: Promoting the project sve okolnosti u kojima današnja For a More Beautiful City We deca odrastaju“ Love and the Spinning Toy. The goal of the “Smart Upbring- InterArt gathers creative, edu- ing” project is to move the children Sanja Danilović, menadžer cated, ambitious young people away from the streets back to the who achieve the goals of the or- family surrounding. A child cannot BABY EXIT ganization in teamwork. become a great person without help of the adults. BABY EXIT takes place annually Financing these projects was The “Smart Upbringing” is impos- since 2001, with a new topic every enabled by numerous business sible to imagine without help of great year. This year, the topic was “The entities and individuals. The educators. In this regard, students and Smart Upbringing”. missing link is a stronger institu- faculty of the College of Professional Thirteen in a row, Festival of Op- tional support, and those institu- Studies in Education of Teachers in timism, takes place this year on tions were originally supposed to Novi Sad are included in the project. 17th and 18th of May 2014 at the have smart upbringing strategies The project consists of a series of Petrovaradin Fortress. Three thou- as their primary goal. events and actions, which are based sand participants and forty thou- Jovana Davidović
The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 19 History
THE INTERNATIONAL HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY
The International Holocaust Remembrance Day is celebrated every year on January 27th. That is the remembrance day of all victims of the Nazi regime during WWII. We cannot erase the tragedy of millions of innocent, but the memory of them should not fade. It must serve as a warning and a reminder not to commit such a crime ever again.
brance Day is celebrated as a na- centration camp at the Old Fair- “Tragedy as a result of the tional memorial day called The grounds. Holocaust cannot be erased. Remembrance Day of the victims The Holocaust survivors, de- It has to be remembered with of National Socialism. It was de- scendants of the victims, former clared a holiday by federal presi- WWII death camp prisoners, shame and fear as long as hu- dent Roman Herzog on January representatives of the Federation man memory exists. Only if 3rd, 1996. of Jewish Communities in Ser- we remember will we honor bia, National Council of Romani the victims. Millions of in- “The remembrance must not national minorities, Ministers in nocent Jews and members of stop-it also must be a warn- the Government of Serbia, repre- minorities were killed in un- ing to future generations to be sentatives of the City of Belgrade, imaginable, barbaric ways. We careful. This is why it is impor- a large number of representatives must never forget those men, tant to find an effective way, to of the diplomatic corps, associa- express regret for the suffer- tions and citizens all attended the women and children, nor their ing and loses, and at the same central national ceremony to pay agony”. time, be dedicated to the mem- tribute to the victims. UN Secretary-General ory of the victims, which will On the occasion of the Interna- Kofi Annan, help in preventing the crime to tional Holocaust Remembrance January 27th 2006 repeat”. Day, the Historical Archive of Roman Herzog Belgrade opened an exhibition The International Holocaust entitled “Jews of Belgrade – Life Remembrance Day was estab- During WWII, around 53 mil- and the Holocaust”. lished on November 1st 2005 lion people lost their lives in Eu- Also, the first International on behalf of the UN, and in ropean countries. According to Conference took place in Bel- memory of January 27th 1945, the bitter memories, it was one of grade entitled “Holocaust against when Red Army troops liber- the darkest periods in the history the Serbs, Jews and Romani in ated the “Aushwitz-Birkenau” of the mankind. The Holocaust WWII”, organized by the Facul- death camp. took 6 million lives, 1,5 million ty of Business and Law Studies, The UN Resolution established of which were in Auschwitz. and the Faculty of Strategic and on this day appeal to all mem- Operational Management, of the Serbia paid tribute to the ber states to respect the memory Nikola Tesla, Union University. victims of the Holocaust of the Holocaust victims and to Around 80 participants, gov- encourage the development of The Holocaust Remembrance ernment and NGO representa- educational programs about the Day is celebrated since 2006 in tives, representatives of national history of the Holocaust, with Serbia. This year’s central na- minorities, professors and stu- the goal of showing determina- tional commemorative ceremony dents, as well as foreign lecturers tion in preventing genocide in took place at the Monument to from Croatia, Israel, Bosnia and the future. In Germany, the In- the WWII victims, located with- Herzegovina and Russian Fed- ternational Holocaust Remem- in the complex of the former con- eration attended the conference.
20 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina History
“The International Holocaust The president of the Scientific database of the people who were Remembrance Day is a day Committee, Professor Života in camps, who would contribute when we should all remember Radosavljević PhD, pointed out with their statements and sci- the innocent victims of the Nazi in his lecture that the goal of the entific information in resolving terror, and Nazi’s try to create, conference is to tackle the issue of the complicated issue. The con- as they put it, a pure nation. It is the victims in WWII, especially ference was accompanied with important to understand there the Serbs, Jews and Romani, and the authentic photo exhibition are no small, tiny and insignifi- to get the new scientific facts. entitled “The Holocaust against cant discrimination, there are He added that the future gen- the Serbs, Jews and Romani in no benign discrimination and erations should be provided the WWII”, by Bajram Haliti. that every type of discrimina- fact the crime such as the Holo- The President of the City As- tory behavior, lack of respect caust must not repeat ever again, sembly of Novi Sad, Siniša Sević, for diversity, and slurs are ex- and that directly contributes to laid flowers on the monument tremely dangerous. To us, there reconciliation in the region of at the Jewish cemetery in order are no tiny and harmless forms Former Yugoslavia. During the to mark the International Holo- of discrimination, and we will conference, it was estimated that caust Remembrance Day. Be- respond harshly to any sign of not enough attention is given to sides him, the representatives of discrimination. the Holocaust issue, which is why the Jewish community also laid Siniša Sević one of the goals was to make a flowers. Source: Internet Source: Monument to the victims of genocide in World War II
The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 21 History
Letters of an inmate scream in pain, it is all provided connection to the world, life of here. That reality is unparal- every outside the camp still runs Letters of Hilda Dajc provi- leled, our misery is humongous, normally, as if only half a kilom- de a rare and touching insight all phrases on the strength of eter away there isn’t a slaughter- into the conditions at the Je- spirit are invalid and fall before house where six thousand inno- wish concentration camp at the tears of hunger and cold- cent people were killed. We are the Fairground, between De- ness; all hopes about an im- all equal in our cowardice, both cember of 1941 and May of minent exit are lost before the you and we. Enough! 1942. Hilda Dajc was born monotonous perspective of a I am still not an anti-hero you in 1922, in a wealthy Ashke- passive existing, which doesn’t might judge from this. I endure nazi family composed of her resemble life in any form. That’s everything that’s happening to parents, Emil and Augusta, not even the irony of life. That’s me easily, painlessly. But the and a younger brother Hans. its deepest tragedy. We can en- environment. That is what is Before the War, since gradu- dure not because we are strong, bugging me. People get on my ating as one among the top in but because we are unaware at nerves. Not even the tear induc- her generation, Hilda enrolled times of our endless misery re- ing hunger, not even the blood- into Architecture studies, at garding everything, everything in-your veins-chilling cold, not the Belgrade University. After this life is about. even the smell of latrine, nor all studies had been stopped We’ve been here for almost the strong wind is as disgusting in the occupied Serbia, Hilda nine weeks, and I am still a bit as a pity-deserving crowd, and volunteered as a nurse at the literate, I can still think a bit. you can’t help, but just put your- Jewish hospital in Belgrade. In Every night, without exception, self above it and despise it. Why December 1941, Hilda volun- I read your and Nada’s letters, do these people only talk about teered to go to camp against and that is the only moment I the things affecting their bow- her family’s wishes, in order to become something else, not just els and other organs of highly continue being a nurse and to the Lagerinsasse (an inmate). esteemed cadavers? The other be among those who “needed Prison is golden in compari- day, we arranged the corpses, help” according to her. . son, we don’t know why nor for 27 of them, at the Turkish pavil- what, nor for how long are we ion, all in the front. I don’t find The fourth letter was ad- sentenced. Everything in this anything appalling, not even dressed to Mirjana Petrović, world is lovely, even the most my filthy job. Everything could Hilda’s school friend. Letters meager existence outside the be done if only we knew what were smuggled by Jewish hos- camp, and this is the incarna- we can’t know – when will the pital staff, who visited the camp tion of all evil. We are all becom- gates of mercy be open. What on regular basis. This is the last ing evil because we are starving, are their attentions with us? We saved letter of Hilda, written becoming spiteful and counting are constantly tense: will they at the beginning of February each other’s bites, everyone is shoot us, blow us up, transport 1942. desperate, and still, no one kills to Poland? That is all irrelevant! “My dear, themselves, because altogether, The present should be skipped; All philosophy stops at the we are one heard of animals I it’s not pleasant at all, not the wire fence, and the reality that despise. I hate us all because we least. all of you whom are behind are all equally doomed. It’s half past two in the morn- the fence cannot even remote- We are close to the world, and ing, I’ve been on call for the ly imagine, because you would yet so apart. We don’t have any entire night at the clinic (that’s
22 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina History
every fourth night). People at tle bit of life despite all of this, fathomable contradicting rea- the pavilion cough in chorus, and that light is you, then one son dreadfully hate and strong- and you can hear rain clattering can feel so many life juices run- ly love at the same time. You on the rooftop. Here at the clin- ning through them. But, yes, don’t know what it means to be ic, the furnace has been smok- this eternal, omnipresent but, to here, as I didn’t know likewise. I ing as hell, but he who doesn’t tear apart from life is so pain- wish you would never find out. inhale smoke, he… ful and bitter that not even a As a child, I was scared of being This is the most exciting day sea of spilled tears can measure buried alive, and this is in a way, at the camp since the beginning up. How hard it is for me just some kind of apparent death. for me. Wanting something so now. I’m crying and everyone’s Will there be a resurrection? I badly, and than when it hap- laughing: “But you, you that have never thought about the pens, it means more than hap- grind like a man have the au- two of you as much as I do now. piness. Maybe we will get out of dacity to cry like a sentimental I always talk to you and wish to this place alive, into one happi- teenage girl! ” see you, because, for me, you are er life, because we want that so But what’s to do when I feel so the “paradise lost”. desperately much, but already a awful inside. That’s the chorus Lots of love, your inmate” bit anemic. I’ve been repeating for the en- Mirjana, my dear, we are cap- tire night. I know it’s not likely The source: http://www. tured slaves, a lot worse than that we are soon getting out, open.ac.uk/socialsciences/ that, we’re not even as lepers, and you and Nada are outside, semlin/sr/hilda-dajc.php we are a despised and hungry the only thing that binds me to herd, and when one sees a lit- Belgrade, which I for some un- Jovana Davidović Source: Internet Source:
The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 23 Famous Roma people
HE LIVED FOR HIS PEOPLE
He lived and worked for his people, for a brighter future, emancipation and integration. Although he passed away very early, he left behind a very rich and diverse creative work. It was all left to the Romani community, to whom his entire personal and working lives were dedicated.
Trifun Dimić was born in In addition to his in- Gospođinci, a small village terest in oral literature, in Vojvodina, on February Dimić was also interested 29th, 1956. in spiritual creativity. He He was among the first to published a translation fight for the national treasure of “The Song of Songs” of Roma and keeping it against from the Old Testament in oblivion. He gathered and noted 1987 for Vojvodina Society works of Romani oral literature. for Language, Literature As a result, he published two and Culture of Romani, books in 1979; a collection of and later, in 1991, he did poems “Coming back from the a first translation of the Fair” and “Curses, Vows and New Testament. In 1997,
Blessings of the Roma”. In 1986, Dimić published a trans- Internet Source: he also published two collec- lation of The Pentateuch Trifun Dimić tions of poems for Matica Rom- (Five Books of Moses). He a liturgy in Romani was held ska entitled “National Romani also translated a religious book, for the first time in 1993 at The poetry” and “Time of Solitude”. “The Officer”, thanks to which Cathedral (Saborna Crkva) in Source: Internet Source:
24 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Famous Roma people
Novi Sad. Additionally, Dimić “The Bridge” published by Cul- dents nourished their culture translated the Muslim religious tural and Educational Asso- and tradition, and at the same book, “Quran”, but it wasn’t ciation of Vojvodina, where he time, it was a great practice for published. was also the editor. mastering the curriculum. He was the founder and edi- In 1996, Dimić founded Mat- Apart from the aforemen- tor of the academic journal ica Romska, where he presided tioned publications, he pub- “Romologija“, which started until his death. lished over a hundred papers publishing in 1989 in both Ser- Yet another of Dimić’s ac- on Romani studies. In addition, bian and Romani. This journal tivities was work in the field of he wrote poetry, fiction, philo- encouraged the artistic crea- education in mother tongue, sophical and historical studies. tivity of the Romani and pub- Romani language. He made a His main goal was to edu- lished original literary works plan and program for a course cate as many Romani children by Romani authors, sociology “language and National Cul- as possible, in order to stop the articles, ethnography and the ture of Romani”, which was vicious circle of poverty: “We folklore of the Romani. The approved by the Government are uneducated because we are journal followed current cul- of Serbia, Ministry of educa- poor, and we are poor due to tural happenings in the Roma- tion in 1998, and in 2000, he being uneducated”. ny community, as well as cur- published the first “Bukvar” He ended his life journey in rent problems of the Romani in Romani. After making the Novi Sad on August 13th 2001. Although he died early, he left behind marvelous work, which laid the foundations of modern Romani studies in Former Yu- goslavia and wider. Nowadays, streets in Novi Sad and Gospođinci bear his name, a branch of the City Li- brary of Novi Sad in Šangaj, and a school in Montenegro. In memory of the great creator, an International Literary Festival for Children and Youth is held annually in Novi Sad.
Source: Internet Source: What Trifun Dimić accom- Trifun Dimić in his study plished for his life, a lot his suc- cessors failed to reach. He ac- population in Serbia. In addi- textbook, he trained teachers complished a lot of ideas, some tion to this, he started a jour- for, at the time, experimental of which realized by his succes- nal for Romani culture and lit- teaching in Romani. Elective sors, but unfortunately, a lot of erature, entitled “The Romani classes of Romani started in ideas are still waiting for their Word“, which started publish- 1996 in Vojvodina for 72 stu- realization. ing in 1994 by the Vojvodina dents, for students of all grades Society for Languages, Litera- of elementary school, in three Aleksandra Mićić ture and Culture of Romani. classes in Obrovac and two That same year, he started a classes in Tovariševo. With journal of the society entitled the help of these classes, stu-
The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 25 NGO
Visual Creations through Socialization and Play
At the “Jan Amoš Komenski” elementary school in Kulpin, an Art Colony for school children was held, within the “Days of Roma Culture of the South Bačka District” project, funded by the Ministry of Culture and Information. Photo: Mina Karadžić Photo: Participants of the Art Colony
The main goal of the project was tion “Čiriklji”, from Bački Petro- religion, it connects and draws peo- to socialize children through play vac, with the help of a painter and ple together. Art exists in order for and while creating art. The empha- photographer, Mina Karadžić, who us to get to know ourselves and the sis was on Roma traditional mo- expressed her satisfaction with the world around us.” tives, in order to promote Romani results: All artwork from the Colony will culture and tradition at the same “If given a relaxing task topic, be published at the Mina Karadžić’s time. Children from three munici- children make creative artwork website, www.minakaradzic.com, palities participated at the Colony: and drawings, and confirm they and at the beginning of June, art- from Bački Petrovac, Srbobran are all equal, regardless of their in- work will be exhibited at the muse- and from Odžaci. The Art Colony born nationality. Art does not rec- um complex in Kulpin, within the was organized by the Art Associa- ognize conventions, nationality nor traditional Art Colony.
26 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina NGO
Impulse for creative work
“Delicate assessment of chil- countered while drawing, and kind of atmosphere both in pre- dren’s paintings reflects appre- suggest possible solutions. The school and schools. This is the ciation of each child’s choice. If a adults should not impose their only way for a child to acquire child is faced with rigid grading own aesthetic ideals nor develop a new impulse for creative work criteria, it would not have a posi- an atmosphere of their ultimate and persistence to perservere.” tive reinforcement. While draw- and single solution. One should Teaching Arts Education on ing in a group, the best way is to know that, in visual art, there pre-school age Bogomil talk to children about the draw- are opposing views about a sin- Karlavaris PhD, Jovanka Kelbli, ings, let the children speak their gle artwork, quite frequently. It is Miroslava Stanojević mind, discuss the problems en- recommendable to nourish that
Preserving the uniqueness of children and their potential
To identify and recognize the pable of artistic expression and characteristics of their personal- needs of a child, it is necessary creation, what we can expect is ity and acquire skills to develop to develop the ability to sponta- a creative process, rather than a and upgrade them. Children’s neously understand the world realized visual product. With the artworks are honest, simple, and around them, without any obli- constant help and encouragement spontaneous, without any hid- gations or prejudice. This way we of adults, children will be capable den agenda to create something develop understanding for their of actively and creatively partici- for adults. The value and impor- first sightings and experiences, pate in life. They come to us in- tance of children’s visual artistic while giving a child a precious tact, with almost no effects from expression is not to “know” to freedom of expression. A child the surrounding, with nothing but draw or to paint, or what we will sees, discovers and expresses the their own internal world, a world see in it, but in what only child discovered for the first time, and constantly updated with new ex- sees, finds or discovers in a world that is always a novelty, because perience and learning. That world around them – in a tree, a hat, a it is for the first time, for the first is, sometimes incomprehensible house. Children’s artworks do not question, and the first answer. and confusing to us, one would necessarily include originality or Even with the constantly repeat- have to admit that. Educators and aesthetic value, but hide a great ed attempts to paint something, teachers have a great responsibil- fortune in talking about a draw- which may seem to us as the ity to preserve that internal world, ing or a painting, through what “same” story, it is always about a and to help a children enrich their they open the doors of their inter- newly acquired skill and a new experience and develop their own nal world, imagination, wishes, expression of the inner child’s be- relationship with the outside dreams, and fears – to us. This ing. Children develop their ability world, while continuously learn- conversation is equally beneficial from their own natural potential, ing and exploring it. The pur- and useful, both for children as and through spontaneous inter- pose of education, namely, Arts well as for the adults. action of their inner world and Education, is to preserve a child’s its external environment. This is uniqueness and potential, and Taken from a magazine “Child, why is it important to remember with our help, to express them in Kindergarten, Family” that, although all children are ca- diverse ways in order to recognize
Aleksandra Mićić
The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 27 Tradition
HAPPY VASILICA!
Romani all over the world celebrate Vasilica. It is celebrated on January 14th, on the day of St. Basil the Great, i.e. Orthodox New Year. Muslim Romani celebrate this holiday by tradition dating back to the period prior to the arrival of the Turks to the area, when they were Orthodox.
The legend of salvation tion. Number of poultry depends on the size and material wellbeing of the According to the traditions and legends, Romani people ran away family, as well as on the number of from the conquerors and got to the “Big water”. Their only salvation guests attending, with the most im- was to swim across the water. But since most of them weren’t swim- portant detail to have odd number mers, there was a huge risk of drowning. of guests. In order to save them, God sent them geese, which flew them to The ritual slaughter is performed another country on their wings. by turning poultry’s head to the As the result of this good deed, Romani celebrate Vasilica every east. Those who perform the ritual year. By celebrating it, they express their enormous gratitude to (slaughter) must be clean (showered). God. This act has the ritual character and represents the remains of pagan be- Rituals and traditions liefs of Roma. At the slaughter, the member slaughters poultry, usual- host chooses as fat poultry as possi- Traditionally, every year on the ly goose or turkey. Some do it even ble, believing that would bring him evening of 12th or 13th of January, on 13th and 14th of January before good luck in the following year. That family host with another family dawn, depending on family tradi- is the reason why poultry used to be Source: Internet Source:
28 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Tradition bought in advance back in the day. fresh water. The first-foot takes fresh order to have a happy and fulfilled Geese and turkeys were fed with water out of the pitcher and splashes year, as was the previous one. pone muffins in order to be well fed the walls, while tapping all house- The three-day celebration on the day of the slaughter, and as hold members on their heads with such, to make their owner proud. the Yule log and a stack of money In Leskovac and Nish, some fami- while chanting: “Bahtali Vasilica!“ The Roma celebrate Vasilica for lies still nourish the old tradition or „Bahtalo Vasili!“, meaning „Hap- three days. The first day is celebrat- of breaking veal’s leg and singing: py Vasilica!“, with the greeting: „Ov ed in the circle of the family. The “But satipe lelega me dajake me da- Romani from the Čair daske. Te bićhaven lelega mi kudelja. Mahala, light five white Zerem phagava lelega te pakhore”. candles in a flour-filled In this song, they demand health bowl at the dinner ta- and happiness for the entire family ble: for God. Then, they from Vasilica, or else, they would open the front door and break her wings. summon Vasilica to According to the Romani mythol- come into their homes ogy, there are beliefs that Roma tra- with these words: “Avaj, Source: Internet Source: ditionally slaughter geese, because avaj, gudlije Vasilice! in order to take the good luck from the sasto!“ (Let you be alive and well!). In Ake, isi amen šapatka, marikli…” geese, they need to rip out their hearts other instances, the first-foot brings (“Come, come, oh, sweet Vasilica! and liver. At the day of the slaughter, wheat to the house, and while enter- We have ducks, pie…”). They put everything they prepared to the ta- Pasha and holiday dishes ble, always with salt and pepper. Then they bless each others: “This In some Romani households, the host serves pasha (aspic) to the year, I see you, but the next year, let first-foot, made of garlic, goose head, neck, wings and legs. Pasha is your dinner table be so rich, I can’t prepared in a specific way. The liquid part of pasha changes into more see you sitting at the other side of it”. solid form, which symbolizes Romani rescue from drowning in “Big On the second day of Vasilica, water” and their survival on earth. Pasha is a symbol of great faith in you go to pay a visit to your friends. the geese. Gathering is organized at a reputable Dinner is prepared on the evening of January 14th. Dishes usually host. They decorate roasted turkey prepared for the occasion are soup, peppers stuffed with poultry and and carry it through rooms while stewed sauerkraut. Additionally, aspic is served as appetizer, and singing humorous songs: “Give, tatlije, baklava and other sweets for dessert. They usually drink wine give, Vasilica! Who serves us, let not and Rakia. sue us!”, and then they sing songs to honor the host and other guests. families make dishes exclusively from ing into the house, he throws wheat On the third day of the feast, pi- geese hearts and livers. in the air and says: “Happy Vasilica! laf or beans with giblets are served May God give you happiness, health for lunch. Aside the main course, The first-foot’s arrival and prosperity! This year just a little, a bread loaf is baked in which they and his role more in the next one”. put a golden or metal coin. During Families who celebrate Vasilica The first-foot is usually a child the lunch, the household members on January 14th, open their home’s from the neighborhood or a relative. break the loaf. It is considered that front door in the morning. The first- They are given money or sweets. the one who gets the hidden coin foot enters the house with gold-em- Families take care to have the same will be lucky that entire year. bellished Yule log, and a pitcher with first-foot as in the previous year, in Pamela Uzelac
The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 29 Roma in the world
HUMOR AGAINST HARD TIMES Photo: www.charliecaplin.com Photo:
He thrilled the audience for the first time at the age of five. He appeared on the stage instead of his mother, (who was a singer) after she lost her voice during the performance. He was saluted with a whole-hearted app- lause. At the time, it was quite clear that he was to become a crowd favorite. And that really came true. His world famous character The Tramp made millions of people laugh all around the world. It was a little man with thin mustaches, dressed in a shabby suit, with a bowler hat on top of his head, a cane in his hands and shoes a couple of sizes too big, that’s why the funny walk. The Tramp was always ready for a good laugh, although beneath all that, there was an emotional being with an expressed sympathy towards the poor. We present to you Mr. Charlie Chaplin.
30 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Roma in the world
A tragic family story he vehemently denied. After leav- ing the USA in the fifties, he nev- The legendary actor Charlie er returned back, because he was Chaplin was born in 1889 in Wal- banned from entering the country. worth, poor part of London, under the name of Charles Spencer Chap- lin. His father Charles Chaplin, Sr. In 1975, he was appointed was of Roma origin and was an al- a Knight Commander of the coholic who abandoned his family Most Excellent Order of the after his son was born. His mother British Empire by Queen Eliza- was actress Lily Harley, who used to beth II. sing in bars.
Photo: www.charliecaplin.com Photo: A “Colorful” Love Life went to New York. In 1913 he caught the eye of a movie producer Mack His love life was very intense, Sennett, who offered him to sign a with a countless number of love af- contract. Charlie’s early works were fairs and relationships, four mar- in post-production, and he filmed riages and eleven children. His af- a large number of silent films in finity for younger women, some of which he created the popular char- whom were even thirty years his acter of the Tramp. He was the star junior, was never well accepted by of the silent film, but he did very the public. well even when sound appeared in motion pictures. His specific vi- sions of humor helped him in this transition; he said that humor is a
Photo: www.charliecaplin.com Photo: way to see the rational in the irra- Soon after his father’s death, Char- tional and overcome the hardships lie’s mother suffered a nervous break- of life. down and ended up in a mental hos- He opened a film studio in Los pital. After the family tragedy, he was Angeles together with his brother initially placed into an orphanage, in 1918, and all of his films in-
and subsequently to an institution stantly got with positive reviews www.charliecaplin.com Photo: for destitute children, where he was (The Kid, A Woman of Paris, The Comedy after death schooled for three years. That was the Gold Rush, City Lights, Modern only formal education he acquired. Times). Charlie died in his sleep, on During that period, he used to wan- Christmas day in 1977 in Switzer- der the streets together with his half- Escape from America land, but his comedy continued to brother Sydney. The future star used live. His buried body was stolen to work as a barber, salesman and a After 1945, he made satirical from the cemetery by some Polish factory worker, while he simultane- films with mostly political topics. immigrants who tried to extort ously studied dance and acrobatics. He made a film about both Hitler money from Chaplin’s family. After and Mussolini, and he also poked that, he was reburied in the same Charlie as a movie star fun at a lot of the American poli- place, but under a thick layer of After he met Fred Karno and got ticians. He was accused of sup- concrete. accepted to his dance ensemble, he porting the Communists – which Aleksandra Mićić
The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 31 DECADE OF ROMA INCLUSION 2005 - 2015
Rumunija 1. Jul 2005 - 30. Jun 2006, Bugarska 1. Jul 2006 - 30. Jun 2007, Ma|arska 1. Jul 2007 - 30. Jun 2008, Srbija 1. Jul 2008 - 30. Jun 2009, Slova~ka 1. Jul 2009 - 30. Jun 2010, ^e{ka 1. Jul 2010 - 30. jun 2011, Makedonija 1. Jul 2011 - 30. Jun 2012, Hrvatska 1. Jul 2012 - 30. Jun 2013, Crna Gora 1. Jul 2013 - 30. Jun 2014. CRNA GORA
1. Jul 2013. - 30. Jun 2014.
MINISTARSTVO ZA LJUDSKA I MANJINSKA PRAVA, DR@AVNU UPRAVU I LOKALNU SAMOUPRAVU UPRAVA ZA LJUDSKA I MANJINSKA PRAVA
32 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina