The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Photo: M

A Monthly Periodical of The Roma Inclusion Office The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Photo: M. Karadžić no. 18, July 2012.

Achieving Equality through Education

Interview: Izabela Šerić

Interview: dr Slobodan Puzović

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 1 introduction

Dear readers, Happy anniversary of our monthly magazine! We The Founder and the Published of the Periodical: wish it to be more interesting, more read and purpose- The Roma Inclusion Office of the ful! Government of AP Vojvodina We would like to point out one exceptionally important fact about our monthly magazine: for several months The Editor: we have been the only magazine on the territory of the Duško Jovanović, dipl. ing. of agriculture entire Republic of Serbia which deals with the problems of Roma only – we inform our readers of the problems of The editor of theme of the number: Roma, their culture and history in Roma, Serbian and En- Duško Jovanović, dipl. ing. of agriculture glish and we are trying to show and prove that the Roma are as equally valuable as any other nation and thus dese- The Team: rve the same opportunity to be educated, employed and Dragana Rajić given health care. However… Snežana Dimić, dipl. pedagogist When we say – the only magazine… Zita Farkaš, pharmachologist We cannot say that we are proud of it… We have a great responsibility for being the only Correspondents: one. Our greatest wish is to help individuals, organiza- Roma Coordinators of APV tions and institutions to solve certain Roma issues in their prof. dr Vladimir Gecelovsky environment, according to the model we offer them, but Ivana Koprivica, dipl. psychologist also we wish to contribute to the elimination of preju- dices which non-Roma have against Roma population. Translation in Roma language: We wish to motivate Roma, with the positive example Igor Dimić, preschool teacher of their countrymen, to try hard, make progress and start thinking – If he/she can do it, so can I. Translation in English language: The criticisms we received so far have been only oral Mirjana Serdar, BA in English Philology and mainly positive. We want to believe that that was not done only out of politeness. We believe that in the last year, in the period of our Technical Preparation and Printing: existence, we got to know each other and that we can MAXIMA GRAF, Petrovaradin already ask each other everything. Also, we are ready to [email protected] hear you, the reason of our existence, and to adjust to www.maximagraf.rs your taste and to consider your opinion. We wish to communicate with you, which is why Circulation: we are introducing an innovation: all your comments for 1000 our monthly magazine, positive and negative criticism, recommendations related to the topics you would (not) Address: Bulevar Mihajla Pupina 25, like to see in our and your magazine, all of which you can 21000 Novi Sad send on our e-mail address: redakcija.sugestije@gmail. com and contribute to the quality of our magazine “De- cade of Roma in AP Vojvodina”. We want to hear your opinion and to justify your trust... The Team

2 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina This month’s topic: Achieving Equality through Education From Double Discrimination to No Discrimination

Serbia belongs to countries in which it is hard for women to fulfill their rights. The conclusion we can reach from observing the position of women in Serbia is that it is still unfavorable. It is often said that women in our society are discriminated against and that the male population does not allow them to have an equal position.

Even though there is a Law pation and integration of Roma ximately 30 firms, run by Roma on Gender Equality, as well as in the 70s, it was clearly defined women, were founded on public numerous strategic documents that the improvement of the po- competitions for self-employment which strive to make the posi- sition of Roma women was of of the Roma Inclusion Office and tions of men and women equal in great significance. In the last 15 Provincial Secretariat for Eco- all spheres of public, social and years most work has been done in nomy, Employment and Gender political life, in practice it is all Vojvodina, especially in the are- Equality. still declarative. However, the as of education, employment and - in the area of integration of fact that nowadays discrimination integration of Roma women into Roma women into institutions, against women is openly and pu- institutions. the Office conducts an action of blicly discussed in our society, as hiring coordinators for Roma well as violence against them, is The results are measurable issues in municipalities, health a good start. and unique, not just in Europe, institutions, as well as in the pro- but in the entire world, which is vincial and republican Govern- The position of Roma women confirmed by the following facts: ment, where women have priority in such a society is much more - until 1992, there were only over men. difficult, because they are doubly four students of Roma nationali- discriminated against – firstly, be- ty at the University of Novi Sad, All this is just a drop in the cause they are women and secon- of whom only one was female ocean. The fact is that the society dly, because they are Roma. It is Roma, and nowadays there are must work more energetically on a fact that the position of women more than 300 students (more the improvement of the position in the Roma community is prede- than half of them being female of Roma women. However, only termined by culture, tradition and Roma) studying at this University small and safe steps lead to big customs of that nation, and that is and colleges in Vojvodina. success. has not changed significantly. By - as for the area of employ- J. D. starting the initiative for emanci- ment, in the last five years appro-

Danijela Korac-Mandic, Novi Sad Humanitarian Center SUPPORT FOR THE EDUCATION OF ROMA GIRLS Project of the support for the education of Roma girls has successfully entered the fifth year of its realization. It represents one of rare initiatives which deal with such a specific topic – the education of Roma girls. The coordinator of this program, Danijela Korac-Mandic, discussed for our magazine the beginnings, activities, results and plans for this project.

*How did you come up with tarian Center was the promotion phasized in the Roma communi- the idea of the project of sup- of the education of Roma, as a ty, girls are supposed to marry port for the education of Roma major way of reducing poverty young, fulfill their duties in re- girls? of this sensitive population. De- lation to giving birth and raising -The idea was created more aling with this topic, we noticed, children, taking care of the ho- than four years ago on the ini- among many other problems, usehold and others. Significant tiative of CARE organization in that Roma girls do not have equ- number of girls who enroll on Serbia. One of the priorities of al chances for education. Due elementary school must leave the work of Novi Sad Humani- to gender division which is em- school in fifth or sixth grade,

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 3 This month’s topic: Achieving Equality through Education

-Our associates in the Roma communities of Novi Sad and Becej have meetings with parents with children of pre-school and school age, in order to give them support for the education of their children, and especially girls. Through various workshops and meetings we try to help them to become support and help for their children and not an obstac- le in their education. We organize and encourage cooperation Photo: M. Karadžić between school staff and Roma Promotion of the enrollment on high schools in Veliki Rit parents, so that they could get to know each other and become in order to “keep” themselves work within a project “Initiati- partners in the process of educa- for the wedding, which usually ve for the Education of Roma tion. At the same time, we try to immediately follows school-le- Girls”, which is supported by make parents who educate their aving. In addition, in most cases Telethon Fund from Norway and children become good examples Roma girls do not have rights Austrian Development Agency. and role models for other parents to decide upon their education, The project is realized in Novi and the whole community and but must respect the final deci- Sad and Becej by CARE Ser- to mutually support each other. sion of their parents or usually bia and Novi Sad Humanitarian We are aware that education is a fathers. Estimates show that no Center. Project’s activities will long and expensive process, but less than 80% of Roma women last until April, 2013 and we only new, educated generations in Serbia are illiterate, having fi- are going to try to find support of Roma have the opportunity nished four grades of elementary to continue the main activities to live better than their parents. school at most and without any after that. It is an investment that always qualifications. This state signifi- pays off and we are trying to cantly contributes to the general *Who are NSHC partners in help Roma parents understand poverty of the Roma population, this project? that and not deny that chance to which is then transferred further -The project is realized in their children. on to new generations. Due to cooperation with School Admi- On the other hand, we for- the above mentioned reasons, nistration Novi Sad, Provincial med a Group for Lobbying and we thought that it was important Secretariat for Education, Admi- Advocacy, which consists of to focus on encouraging girls to nistration and National Commu- members of the project team, continue their education and in- nities, Provincial Secretariat for Roma, representatives of pro- fluencing their environment to Labor, Employment and Gen- vincial authority and individuals enable them to do so. der Equality, Provincial Institu- who deal with education. This te of Gender Equality and City group urges local and provincial *When did you start con- Administration for Social and authorities to promote conditions ducting the project and how long Child Protection in Novi Sad. for the education of Roma girls, does it last? We cooperate with local sel- which implies adoption and con- -The project was started in f-governments in Novi Sad and duction of special measures, but 2008 under the name “Oppor- Becej, as well as with elementa- also making sure that laws are tunities and Choices for Roma ry and secondary schools in AP adequately conducted and that Girls”, with the support of Pat- Vojvodina. every form of discrimination in sy Collins Foundation from the education is prevented. We also USA. It lasted for two years. *Which activities have been intend to make an action plan After that, we continued our conducted so far? proposal for the education of

4 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina This month’s topic: Achieving Equality through Education Photo: M. Karadžić Group of young people from Becej and Novi Sad Roma girls in AP Vojvodina and to problems of juvenile and ar- young from two Roma settle- we hope to get the support of the ranged marriages. The plays of ments in Novi Sad and Becej got provincial authority. Forum theater were performed the opportunity to present thro- Besides the above mentio- in several towns in Serbia and ugh Forum theater the “nego- ned activities, the project pro- in theater festivals, such as “Bi- tiations” in their communities, moted the education of Roma tef Polifonija” in Belgrade and problems and obstacles they girls in innovative ways, such “International Festival of Forum face during their education and as through Forum theater. It Theater” in Pula in Croatia. to draw public attention to their is a special form of interacti- problems and possible solutions. ve theater play through which *What results have you The young also organized four audience is first introduced to achieved so far? local actions, which dealt with a certain social issue and then -The previous project’s ac- raising awareness of the pro- asked to participate by giving tivities included more than a blem of discrimination, promo- answers to questions related to hundred of Roma parents, mo- tion of school enrollment and the problem’s solution. In co- stly mothers, but we also try to professional orientation. They operation with groups of young include as many fathers as po- became role models for their pe- people, Roma and non-Roma in ssible. The project gave them an ers in their communities by par- Becej and Novi Sad and under opportunity to present their pro- ticipating in this project. guidance of educated trainers of blems and needs related to their We also held a conferen- Forum theater, three such plays children’s education. The school ce “Education of Roma Girls: have been created: “School for staff we worked with showed in- Possibilities and Challenges”, Everyone”, “Do You Want to? creased interest and motivation which assembled staff from 24 I Want…” and “Life That Suits for the cooperation with Roma elementary schools attended by Me”. All three plays deal with parents. Roma children in 15 municipa- obstacles in the education of Ten plays of Forum theater lities in Vojvodina. That was an Roma girls, starting from pover- have been held and attended opportunity to show examples ty and lack of family’s support by more than 500 people. The of good practice to schools and

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 5 This month’s topic: Achieving Equality through Education

to raise awareness of the specific Vojvodina, which is supposed and multiple influences on the problems of Roma girls in edu- to address the specific needs of better future of the Roma popu- cation. girls and women from this population. Thus, we wish and intend Evaluation of the previous lation in all stages of education. to continue it in the future. work has shown that our project Our Forum theater plays will be contributed to the availability performed on Bitef Polifonija *What are your future and quality of Roma girls’ edu- this year too, as well as in front plans for the education of Roma cation and that it had an impact of the audience in other towns girls? on the raising of awareness and of our country and region and -We will continue to advo- expanding of knowledge about we believe that they will attract cate the education of Roma girls the significance of the education public attention and interest in in both individual and general of girls in the Roma community. this topic. We plan to include a way. Every child who enrolls on The evaluation stated that edu- larger number of fathers in the elementary school should rece- cational institutions have shown promotion of girls’ education in ive appropriate support and help greater interest in this topic, as Roma communities and to pro- for attending school regularly, well as motivation for the reali- mote positive examples. being well-accepted, finishing zation of policies and plans for it successfully and subsequen- the promotion of women’s edu- *Is there a possibility of tly continuing their education in cation. extending the project? secondary schools and faculties. -We hope to receive the sup- That is particularly important in *What are your future plans port for the extension of activi- the Roma population, especially for this project? ties, because this is one of rare for girls. We believe in these go- -In autumn the project will initiatives which deal with the als and we will not give up on start an initiative for the cre- question of Roma girls’ educa- them. ation of an Action Plan for the tion. We believe in the goals of Dragana Dimitrov education of Roma girls in AP this initiative and their long-term Reward for Effort Project “Inclusion of Roma Children into High Schools in AP Vojvodina” has been bringing significant results related to the promotion of education of Roma for the last five years. Female high school students who received scholarship achieved better results than their male peers this school year. The project team rewarded them with a seven-day camp in Novi Sad. The efforts they made could not have gone unnoticed.

Recreation and Education Experience for the future The goal of this camp is to show Roma girls how to use Camp lasted from the 20th Sport association “Sport their rights in the future and how to 27th July and it incorpo- Master” from Novi Sad, whose to help others from their envi- rated sixteen Roma female high members are Daniela Ignjatic, ronment. This trip was a great school students. It consisted of Vojislav Jovanovic and Dusan experience for them. During two parts: sport-recreational and Jovanovic, took care of the orga- those seven days, they worked educational. nization of this camp. As far as recreation is concerned, it included swim- For her parents’ smile ming lessons, individual and group trainings in the gym Daliborka Jovanovic from Stara Pazova is certain that she will and self-defense lessons. The continue her education, even though she is only at the beginning of second part consisted of first-aid high school. At the moment, faculty is the goal she is striving for. training, workshops concerned She knows that the road is long, but the project’s support will ease with healthy living, proper diet, the obstacles she will face. “I watch my parents. Every day their work makes new wrinkles on their faces. Only my success will help discrimination and prevention of replace those wrinkles with small lines of smiles. That is going to violence. be my victory. Our victory. “

6 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina This month’s topic: Achieving Equality through Education

Friendship in the first place This year Jasmina Drmaku from Novi Sad enrolled on the Novi Sad branch of the Faculty of Eco- nomy from Subotica, majoring in finances and banking. She finished the last school year with excellent grades. This course was a great experience for her. She puts friendship in the first place. She hopes that relationships she made in this camp will endure and last. With a smile and twinkle, she told us that she learned how to swim, but also to defend herself when necessary. “I wouldn’t have made it without this project. It is not just about the financial help. That is an important part, of course, but without mentorship support, which is also a part of this project, it seems to me that it would have been much harder to succeed, maybe even impossible.” Photo: M. Karadžić

Visiting “Karlovacka Gimnazija” with persons who were specially themselves from violence, both Encouragement for trained for working with the verbal and physical. All girls new successes young. A special emphasis is put successfully finished the course. on training the girls how to defend Dragana Dimitrov, director of the project, said that this camp was significant primarily because for most of these girls, it meant the first chance to change their environment. “The camp made them independent and cheerful; it made them laugh. New friendships were made. They got to know the city where, hopefully, most of them will start their university studies.

It is clear that they deserved it all. This is not just the reward for their success, but also encour- Photo: M. Karadžić agement for new successes.” On self-defense classes

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 7 This month’s topic: Achieving Equality through Education

No giving up Gajineta Zejnula from Zrenjanin also made friends in this camp. She said that she particularly enjoyed trips that were organized. This scholarship created conditions necessary for her schooling. Her mentor helped, guided, encouraged and informed her. “Scholarship enabled me to stop thinking about problems. Now I am only focused on studying. It is my basic concern now. Photo: M. Karadžić The attention I received On swimming classes with this scholarship is of Visiting the Government of AP eration in the Assembly of AP particular importance. It’s Vojvodina Vojvodina presented the building great when you see that you of the Assembly, its work and are not alone, that someone On the last day of the camp function in the Great Hall of the monitors your success and the Roma Inclusion Office of Assembly. The girls also had the rewards it. In a situation like AP Vojvodina organized for the opportunity to ask questions. that, it obliges you to make girls a visit to the Assembly of What interested them most were new successes. You don’t AP Vojvodina, the Government programs of student exchange think about giving up for a of AP Vojvodina and the Roma organized by the Assembly of AP single moment. That option Inclusion Office of AP Vojvodina. Vojvodina. does not exist for me. Viktorija Covic, independent Dragana Dimitrov advisor for international coop- Photo: M. Karadžić

At the reception in the Roma Inclusion Office

8 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Interview Provincial secretary of urban planning, construction and environmental protection, Dr. Slobodan Puzovic FOR ACKNOWEDGED, VALUED AND VISIBLE CHANGES Provincial secretary of urban planning, construction and environmental protection, Dr. Slobodan Puzo- vic, discusses in this interview the formation, jurisdiction, activities, projects and plans of his Secretariat with a special focus on activities intended for Roma population and further plans in that field. and other spatial plans made by the Province. It also issues documents necessary for the construction of objects significant for the Republic (location, construction and user permits). As far as the area of environment is concerned, the Secretariat con- trols the use and protection of natural resources on the territory of AP Vojvodina, it provides continued control and monitoring of the environment, it provides estimates of influences of certain projects on the environ-

Photo: M. Karadžić ment, it issues permits for wa- *How and when was the *What are the duties and ste management and integrated Provincial Secretariat of Urban activities of your Secretariat? permits and it runs the entru- Planning, Construction and - Provincial Secretariat of sted affairs of fishery resource Environmental Protection foun- Urban Planning, Construction management in fishing waters. ded? and Environmental Protection Sector for inspection conducts -We were founded after the covers all areas related to spa- inspecting monitoring and ma- adoption of the Law on deter- tial planning and environment. kes decisions on appeals against mination of certain jurisdiction There are 64 employees in our decisions reached by municipal of the Autonomous Province, Secretariat. We are structurally or city management in relation which came into effect in Febru- divided into sectors. There are to the construction of objects ary 2002 and transferred the ju- six sectors working within the and residential area of spatial risdiction from republican to the Secretariat: sector for monito- planning of the environmental provincial level. In March 2002, ring and informational system protection on the territory of the Assembly of AP Vojvodina of the environment, sector for Vojvodina. reached the decision on provin- protection and improvement of Within the system of work, cial administration, according to natural resources and biologi- we coordinate work of the Pro- which the Provincial Secretariat cal diversity, sector for cleaner vincial Institute for Environ- of Architecture, Urban Planning production, renewable sources mental Protection and Institute and Construction and Provincial of energy and sustainable deve- for Urban Planning of Vojvodi- Secretariat of Environmental lopment, sector for inspection, na, which deals with documents Protection and Sustainable De- sector for legal and economic related to spatial planning. We velopment were founded. After affairs and sector for planning also coordinate activities of the changing of the decision on and construction. Fruska Gora National Park and April 5th, 2011, we continued Within certain sectors, the one company, DOO Park Palic, our work as a single secreta- Secretariat prepares the produc- which practically manages natu- riat – Provincial Secretariat of tion and follows the conduction ral and cultural values, functio- Urban Planning, Construction of regional spatial plans, spa- ning as sustainable development and Environmental Protection. tial plans of specific purposes on the territory of north Backa.

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 9 Interview

*Which projects conducted *What did the Secretariat bility, functionality and use of by the Secretariat would you do for Roma population within the existing facilities. The mu- emphasize? its activities? nicipality of Opovo received -We are trying to be coope- -When we co-finance pro- funds totaling 1 400 000 dinars rative, especially to be of service ject activities of local self- for financing of purchase of a to local self-governments. That governments on the territory of prefabricated house (classroom) is very important to us. Every Vojvodina, a large number of for training of residents in the year we have open competitions, those projects are realized in Roma settlement in this muni- in which local self-governments zones used by the Roma popu- cipality. take the largest amount of lation. We choose projects in Since 2010, Provincial Se- funds, usually through their uti- such a way that effect of the in- cretariat of Urban Planning, lity companies which deal with vested funds is always maximal. Construction and Environmen- actual waste management and I always wanted those funds to tal Protection with Fund for reduction of pollution. be operatively spent, justified Environmental Protection of Our Secretariat is really suc- in the right way and whenever the Republic of Serbia has been cessful on the cross-border level. something is realized it sho- conducting a project aimed at We strengthen the network of as- uld represent a combination of protecting and improving the sociates, partners and informa- education, promotion, printing environment on the territory of tion exchange on that level too. of promotional materials and AP Vojvodina. The activities We are the first Secretariat in the province which wrote a project which passed IPA open competition and we received funds as the leading one. The project in question deals with the suppression of common ragweed, which is an allergy-causing plant. We are currently realizing that project in cooperation with region Baja in Hungary. Our partners are European Affairs Fund, City of Sombor and four local self-governments. Apart from

the suppression of common ra- Photo: M. Karadžić gweed, within this project we Dr. Slobodan Puzovic with our journalist are working on the reduction of pollen in the air. We also deve- fieldwork, all of which would include the promotion of waste loped a network for the monito- be acknowledged, valued and management, i.e. procurement ring of pollen counts, in order visible. That brings results and of equipment for organized to warn the citizens who suffer citizens accept that in the easiest transport of waste. All local sel- from allergies on time to stay way. f-governments on the territory away when the concentration of Provincial Secretariat of of AP Vojvodina are included in pollen increases. Cross-border Urban Planning, Construction the project activities. By reali- cooperation is very important, and Environmental Protection zing these objectives, we achie- because it enables influx of ap- hired Occupational Health and ved a promotion of the system propriate funds which cannot be Safety Institute from Novi Sad of municipal waste transport provided otherwise, considering with the goal to give estima- by procuring a sufficient num- the economic crisis in the Pro- tes for 27 residential objects ber of waste bins for individual vince and Republic. in Roma settlement in Opovo, households, in cooperation with from the aspect of object’s sta- municipal public utility compa-

10 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Interview area every year. We understand because everything starts from that cooperation with civic asso- them. If there is an activist in a ciations is good, because in that local community or a civic as- way we can together reach local sociation who knows what ne- communities and individuals. It eds to be done and comes from is an upgrade of a cooperation the Roma population, then it is with local self-governments. easy to cooperate and realize What is very important is that projects. That is why we should we make efforts to satisfy regio- have operative teams and mana- nal aspect, which means that the gers on the local level, people help for the civic associations who have a vision, who know should go equally to all parts of what should be done and who Vojvodina. Those are not high- will easily organize and interest budget projects, but if realized people from their community. I in the right way, their effect can think that is the base.

Photo: M. Karadžić be seen. As far as Roma citizen associations are concerned, in *What plans does your Se- nies and an increased number of the previous years we always cretariat have? residents included in the organi- financed their projects. So, in -Our plan is to continue sup- zational waste collection. Also, 2006 we supported the associa- porting local self-governments, system of a separate collection tion Society of Roma Mali Rit citizen associations and to con- of recyclable waste has been from Pancevo, in 2008 the asso- duct our procedures for issuing improved. We built recycling ciation Pharlipe from Novi Sad, of documents. Also, our goal is yards where separated waste, in 2010 the association Rota to improve the environment by marked as a special line of wa- from Curug, in 2011 the asso- setting an ecological network on ste, would be transported and ciation Neighbor from Petrova- the territory of Vojvodina in or- treated. We continually worked radin and Pharlipe from Novi der to connect big rivers, forests to increase level of information Sad and in 2012 again Pharlipe and mountains with main roads and promotion of public aware- from Novi Sad. Those were mo- which will, on one hand, mitiga- ness in the area of environment, stly projects concerned with the te the harmful impact of climate which is one of priorities in the promotion of environment on changes – Aeolian erosion, too work of the Secretariat. We con- the local level, reconstruction of strong insolation, lack of water, ducted a media campaign whose illegal dumping grounds, pro- droughts – and on the other hand, goal was to introduce public to jects of collection of secondary enable people to lead more nor- general principles of waste ma- and recyclable materials. mal and healthier lives in their nagement, significance of incre- environment. In order to accom- asing protective vegetation on *What are the plans of your plish those plans, it is necessary surfaces. All these activities of Secretariat in relation with the to nourish partner relations with the project included members of Roma population? local self-governments. Apart the Roma population. -We plan to improve coope- from the plans mentioned, we ration, gain better understan- will work on the strengthening *Every year you open a ding of interests of the Roma of cross-border cooperation. competition for non-governmen- community on the local level tal organizations. How many and target solution of illegal Roma non-governmental orga- dumping grounds and polluted Dragana Dimitrov nizations have so far passed on water. That requires knowing your competitions? the situation on the field and -As a Secretariat, we are relevant subject with which we well-known for taking care of can achieve the desired goal. relations with citizen associa- People are here very important, tions. We are really active in that

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 11 Interview President of the municipality of Odzaci, Izabela Seric QUIET, ORGANIZED TOWN TUCKED IN THE HEART OF BACKA Odzaci is one of the rare municipalities in Serbia run by a woman, which is the first time in the history of that municipality. Izabela Seric has been performing the duty of the president of Odzaci Municipality since July 11th of this year. Interviewing her, we learned what Odzaci was renowned for before and what she would like it to be renowned for in the future. Moreover, we discussed with her the position of Roma in this municipality, the significance of two coordinators for Roma issues, activities, plans and partners in the area of improvement of lives of Roma. and a research conducted for a social chart of Roma population in 2008, it was established that 415 families and 1256 Roma (3.53% of the total population) live on the territory of this municipality. Most of them are residents of two local communities, Deronje and Bogojevo. As in most municipalities, Roma have the lowest educational status, majority with unfini- shed elementary education and a small number with finished elementary education. Thus, they are unable to find a full-time job and usually get seasonal jobs. Factors which influence the economic position of Roma include irregular income related to all types of jobs done by the majority of Roma, a rise in unemployment and a small

Photo: M. Karadžić need for a low-qualified work- force on the job market, which *Can you choose three town a certain charm, in a full still makes life difficult for al- things Odzaci was renowned cinema hall and popular Pro- ready vulnerable families. That for? menade bustling with young is why our municipality, toge- - Older and even younger people. That quiet and peace- ther with coordinators, makes generations will agree with me ful, organized and harmonious all necessary efforts to improve that there are more than three atmosphere was an atmosphere the socio-economic position of things Odzaci is remembered of a typical Backa town. Roma in Odzaci. for; however, what gave our We are among the first town its spirit was a developed *What position do Roma municipalities which adopted industry. We had an impres- have in your municipality? action plans from four areas. sion that anyone who was able - According to the census The crucial precondition for the to work did work somewhere. from 2011, the municipality of improvement of the position of That comforting state of em- Odzaci has 30 196 residents Roma, and thus a successful in- ployed people and their fami- who live in nine local commu- tegration, consists of the areas lies’ secured existence gave our nities. According to estimates of education, employment and

12 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Interview health of members of the Roma are facing. Coordinators are a members of the Roma popula- national community. These do- link between the municipality tion, the improvement of the li- cuments define directions of this and Roma population. They ac- ving environment in the Roma municipality’s actions in areas tively participate in research in community, more precisely: of improvement of the econo- order to gather data about pro- reconstruction of Roma settle- mic position of Roma, followed blems and needs of Roma; they ments in Bogojevo and Deron- by improvement of their edu- were initiators of a procedure je, complete reconstruction of cational status, qualifications, of preparation and adoption of the cattle graveyard in Deronje position in the job market, but local action plans which clearly (destruction of weed and aller- also health condition, i.e. life describe goals, measures and ta- gy-causing plants), production conditions. These documents sks of the municipality in over- and installation of equipment define mechanisms with which coming problems in the areas for children’s park, transport we may monitor the realization of housing, education, employ- of garbage and reforestation of of measures which should con- ment and health of Roma. After one piece of land. tribute to the fulfillment of this the adoption of plans, they are In the area of housing, we goal. actively included in the process plan to write the necessary pro- of their realization. ject-technical documents in the *How important to the mu- According to the Decision process of legalization of Cerga nicipality is the coordinator for on the budget for 2012, funds in Deronje and reconstruction Roma issues? How does it func- totaling 3 533 000 dinars are of the existing bad residential tion in your municipality? intended for the realization of units to the level of basic resi- - The fact that there are two measures according to the abo- dential standards – construction coordinators for Roma issues ve mentioned documents. of utility network and house in the municipality of Odzaci As for the area of the im- connections for ten families in clearly indicates that a great at- provement of health of Roma, Bogojevo. tention is paid to Roma and the we intend to co-finance medi- In the area of education, solution of the problems they cations for the most vulnerable with an active participation of Photo: M. Karadžić

Municipal Administration building in Odzaci

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 13 Interview coordinators, this year a work- dents who commute for the *Who will be your partners shop was organized for parents school year 2012/2013. We plan on that road? concerning the significance of to provide support for talented -Roma Inclusion Office, children’s education, especially Roma children by encouraging Ecumenical Humanitarian Or- girls, with the goal to create less and rewarding them, providing ganization and all others who resistance and a bigger inclu- them with textbooks and neces- are ready to give us support to sion in the educational system. sary equipment. create better conditions for a In the area of employment, we Since Roma who live in better, nicer and high-quality plan to hire members of Roma other parts of the municipality life of our Roma citizens. nationality for public works. are also in great need of bath- As for the improvement of rooms, we plan to expand the *When your mandate fini- housing conditions of Roma in project to other places in 2013. shes, what answer would you this municipality, coordinators We are also negotiating like to give on the first question for Roma issues have also play- with the Ministry of Mining and – three things Odzaci is renow- ed a significant role in applying Spatial Planning the making of ned for? for Ecumenical Humanitarian the necessary project-technical - I would like to be able to Organization. This year in co- documents for the construc- say for my city the things I said operation with Ecumenical Hu- tion of low-voltage electric and in the beginning: to have our manitarian Organization from water network, construction of youth back in Odzaci, to see Novi Sad, a project “Social 240 meters of low-voltage elec- the employed making traffic Inclusion and Improvement of tric network and connection of jams in the city center after the- Housing Conditions of Roma” 15 residential buildings to it. ir work, just like before, when is being realized. The muni- about two thousand people wo- cipality allocated 1 800 000 There is a need for nume- uld return from work in “Itesa”, dinars for that project, while rous investments, such as a new “Dairy”, “Stil” – to see the new EHO allocated 4 917 250 di- substation in Deronje, construc- industrial zone live with this nars, aiming to construct 32 tion of street water network 240 city and its citizens. bathrooms for Roma families meters in length and connection Everything else, for some in Cerga and Branko Radicevic of 32 objects to it, creation of future generations, will come Street in Deronje. The local sel- project-technical documents by itself and I hope that we will f-government allocated additio- for the construction of 525 m2 have a better, easier and more nal funds for the construction of settlement road in Vojvo- beautiful life. If I can contribu- of 16 new septic tanks, based djanska Street and for entrance te to that in this short period of on the Decision on the budget to Cerga in Deronje with storm time, then I will do everything for 2012. sewage, construction of 525 m2 to make it so or at least leave All this leads to the conclu- long road, as well as adaptation a good foundation for those sion that through work of two of the existing poor residential achievements. I would like for coordinators for Roma issues units and construction of new this city to become, once aga- a great support has been provi- houses. in, a nice, peaceful, organized ded, not just for the Roma who Local action plans for ha- town tucked here, in the heart have their representatives in the bitation of Roma include relo- of Backa, because of everyone local self-government, but also cation of Roma settlement in who sincerely loves it. for the municipality who can Bogojevo, so if the above men- now reach Roma. tioned Ministry is willing to provide funds, in 2013/2014 we Dragana Dimitrov *What are your plans when will start with all necessary ac- it comes to the Roma popula- tivities in order to provide more tion? adequate housing conditions - We provided 100% free for our citizens. monthly bus tickets for all stu-

14 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Coordinator for Roma issues Danijela Ignac, Municipality of Apatin With Small Steps to Big Progress

It is January 2012. The time of holiday, decision making and evaluation of results. Every year at midni- ght, when the New Year strikes, most of us close our eyes and make a wish. We do not know if the New Year’s wish of Danijela Ignac, coordinator for Roma issues in the municipality of Apatin, was a work contract on an indefinite period of time; however, that was the decision reached by the Municipal Administration, after having examined her results. In 2008, the municipality rents Education for You, for Me, of Apatin systematized the wor- for Us. king position of a coordinator for Roma issues, on the initiative of For Life to Sound Better the Roma Inclusion Office of the In the area of housing, the co- Government of AP Vojvodina. ordinator emphasized electrifica- The Roma Inclusion Office took tion in the Roma residential area on the obligation of financing this Photo: from arhive D. Ignac in Apatin and Sonta, as well as working position in the first three the completely solved water sup- months. The coordinator for Roma ply as one of the primary areas of issues had worked for four years the Decade of Roma. These days, on a contract on a definite period new, wider water pipes are being before receiving the contract on an installed through the residential indefinite period of time. area (so far the pressure was low Local Action Plan Adopted due to the small perimeter of the pipes). Additionally, the project of In 2009, the coordinator for fecal sewer, primary network and Roma issues was engaged in the gas installment was carried out. creation of the local action plan The objects constructed inc- in the following areas: education, lude the Culture Center with a he- employment, housing, healthca- Apatin and Sonta, non-govern- althcare station and a department re, social protection and culture. mental organizations and of cour- with a pre-school institution in the The local action plan was adopted se, local self-government. Roma residential area, as well as for the period between 2010 and The project was realized du- a sport stadium with a follow-up 2015. ring 2012. The Roma children in program and a new chapel on a elementary schools were provided cemetery for the burial of citizens Investing in Education with snacks and kindergarten chil- from the Roma residential area. In 2011, the coordinator ap- dren were given new toys. Three Sidewalks along the houses are plied for the project DILS in co- workshops were organized for the partially completed. Roma children, elementary school operation with pre-school institu- Promotion of Tradition and tions and elementary schools in students and high school students, as well as the workshop for pa- Culture in the Roma Night The promotion of culture and “Winter was rich with snow” tradition is also one of the forms of Roma integration. The Roma Night is held every year. A group “Petrovic Jovan came to me to ask for help during the winter in of girls and boys in the Roma co- 2009. Namely, part of the building he and his five-member family stumes represents Roma dance. A lived in collapsed. Considering that it was winter time, I really pa- beauty competition called Queen nicked and immediately left to see what condition the building was of the Roma Night is held. The in. After the visit, I submitted a request to the municipality’s pre- Roma Night will be held this year sident and went to see him personally the next day. The president too, on August 15th, starting at 8 accepted my request. The municipality financed the material for the o’clock pm. house’s repair totaling 120 000 dinars.” Dragana Dimitrov

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 15 Education CALLING THAT FULFILLS AND BRINGS HAPPINESS

Sanja Stojkov is a pedagogical assistant in Elementary School “Djura Jaksic” in Srpska Crnja. She has been doing that job for two years. Her job is not easy at all, but it fulfills her, because she knows that she helps Roma children in their educational beginnings. In an interview for our magazine, she discusses her beginnings, problems and results she has achieved so far. Photo: M. Karadžić

*How did you choose this helping Roma children. I would helped me in all types of aids for calling? like them to be the ones who Roma children. I received the I only graduated from high will use their education to set financial support from the local school. It is true that I enrolled an example to their population. government for the provision of on Higher School of Professio- I did not fulfill my educational books and school equipment for nal Business Studies in Novi mission to the end, but now I am children. Sad, but I did not finish it, - be helping them so that they would *Which activities do you cause of my family’s financial not make the same mistake as I perform as a pedagogical assi- situation and my parents’ lack of did. stant? understanding. After that, I en- I do not work with Roma rolled on a one-year accounting *What did your beginnings children only. It is true that for and bookkeeping course and I look like? me that is the biggest and most worked as a bookkeeper in an I have to admit that at the responsible role, because I agency. However, when I moved beginning of my work in school sympathize with them. Besides to Srpska Crnja, I started wor- I encountered different obstacles, Roma children, I work with chil- king as a pedagogical assistant primarily on the national basis. dren with special needs, but also and I have been doing it for the That is normal in a way, because everywhere where a problem oc- last two years. I have never even people are always afraid of eve- curs, involving either children or imagined that I would be doing rything that is different. Luckily, parents, I am included. I work in both a pre-school institution and this. But I think that I found my things have changed in the course of time. I was first accepted an elementary school in Srpska calling. I love working with chil- by my colleagues, and then by Crnja. dren. I am especially happy for the school management, which In the course of this year I

16 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Education

day, and that made everything much easier.

*What results have you achieved so far? I am proudest of the fact that the majority of Roma children are now attending school regularly. I gained their and their parents’ trust. Everything else is slowly falling into place. I am happy primarily because now I have three Roma girls

Photo: M. Karadžić in the eighth grade. Elementary School “Djura Jaksic” Srpska Crnja What is left for me as my biggest task is to increase the will be working with first-gra- *What is your cooperation number of Roma children in ders only. There are several re- with parents and children like? high schools. asons for that decision. In my As for my cooperation with A lot of work should be done opinion, that is good, because parents and children of Roma in the area of cooperation with starting first grade is for most population, I really cannot com- parents, from which everything children often a very stressful plain. It is really great. So far, the starts. I do not blame them a lot. situation. school has had many problems They live in conditions which are in communication with Roma often unimaginable and unbe- *What problems do you en- population. Since I started wor- arable for most average people. counter? king as a pedagogical assistant, Working with them is necessary, I had most problems with the situation has significantly in order for them to understand Roma parents who did not let improved. Those are not only that nothing can improve witho- their children to school. Their ju- stifications were various, primarily financial problems, because the majority of them cannot provide their kids with basic things, such as food, clothes, shoes. That is still a major problem. As far as Roma girls are concerned, the situation is particularly problematic. Parents, especially fathers, let them go to school only until the fifth grade. It is some sort of a rule for them. I am constantly trying to find an

answer to the question why it is Photo: M. Karadžić so and to change parents’ aware- Statue of Djura Jaksic in the school hall ness in that way. my words, but also words of the ut education. And that is the mis- Language barrier is also the employees and the school ma- sion that I will devote myself to problem. The children need so- nagement. It is probable that my next year. meone who can talk to them in nationality plays fundamental Roma. So, my role of a Roma is role in our relation, so they feel J. D. very significant in that aspect. certain closeness and trust in me. They accepted me from the first

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 17 Education “I WANT IT, I CAN DO IT, I KNOW IT TOO“

“The biggest success of this project for us is the fact that twelve Roma children, four of them girls, enrolled on high school” – Bozidar Stojkov, a member of a Roma non-governmental organization “Roma for the Decade of Roma” said proudly.

Interest in new ways of cooperation According to Dusko Terzin, director of Elementary School “Dr. Djordje Jovanovic” from Novo Milosevo, the project provided the conditions for the attendance of Roma population at classes. “We made efforts to integrate Roma students into curricular and extra-curricular activities, as well as to train our employees for project tasks. Children’s progress in their at- titude towards school is visible – they attend school more often, participate in classes and they are interested in new ways of Photo: from archive J. Jovanović cooperation”. Project “I Want it, I Can Novi Becej and Roma non-go- Sensitized teachers and pa- Do It, I Know It Too” lasted for vernmental organization “Roma rents more than a year. It was realized for the Decade of Roma” from within a project cycle “Educatio- Novo Milosevo. “The biggest success of nal Inclusion of Roma” and fi- this project is reflected in the nanced with the funds borrowed Attracting Roma population fact that teachers are additionally sensitized to the problem of from the World Bank, Ministry Director of a pre-school in- Roma children’s education. We of Education, DILS project and stitution “Pava Sudarski” Dra- also sensitized parents and im- REF foundation. gan Miloradovic said that he proved financial conditions of The main goal of this pro- was satisfied with his realization Roma children”, Vladimir Da- ject was to improve capacities of the project, because his main vidovic, director of Elementary of local self-governments, pre- goal, the increase of the number School “Josif Marinkovic” from school institutions and Roma of Roma children in pre-school Novi Becej said and added that, non-governmental organizations institutions, was achieved. apart from workshops, parent for a successful inclusion and “The children had a free council and parent-teacher me- high-quality education of chil- stay in this institution and we etings, this project incorporated dren of Roma nationality on the provided them with clothes and the procurement of textbooks level of local communities. Mu- shoes, as well as school equip- and organization of an excur- nicipality of Novi Becej realized ment through this project. Ho- sion for all children who declare this project in partnership with wever, our biggest success is themselves Roma. a pre-school institution “Pava managing to attract the Roma Sudarski” from Novi Becej, ele- population and leave a positive Dragana Dimitrov mentary schools “Djordje Jo- impression on parents concer- vanovic” from Novo Milosevo ning the pre-school education of and “Josif Marinkovic” from the children“.

18 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Selfemployment BEGINNER’S LUCK

“Gradjevina Ilic MS” company is one of ten firms opened in the second round of the project “Improving Employability of the Roma in AP Vojvodina”, which is financed by the European Union and conducted by the Roma Inclusion Office of AP Vojvodina in partnership with the Provincial Secretariat for Economy, Employ- ment and Gender Equality Photo: M. Karadžić

Miroslav Ilic visiting Roma residential area in Deronje We found entrepreneur Sla- and negotiations with clients. upgrade of their marriage. djana Ilic with her husband in Besides, she helps Miroslav in “We have the same goal. We the Roma residential area in the fieldwork. They say that they equally want to fulfill it and we Deronje on their first business are great support to each other. are trying. The times we live in engagement. Even though they They agree that this firm is an are not easy at all. Every day we face tight deadlines, they say that they are happy. “The most important thing is to work. This is only the beginning. And the good thing is that it is a good beginning. We are still getting into gear, but so far everything has been going as it should be”, Sladjana said while humbly knocking against the evil eye on a wooden gate in whose shade she spends her bre- aks. Sladjana mostly deals with administrative work, contracts Photo: M. Karadžić Sladjana and Miroslav Ilic, spouses and business partners

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 19 Selfemployment

Photo: M. Karadžić Construction of a bathroom in the Roma residential area in Deronje meet people who got fired, but motivation are smiling kids from nversation solves everything.” still have families to feed. We this residential area. Barefoot Although they are momenta- are lucky to have such an oppor- and joyful, they give their con- rily focused on the work on this tunity. Who knows what would tribution, not hesitating to help. project, Sladjana also works on have become of us if it wasn’t When I see how easily they deal the promotion of their services. for this opportunity.” with all the troubles in their li- They think that a website, which At the moment we are wor- ves, nothing is so hard for me.” they will get within this project, king on a project of the Ecume- The only problem they are will greatly help make their of- nical Humanitarian Organization facing is the residents’ impa- fers and services available to from Novi Sad called Social In- tience. Sladjana has the leading everyone and thus increase the clusion and Improvement of the role in relieving tensions which number of their clients. Housing Conditions of the Roma occasionally occur. She says that “My wish is to expand the in AP Vojvodina. It consists in everything can be easily solved firm. For now it is our little fa- the construction of 32 bathro- with a cup of coffee and a glass mily business. I would like to oms in the Roma residential area of conversation. be able to hire our fellow co- in Deronje. We are satisfied with “I understand them. They untrymen soon. In that way, we our cooperation with EHO. They have lived for a long time in con- would repay their trust”, Miro- emphasize the good organization ditions which are unimaginable slav said before saying goodbye of the project. The Roma from for most people. Now they have and rushing to the meeting with this area also participate in the been offered a chance to leave construction material suppliers. work. that state and their impatience is Sladjana also hurried to work, “I am happy, because I am natural. I constantly repeat that if because her peace mission can- working with my fellow Roma their impatience is our only pro- not wait. on the improvement of the con- blem in this project, then we do ditions of their lives. My biggest not have to worry. A friendly co- Dragana Rajić

20 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina BECOMING A FARMER VIA TRANSITION ECONOMY

“For thirty three years I worked in a firm “Tam Servis” in Novi Sad. I became a farmer as a consequence of the transition economy. That was not my wish, but it was the only way for my family to survive. I invested in this job all my family’s savings and the money I received from the sale of shares. We started without any experience, but we had a strong will. Work and order compensated for our lack of experience. And although our country, and the whole world, is in difficult economic position, we are still not changing our direction, listening to the market’s pulse and needs. There is no surrender.”

the most important thing, because his grandson curiously follows him in his work, even though he is only two years old. “When I see his eyes, wide open, following every move I make, I know that my efforts will not be in vain. I hope that he will, unlike us, become an educated agriculturalist with his own farm and much bigger production. And I hope that when we are old we will look at him with wide open

Photo: M. Karadžić eyes, just as he does now.” The farm deals with the most The working day on the farm the host, gets help from his wife profitable branches of agriculture: of Radivoj Dimitrov from Kovilj Ksenija, their son Igor and his crop husbandry, vegetable produc- starts at dawn. The Dimitrovs say wife Jasmina. tion and animal husbandry. With that, on average, it lasts between For grandfather Radivoj the the help of an international organi- twelve and fifteen hours. Radivoj, help of his grandson Radoslav is zation ADF and together with nine Photo: M. Karadžić

Grandson Radoslav – Grandpa Radivoj’s dearest helper

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 21 Photo: M. Karadžić

Farmer Radivoj in his greenhouse Roma, he founded the first Roma because it was precisely the know- Considering that the Dimi- agricultural cooperative “Amari ledge which helped me build this trovs run production on their farm, Grino Barr” in 2006, headquarte- farm. And for that, I am eternally all capacities are full. Their plans red in Curug. grateful to him.” mostly refer to the inclusion of hi- “Visions of our cooperative ghly-educated unemployed young were really grand at the beginning, The production on this farm people in their cooperative. but we had to adjust, considering is planned. Everything is produced the difficult economic situation in in accordance with customers’ ne- “Trust me, I have never even our country and in the world. We eds. Shops and restaurants are usu- dreamed of doing this job. I had cannot work at a tempo we plan- al buyers. About 30% of products a regular job and good income. ned at the beginning, but despite are sold on Novi Sad markets. When I became unemployed, I all these difficult years we - wit did not have time to think. I had to nessed, we still work and try, and As far as republican and pro- react immediately, because, other- manage to survive with the help of vincial subsidies are concerned, wise, my family’s life would be our experts.” the capacities of Dimitrov’s farm threatened. And I could not allow were not suitable according to the that. It was not easy for me in the The owner Radivoj particu- bidding’s conditions, but they re- beginning and today it is not great larly emphasizes the help of an ceived support of the Provincial either, but we survive somehow. expert Aleksandar Davidov from Secretariat of Agriculture, Water Everything is better than sitting General Inspectorate of the Mini- Management and Forestry and the and moaning. As our people would stry of Agriculture, Forestry and republican Ministry of Agricultu- say “You can’t live on whining”. Water Management, who under- re, Forestry and Water Manage- That is why my message to eve- stood his questions. ment. Radivoj says that, beside ryone who is unemployed is that their help, the strategy for critical they should turn to agriculture. It “He helped me to find -an situations helped them a lot. is not easy, but with hard work and swers to all questions that bothe- order, success is bound to come.” red me. He shared a great deal of “When we needed funds and his knowledge with me. In that money, we would increase and rise J. D. way, an old Serbian saying “To production and thus create neces- know is to have” was confirmed, sary funds.”

22 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Photo: M. Karadžić

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 23 Social care PROTECTION OF USERS ON THE LOCAL LEVEL

Problems which are a part of the Center for Social Work Services which are inno- of the transitional economy our has been emphasized since the vative in our system and which country is dealing with are re- Center must participate in af- have been developed in the last flected in different spheres of fairs of planning and develop- three years are mostly services society. Consequences of those ment of social functions of a of day care, in-home help, per- problems are clearly expressed local community. Centers for sonal assistance, clubs, shel- in lives of a large number of pe- Social Work have accurate data ters… A gradually increasing ople and they can be easily no- primarily on users of social we- number of local non-govern- ticed through the use of servi- lfare, care and help, as well as mental organizations have star- ces of the educational system, users of one-time aid which are ted providing services that were health system and social pro- administered via centers. scarce in the social sphere, such tection system, direct contact as SOS phones, shelters for with working sphere or use of In addition to institutions, victims of human trafficking, services or agencies which me- both civil and business sector legal support for refugees… At diate in employment. were recognized by the new the same time, citizen associa- Law as social service providers. tions, especially associations of Different systems partially Decentralization necessarily disabled persons, have become deal with people’s problems. demands the existence of ap- more active in the sphere of However, it is often necessary propriate capacities on the local provision of services… More- to use an integral, multidisci- level. The more complete the over, citizen associations who- plinary manner of work. The simplest way to achieve this is through coordinated work in a local community, because that is the level where it is far simpler to recognize the needs of citizens and address them adequately. The role of a local self-government is extremely significant in such an approach: its role is to start and gather all relevant people in order for the citizens to get the best service and necessary protection.

Some social problems process of decentralization, the se founders were Roma reco- have been solved according to bigger the demands on the local gnized the significance of such the fixed model in institutions community. Even when decen- services in this area, where we of social protection system in tralization is ideally designed, have examples of good practi- the last years. Center for So- it will not bring the desired rece, especially when it comes cial Work is recognized as the sults, if there are no capacities to in-house help. In the next only institution responsible for for its implementation on the issues we will discuss concrete an active work in this area, not local level. This does not only examples of good practice. just by potential users, citizens, refer to capacities in the area of but also by colleagues who provision of services, but also Ivana Koprivica work in different sectors. In the in the area of fund raising, plan- last couple of years, the role ning, decision making…

24 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Roma from Europe Legal status of Romanies in the former Czechoslovakia

In 1934 the Act on the termi- Jewish question is resolved, it is newly county Sudeten was esta- nation of the Empire, which allo- necessary to solve the Gypsy qu- blished. Thus, the inhabitants of wed to terminate the undesirable estion” At the end of 1938 it was those territories were on the Impe- aliens was proclaimed. Under the issued the first law that affected rial territory, including Romanies, leadership of Dr. Robert Ritter was explicitly Romanies. It was the where a range of measures that established in November 1936 re- so-called fight against „Gypsy” di- should protect the German nation search institute for the research on saster. After joining the so-called and Reich applied. By the imple- racial hygiene. In 1937 the yield Sudetenland areas to the German mentation of the Vienna arbitra- on the preventive police fight aga- Reich it began in that territory to tion at the territory of Slovakia inst crime was issued, according be valid the Nazi laws. If Roma- the border areas of southern and to which Romanies were placed nies could not show their home eastern Slovakia were separated among the antisocial elements and jurisdiction, they were pushed out out and attached to Hungary and under the threat of delivery to the from these territories. One of the people living at this territory had concentration camp were not al- first action in this area was the re- to be complied with the Hungarian lowed to leave their place of resi- gulation of President of Imperial regulations. The remaining Czech- dence. At that time there already on the protection of people and the Slovakia territory were crumbling existed in the territory of so-called country before so-called rogue po- gradually. With asserting the au- Reich the labor and concentration pulation. tonomy of Slovakia and Ruthenia camps, which were not based only By the implementation of the the unitary state disappeared and for Romanies, though Romanies Munich Agreement and the Vien- there was the origin of the whole were also been deported to them. na arbitration, the border areas approaching to the federation with In 1938 the Romany issue has al- were divorced from Czechoslova- the asymmetrical arrangement. ready been clearly presented as a kia and were joined to Germany, On this basis, the official name of racial issue as evidenced by a sta- Hungary and Poland. Torn area Czechoslovakia was as follows: tement of Dr. Adolf Würth on Ro- near the border with Germany the Republic Czech-Slovak. Du- manies, that „the Gypsy question were connected to Hornodunajská ring this period at the territory of is now a racial and as soon as the and Dolnodunajská county and the the Czech-Slovak Republic has

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 25 Roma from Europe

been growing the aversion to Gyp- sies, who came from the occupied territories as well as to those, who lived here. There was spread a view among people, which was reinforced by the contemporary press, that it would be appropriate for Romanies to introduce measures similar to those German, including the labor camps. This resulted in edition of Decree № 223/1938 Coll. from 11th October 1938 on the working bodies. Ac- cording to § 2, paragraph 1 of the cited work, units were organized according to the principles of ar- med forces and people, who were included there were submitted to military authorities. The Czecho- slovak citizens, who were over 18 years old have been assigning to work and it was done according to records kept by the district of- fices on the basis of application of the unemployed. According to the German model on 1st March 1939 there was issued the government decree № 72/ 1939 Coll. on labor camps was issued during the Conclusion disciplinary work camps. In § 4 of Czech-Slovakia, but its full use this regulation were exhaustingly was during the period of so-cal- The Constitutional Law № enumerated persons covered by led Protectorate, when there were 330/ 1938 Coll. was the important the Regulation and who might be set up the work camps in Lety legislation during that period. The included in the labor camps. This near Písek and in Hodonín. The- Enabling Law, by which has gi- regulation followed the govern- se camps were opened in August ven the power to the government ment decree 223/1938 Coll. on the 1940 and persons were assigned to to make regulations on the power work units, which in § 8 refered them according to the lists have al- law for two years. The president to certain provisions that could be ready prepared before. The Czech was empowered to issue decrees applied from the government re- Republic has registered 2,235 men with the force of constitutional gulation on working units. Altho- and 1,614 in Moravia. law, which could change the con- ugh, the government regulation on stitution. The path to the gradual liquidation of the state was opened. The original Czechoslovakia ceased by the declaration on the independence of the Slovak State on 14th March 1939 and one day after there was established a protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia by the yield of leader and Reich Chancellor Adolf Hitler.

prof. dr Vladimír Gecelovský Source: authors archive

26 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina NGO Roma Student Association of the University of Novi Sad NO ALTERNATIVE TO EDUCATION

Roma Student Association of the University of Novi Sad was founded in 2005 as a non-governmental organization, whose mission was to include the Roma in the public life and local community, integrate them into modern social circles and create a critical number of educated Roma.

The organization’s goals are educational, financial and spiri- tual strengthening of the Roma, nourishment of the Roma culture, tradition, customs, as well as the affirmation of the publishing activity. According to the Law on the Protection of Rights and Fre- edoms of National Minorities, since 2002 the Roma students have been allowed to use Me- asures of affirmative action in order to enroll on high schools, colleges and faculties. By using this possibility, the Roma gained the opportunity to increase the number of members of the Roma Photo: from archive of NGO national minority in the educa- Workshop for Roma students tional system. studied at the University of Novi indicator of what position the Promotion of Affirmative Sad. However, nowadays the- Roma have and how much the Measures re are over two hundred Roma Law on the Protection of Rights students at this University and and Freedoms of National Mino- In the nineties, only three faculties of vocational studies in rities influenced the position of students of Roma nationality AP Vojvodina, which is a clear the Roma national community. Considering the importance of education, as well as the support for students, every year this organization promotes the Measures of affirmative action related to the enrollment on high schools, colleges and faculties, accommodation in high school and university dormitories and scholarships of the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Serbia and other sponsors. Additionally, older students give support to younger students who need to get into a routine and master all rules of studying

Photo: from archive of NGO and ways of fulfilling obliga- Meeting with Roma students tions.

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 27 NGO

which was financed by the Uni- versity of Novi Sad. The project participants were young Roma from the southeast Europe. At the moment the Asso- ciation is working on a project “My Space”, which is supposed to last for seven months. The project activities include workshops, forums, interviews and youth club. Secured Place in the Student Dormitory According to the members, Photo: from archive of NGO their biggest success was the Students are preparing the exhibition mandate for the membership in Education through a year and it consisted of work- the Student Parliament the Roma socialization shops, mentorship work, forums, Student Association of the Uni- coordinator meetings and inte- versity, and hence the students of The association has so far rviews with the Roma students Roma nationality, received from realized numerous projects. The at the University of Novi Sad. the University of Novi Sad, after first project was called “Educa- Project “Young Roma on the the change of the Statute of the tional Gatherings” and it was Internet” lasted for nine months. University of Novi Sad in 2008. financed by the Provincial- Se It was realized through work- Thus, the issue of the Roma is cretariat for Sport and Youth and shops and internet café and it being solved within institutions, realized through monthly work- was financed by the Ministry of and not superficially outside the shops for the young. Sport and Youth of the Republic institutions. Project “Creation of the of Serbia. Roma Intellectual Elite at the A conference and an inter- Dragana Dimitrov University of Novi Sad” was fi- national student exchange were nanced by the Roma Education parts of a one-month project Fund from Budapest. It lasted for “Let’s Get to Know Each Other”, Photo: from archive of NGO

Student exhibition and concert

28 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Health METAL BREAD

One rainy morning, after a difficult round of the industrial area searching for copper, an old Roma is entering a settlement. Nowadays, there is less and less metal waste due to the industrial decay, but he still manages to survive thanks to his persistence and the fact that he is used to difficult working conditions. He works in rain, snow, wind and hot weather, but the drops of sweat do not stop him, because his only goal is to bring bread to his family’s table. And now, some fragile children have come to the settlement to preach about the danger of working with the metal. He is well aware of that, but he also needs to work. One girl took him by the hand and showed him pictures of possible injuries. None of the newcomers in white coats has ever taken his hands. These ones seem to be serious. The old man asked the girl where she was from. - Rromnji andar vo Sapco, kako – the girl said, i.e. I am a Roma from Sabac, old man. The old man was surprised. – So our people are also in white coats? – he thought and listened to the girl. In the following half an hour he learnt many things important for his future work.

not any recyclable material collectors. This is why the project’s goal was to give basic information about health protection in waste collecting and to distribu- te parcels containing necessary safety tools, such as disposable masks and gloves. We have also considered overalls and working shoes, but it exceeded our budget limit.

*Which activities were conducted? Photo: M. Karadžić V.M.: The project team, Roma Student Association *What was the main objec- which consists of thirteen stu- from Novi Sad conducted a pro- tive of this project? dents awarded RHSP scholar- ject called Promotion of Health V. M.: As everybody knows, ships from the Faculty of Me- of Recyclable Material Collec- the collectors of recyclable ma- dicine of the University of Novi tors in the Roma Settlement of terials are one of the most mar- Sad, held informational me- Veliki Rit in Novi Sad in April, ginalized groups, even though etings in the settlement before 2012. The project included the this profession has a great eco- educational meetings, in order evaluation of the health of re- logical significance. According to promote them and to increase cyclable material collectors and to the World Health Organiza- people’s interest in health pro- their families, education about tion’s estimates, 60% of the total tection. On those meetings we health risks in the collection of waste in our country is recycled talked with the residents about recyclable materials and the di- by collectors of recyclable ma- the activities conducted by the stribution of hygienic parcels terials. Considering the fact that Roma Student Association, as and parcels containing safety our country still does not have well the project’s goals. Initial- tools for work. We discussed modern systems of municipal ly, only women showed inte- the project’s goals and activities and industrial waste disposal rest. Men did not trust us, but with Violeta Micic, project’s co- and that waste can be frequently it all changed on the educatio- ordinator and a third-year stu- found in streets and fields which nal meetings. After explaining dent of pharmacy at the Faculty are not registered for waste di- our activities, we organized an of Medicine of the University in sposal, imagine what the amo- educational meeting conducted Novi Sad. unt of pollution of our meadows by Budimka Novakov, profes- and cities would be if there were sor at the Faculty of Medicine

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 29 Health

results will be finished in Sep- tember, and then we will start analyzing them.

*What about the health condition of wives of recyclable material collectors? V.M.: It is typical of them not to visit their gynecologist, except when they experience Photo: M. Karadžić unbearable difficulties or when Violeta Micic with our journalist they are pregnant. They do not of the University of Novi Sad. and what risks are involved in have check-ups, such as sme- She discussed the importance of their everyday work? ars, Pap test or ultrasound test. the drinking water in the settle- V.M.: The preliminary re- They do not use contraceptive ment, as well as the necessity of sults of the questionnaire we products; they usually have ear- an appropriate health protection conducted show that collectors ly pregnancies and generally a at work. Additionally, collectors have bad habits, such as the use number of pregnancies during must have working overalls and of tobacco products, neglect of life. shoes, protective masks and glo- the prevention of cardiovascular They too mostly suffer from ves; they need to be careful at and endocrine diseases, avoiding cardiovascular diseases. Women work and able to assess risks and doctor’s appointments, as well as have more trust in the medical gains. We have also conducted a the non-existent safety at work. staff, because of giving birth questionnaire, whose goal was Some people started smoking at and health protection of their to assess the health condition of the age of eight and smoke up to children. the population of Veliki Rit. The two packets of cigarettes a day! questionnaire’s results are being Due to the neglect of prevention, *What are your expecta- processed and they will be pu- collectors primarily suffer from tions from the questionnaire you blished in September. cardiovascular diseases. conducted? V.M.: We expect it to show *You also distributed par- Absence of safety at work us the most frequent diseases col- cels for the safety at work. What has negative consequences on lectors and their families suffer do they include? their health, primarily in the form from, if those diseases are con- V.M.: After talking with the of injuries and infections coming sequences of their work, which collectors, we concluded that from those injuries. Asthma is harmful habits additionally af- almost no one has protective rare, because collectors in Veli- fect the outbreak of a disease, gloves for collecting, or masks ki Rit mostly collect plastic and what is their health condition and overalls. We made an effort metal and not recyclable mate- and healthy habits of their wi- to get at least basic safety tools rial with residual small particles. ves and children. Based on these from the funds we have. Every Another problem is their distrust data, experts will be able to cre- parcel included a set of dispo- of the medical staff. Some resi- ate a better system of health pro- sable masks and leather gloves dents did not even have health tection for the residents of the that would protect them for one cards, so they rarely visited their Roma settlement and collectors year of everyday work. Every doctors. It is still necessary for will be able to apply the results family which earned living out a certain period of time to pass of this research in their everyday of recyclable material collecting in order for them to accept do- work, with the improvement of received one set of masks and ctor’s appointment as something the quality of their work. gloves. normal. Also, certain residents had conflicts with the medical Zita Farkaš *In your opinion, what is staff, so they do not wish to vi- the collectors’ health condition sit doctors. The questionnaire’s

30 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Meet, Accept and Love

Warm July evening. The concert of a band Van Gog is being held at the Novi Sad Freedom Square. And while the music connects people at the Square, several feet from the stage, the door of McDonalds is closed for three dark-skinned children. Their fellow citizen Maja Rogic wished to have a dinner together with them in this restaurant. Maja was able to enter, while the children were not allowed. However, Maja’s wish to bring the food the children ordered was not hindered by the security. She came into the restaurant’s garden with everything the children ordered and together with them continued the dinner in the same mood as before this inconvenience. However, this event could not have gone unnoticed. All media in Serbia reported about it, with the goal of preventing it in the future.

ments on these and similar news remains. Even though the rules of these websites state that such comments would be severely censored, the penalty seems to be omitted in most cases. The question is posed: what can be a suitable punishment for virtual commentators? The punishment for insults and verbal abuse on the Internet is legally badly regulated or it is not regulated at all. And we all know that per-

Photo: M. Karadžić sons who write negative and ugly comments never use their “It is clear that this guy out with their looks, clothes or full names, but cowardly hide was carrying out somebody’s skin color. On the other hand, behind various nicknames. order. It was not his free will, this is an indicator of an ethnical I am completely sure about distance and intolerance which that. However, what made me is, unfortunately, still strongest speechless is the fact that the- towards members of the Roma se things still happen. It was a population. scenario from the Second World War. It is not a picture of a mo- Disappointing Comments dern, contemporary world”, Jovanovic’s opinion is also

Maja Rogic said. supported by comments which Photo: M. Karadžić Ethnical Distance from Roma can be found bellow texts repor- ting about this event on various The only solution is to over- Director of the Roma Inc- informational websites. A lot of come the fear of difference. Fear lusion Office, Dusko Jovano- judgments and insults, which of the unknown is the most fre- vic, said that he was sorry that are inhumane, immoral, almost quent cause of hatred. Overco- that happened in Novi Sad, in a frightening. ming the fear is only possible by city where the model for the so- Nevertheless, this case will getting to know and exploring lving of problems of the Roma not just remain journalistic sen- the unknown. The greatness of was born and recognized worl- sational news. This is not news, one person is measured by his dwide. “These cases must stay it is a warning. The alarm that or her ability to meet, accept behind us. Today it happened to was turned on that July evening and love the unknown. Roma, tomorrow it will happen needs to be turned off. Howe- J. D. to someone else, who will stand ver, the ugly picture of com-

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 31 Successfull Roma The Story of a Stray Tear and a Winning Smile

Some would say: a promotion just like any other. A group of experts, acquaintances and friends got together to share the joy of creation. Author’s smile illuminates the room and everybody present. Only a careful observer can see a stray tear in the corner of her eye, which does not upset her smile; on the contrary, it gives it a special strength. That tear is a story of past times and days which linger in the last drawer of memories. Because of it, this promotion cannot possibly be like any other. What follows is the story of a stray tear and a winning smile.

humiliation she felt disappeared. It degree and submitted a PhD thesis lost to a diploma of Serbian langu- Symbols of Roma Oral Poetry – age teacher. Acquaintanceship and Representation and Meaning. She cooperation with a well-known is the president of a non-govern- Roma language expert Trifun Di- mental organization Roma Explo- mic and Professor Svenka Savic, rers from Zabalj. who became her mentor, contributed to that victory. In addition, The book I threw an apple she received a scholarship of the into a stove is one of the greatest Open Society Fund in her first achievements of Marija Aleksan- year of studying, and later worked drovic, former laborer and cle- as an elementary school teacher aner, present Professor, Magister in Roma settlement Banglades in and PhD student of the Serbian Novi Sad and as a PR in Care In- Language and Literature. ternational and Ecumenical Huma- Photo: M. Karadžić nitarian Organization. Those were There were no traces of the The stray tear hides the story her fist victories. After that, there past times in the author’s smile of a Roma girl who felt the bur- were many other reasons to smile; with which she escorted all guests. den of her skin color in her ear- primarily there was the position of The smiles of all those who were liest childhood. And it was not a lecturer of the Roma language leaving told her that she really had just that. Her parents divorced and literature at the Pre-school an exceptional reason to be proud when she was six years old and Teacher Training College Mihailo and satisfied. The past lost. Now it she has lived with her mother sin- Palov in Vrsac, then the director’s is only there to remind her of the ce, who worked as a laborer on position on a project Inclusion of greatness of her success. hardest physical jobs. She finished Children of Roma Nationality in elementary and secondary school High Schools in AP Vojvodina in Dragana Dimitrov with excellent grades. She got the Government of AP Vojvodina. married immediately after high There she completed her Magister school, but soon divorced after giving birth to her first child. She joined her mother as a laborer in a brickyard, followed by insults and swear words of the so-called machos. That only made her run away as soon as possible. In Novi Sad she started cleaning buildings in the residential area and repla- ced one humiliation with another, physically easier but psychologi- cally equally painful.

The tear rolled easily and qu-

ickly down the author’s smiling Photo: M. Karadžić face and disappeared, just like the Marija Aleksandrovic with future students

32 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina