CIGANSKE VATRE " – for the 19Th TIME in SRBOBRAN

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

No. 53, September 2015 Photo of the month: Presenting the performance of the Russian choir “Glinka” in St. Petersburg Founder and Publisher of the Periodical: The Roma Inclusion Office of the Govern- ment of AP Vojvodina

Editor in Chief: Duško Jovanović

Managing Editor: Aleksandra Mićić

The team: Dragana Rajić Aleksandra Mićić DEAR Tijana Čubrilo Ljiljana Maričić READER, Correspondents: Ferenc Koso Coordinators for Roma issues of the AP Vojvodina Ivana Koprivica

Translation into Romani: Nota Bene, Centar za prevođenje i učenje n the August issue you can find two interviews stranih jezika Novi Sad that analyze the results of the Decade of Roma with Vitomir Mihajlović, president of the Nation- Translation into English: I Nota Bene Centar za prevođenje i učenje al Council of Roma and Nenad Ivanišević, presi- stranih jezika, Novi Sad dent of the Council for Roma Integration. We found out about the biggest problems of Technical Preparation and Printing: Lola preduzetništvo, Beograd, Roma in the municipality of Ruma from talking to www.lolapreduzetnistvo.co.rs the Roma Coordinator. Agreements on financing elementary school Circulation: 1000 copies students were signed at the Provincial Secretariat for Economy, Employment and Gender Equality Address: with municipalities, and we also present to you Bulevar Mihajla Pupina 25, 21000 Novi Sad Tel: 021/488-17-23 public works of the Secretariat’s Call, implement- [email protected] ed by an association of Roma in Mokrin, where www.inkluzijaroma.vojvodina.gov.rs nine Roma citizens were hired for the works.

CIP - Cataloging in Publication In this issue we bring you the story of the The Matica Srpska Library, Novi Sad Petrović family from Beška, a single father of 323.1 (=214.58)(=497.113) three sons who does everything in his power to The Decade of Roma in AP Vojvodina: provide a better life for his children. Monthly Publication of the Roma Inclusion We remind you that, thanks to the Research Office / Editor in Chief Duško Jovanović and Education Center and to the Preschool Teach- -2011, No. 1 - Novi Sad: The Roma Inclusion Office of the Government of AP Vojvodina, er Training College “Mihailo Palov” in Vršac, you 2011-.30 cm can read our publication in its electronic form at Monthly. In Serbian, English and Romani www.rec.org.rs/bilten/. language - In Romani printed in reverse COBISS.SR - ID 261834759

Your editorial board Provincial government

PRESIDENT PAJTIĆ OPENED ROMA ECONOMIC CENTER OF VOJVODINA

resident of the Provincial Gov- other waste, because the processed ernment Bojan Pajtić opened the raw materials will then become energy PRoma Economic Center of Vojvo- or raw material for new production. “In dina in Žabalj, which will deal with the the world, collecting and processing collection of secondary raw materials secondary raw materials is one of the and recycling plastics. The Center will most profitable businesses, which is un- employ five workers, and the plan is fortunately not the case in our country. that by the end of the year about 30 This project is building on the devel- people in total get hired. opment of this sector”, said President Roma Economic Center of Vojvo- Pajtić and added that this project will dina is the result of the project Local also enable to increase the capacity of Decision Making Initiative in Serbia, fi- the landfill, and ensure they last longer. nanced by the Open Society Foundation It is, as President Pajtić said, of great from Switzerland. The project was im- social economic, environmental and plemented by the municipality Žabalj, health significance for all citizens of the in cooperation with the Provincial Roma province of Vojvodina. Inclusion Office. Provincial Secretary for Urban Plan- President Pajtić pointed out that ning, Construction and Environmen- the opening of the Roma Economic Center of Vojvodina is an example of social entrepreneurship, because this project will contribute to the economic empowerment of Roma through formal- izing the legal status of collectors of secondary raw material and through active labor market measures. “About a third of Roma in Vojvodina deal with collecting and processing recyclable materials. The center will allow the industry to be systematized and that Roma who are doing this be given the opportunity to earn and support their family”, said Bojan Pajtić, PhD. President of the Provincial Govern- ment added that the country will benefit of this project, because it will enable to develop cooperation between local governments as well as from various businesses through processing of secondary raw materials, plastics and

2 Provincial government

tal Protection, Dr. Slobodan Puzović Provincial Secretary Slobodan stressed that resolving waste manage- Puzović stressed that resolving waste ment issues is a burning issue not only management issues burning issue not in Serbia, but also in many European only in Serbia, but also in many Europe- countries. “It is time to finally translate an countries. “It is time to finally waste the waste from the sphere of problems from the sphere of problems translate into the sphere with potential for de- into the sphere of the potential for development, through provision of new velopment, through the provision of new raw materials for production and pro- raw materials for production through vision of a potential energy source for the provision of a potential energy the production of electricity or heat”, source for the production of electricity said Dr. Slobodan Puzović and stated or heat,” said Dr. Slobodan Puzović and that the relevant provincial secretariat stated that the relevant provincial sec- issued a permit for collection and trans- retariat issued a permit for collection portation of hazardous waste from the and transportation of hazardous waste territory of AP Vojvodina for the reali- from the territory of AP Vojvodina for zation of this project. the realization of this project.  www.vojvodina.gov.rs

Opening of the Roma Economic Center

3 Employment

Roma association "Romano Anglunipe" received funding for the execution of public works in the municipality of Pećinci. We spoke with Ivan Jovanović, president of the association. LIVE OFF YOUR OWN WORK – THE BIGGEST SATISFACTION

Ivan Jovanović, Citizen’s association “Romano anglunipe”

4 Employment

 For what time period and of Pećinci have no understanding how many people were hired of what we do. However, as far as through this competition? the Province is concerned, we have In the municipality of Pećinci very good cooperation with the public works are performed in three Provincial Secretariat for Economy, Roma settlements: Obrež, Kupinovo Employment and Gender Equality and Popinci. Although there are ten and the Roma Inclusion Office, who Roma settlements of a total of 15 enabled all of this. local communities here today, we  What benefits do Roma have were not able to do all of that. The in the Municipality of Pećinci? time frame is four months - from Perica Jovanović, Children in elementary and high June to September. So far, we have schools had free textbooks, snacks, done more than half and I hope that a worker in and transportation for high school we will finish everything success- public works has students, free bread, timber, but fully by the end, as we planned. I expressed great this is no longer the case. I went to must express my gratitude to the the municipality to suggest to them Provincial Secretariat for Economy, satisfaction at to reinstate benefits to Roma, or at Employment and Gender Equality, being engaged least some of them. However, I en- as well as the Roma Inclusion Of- and making a countered misunderstanding. I have fice, because they approved hiring been the president of the Roma as- living off his of seven people whom we hired for sociation for ten years now, and six public works. work. "It is months ago I received a decision  What type of tasks do they very important from the National Council, to be the have? coordinator for Roma issues in the for me and my They perform the tasks of mow- municipality. ing grass within Roma communities, family to have  Last activity designed to- picking up trash, taking garbage to the resources off ward the Roma. landfill and cleaning. which we can eat Via the Roma Inclusion Office  How significant is the- op and representative of the board, portunity for Roma to be able food, and at the Ninoslav Jovanović, who was in con- to work? same time, I am tact with the NGO “Praxis” from It is very important; we took glad to help my Belgrade, we have helped make seven people from the NES. It is more than 60 identity cards. I will good for the country, and for peo- compatriots so not stop at that for sure, there will ple who are engaged in public that we clean up be more. On this occasion, I want work. They have their salary in the our village." to tell the Roma who live in the amount of 22,500.00 dinars as well municipality of Pećinci and have no as paid travel expenses. This is a identity cards to contact me to my very good way for people to live off phone number. their work, not off welfare and it  How difficult was it to find would be good to have more of such people who would work on calls. public works?  How important is coopera- In the foreground we had a plan tion between the institutions to contract 12 people and I applied and you as representatives of for a larger sum of money, but was the NGO sector? unable to hire more than seven peo- It is important, but unfortu- ple. There was no difficulty, in con- nately, people in the municipality trary, there were much more inter-

5 Employment ested people. The Roma want to work with great There are plenty of companies in Pećinci that pleasure. Unfortunately, the downside of public could employ a certain number of Roma people works is that the works last only for the summer, permanently. We do not have any Roma who was and when winter comes Roma do not have the re- employed by the institutions in our community, sources to feed their families. which is sad.  What is a more permanent solution?  Ljiljana Maričić

Cleaning the Roma settlement

6 Education CERTIFICATES AWARDED TO PARTICIPANTS OF WORK INTERNSHIP

niversity of Novi Sad of work internship all attended who should be given a chance. “ hosted a ceremony of the ceremony. University Rector Prof. Dr. Uawarding certificates to So far, 474 students and Pejanović stressed that this is a participants of the University graduates of the University of program of social value and for program of work internship that Novi Sad successfully completed the benefit of students, who get took place within the Assembly a work internship, which marked a chance to familiarize them- and Government of AP Vojvo- its 12th year of. selves with the administration dina, the provincial adminis- President of the Assembly and operations performed in tration and funds, directorates of Vojvodina, Ištvan Pastor, said public institutions. “Education and institutions founded by the that he has been monitoring and and research are the main ob- Autonomous Province of Vojvo- supporting this idea since the jectives of the University, with dina, with the expert assistance beginning of the program and now added cooperation with the of the OSCE Mission in Serbia. congratulated everyone on the surrounding environment - state President of the Assembly of successfully finished internship. and local governments, but also Vojvodina, Ištvan Pastor, Rector “Much has been said about the with companies.” of the University of Novi Sad, necessity of structural changes Assistant to the Provincial Radovan Pejanović PhD, Assis- in Serbian society and it is a Secretary for Science and Tech- tant Secretary for Education and necessity. New times are full of nological Development, Profes- Technological Development, Dr. new challenges and it is impossi- sor Goran Stojanović said that Goran Stojanović, representa- ble to make a structural change everyone benefit from this pro- tive of the OSCE, Maja Mićić and and modernization of adminis- gram, because future will bear coordinators and practitioners tration without young people capacity of young and educated

"I am very pleased with the experience that I gained during the internship at the Roma Inclusion Office. I worked on translation of texts from Serbian into English, although I was not alone in this process. Office employees were always there to help me clarify anything that was unclear or fix my mistakes. In this way, I learned a lot during the seven months of practice. My favorite thing is that I met a lot of good and hardworking people at this internship and experienced work in a friendly and organized atmosphere. I did not have a single negative experience and would recommended the other English Language students to come here and intern, to try out translation and thus help the Roma national minority in our country. " Aleksandra Vranić

7 Education

people who have undergone the ship project became self-sus- internship and thereby gained taining after two-year period, I am grateful that I the necessary experience. but that the OSCE remains here had the opportunity OSCE representative, Maja to provide expert support and to gain practical Mićić, said that the work intern- assistance in training, as well as knowledge that I could not gain otherwise in university. Given the fact that I hold BA in literature, my task was to write newspaper articles. No day was ever the same because we were constantly going to field in search of new stories in order to reduce discrimination against Roma and promote examples of good practice. For everything that was unclear to me, the employees would help me, and I want to take this opportunity to thank for their trust and patience. As I got to meet many Roma through the internship, all my prejudices about them went missing. I am sorry that the internship ended and I would definitely re- enlist. Ljiljana Maričić

Office’s interns

8 Education to participate in selecting the and engaged four interns: Ljilja- Peter Atlagić from the Faculty of best candidate. na Maričić and Aleksandra Vranić Economics. We will deliver their Roma Inclusion Office has from the Faculty of Philosophy, impressions on the work in the taken part in the program of Tatjana Bošković from the Fac- Roma Inclusion Office. work internship again this year, ulty of Technical Sciences and  Tijana Čubrilo

9 International cooperation SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH ROMA INTEGRATION - BOTH IN SERBIA AND IN SWEDEN Representatives of the Swedish municipality of Linköping came to a study visit to the Municipality of Vračar, and were interested to hear examples of good practices of Roma inclusion into society in Serbia during the Decade, since this Swedish municipality has a large number of Roma from the Western Balkans. The conference was organized by the Municipality of Vračar and Roma Integration Association and Population Policy (RUZIP).

Participants of the round table

10 International cooperation

Welcome the guests from Sweden could encouraged by the fact that Zoran Alimpić, Deputy gain a fuller picture of Roma the state stood behind this Mayor and Ljubinka Krkuš, Inclusion. project and by so demon- President of RUZIP addressed strated willingness and desire the audience. Alimpić The Decade and to include Roma into the soci- stressed that the municipal- examples of good ety, and the issue of Roma is ity has made progress in the practice put to focus of the domestic rights of national minorities Duško Jovanović, director public. Decade, in his opin- thanks to the cooperation of the Roma Inclusion Office ion, was well designed but with RUZIP, and was espe- of Vojvodina, spoke of the the implementation was poor. cially pleased with the fact Decade of the Roma Inclusion Guests from Sweden were that the meeting was at- in Serbia. He stressed that he able to hear that most has tended by representatives of is not fully satisfied with the been done in the field of edu- other municipalities, so that results of the Decade, but is cation, and that not much has been done in the remaining three segments of the Dec- ade, (health, housing, human rights). “The Roma community in Serbia is very large, but also poor, socially disadvantaged and excluded, and communities toward which there is great ethnical distance and prejudice.” Jovanović said that they needed greater participation of state and non- governmental organizations, as well as active participation of Roma in solving their own problems, and that the basis of everything is education of Roma children. In the second part of address, Director of the Office presented the work of the in- stitution he led and showed how scholarships and providing information to students, employing and self-emploing of their parents, improving housing conditions, can lead to significant progress and improve the status of Roma. “We as a community are ready to be equal members of society.”

11 International cooperation

Director of the Health Centre in Loznica, Zoran Nikolić, praised the fact that their Health Center employs a large number of Roma, as well as in the Roma settlement near Loznica in a a health clin- ic where doctors provide free medical service every day. Dr Šćepan Miljanic, Dean of the Faculty of Physical Chemistry, said that there are free spots every year at the faculty for enrolling Roma students through affirmative measures, but so far at the undergraduate level, there were no Roma students. How- ever, at the specialist profes- sional studies of Forensics, there was one student who completed his studies successfully and is now working in Austria, which is a confir- mation of good work and the faculty and students. Zlatica Fuštić Msci presented the work of the Center Participants of the round table for Social Work. The biggest problems of are Roma unem- The center helps them not writing requests. According ployment, poverty, personal only through social assistance to her, in working with the documentation, access to but also through provision of Roma population, the most health and education system. documentation, filling and important thing is to gain

Sweden is a country that we perceive as an example of a developed country from which we can learn and where are no problems which we face in Serbia. However, this was an opportunity to realize that, despite the fact that they do not have problems with funding programs for the Roma, have the same problems to motivate the Roma to get educated and fully integrate into society. The biggest results of this conference are exchanges of ideas and concrete steps, as well as learning from each other.

12 International cooperation

Participants of the round table trust and motivate parents to Nadica Dimitrijević was and citizens to work together send their children to school, talking about the work of RU- and work to improve the posi- and all this is achieved with ZIP, which consists of four ar- tion of national minorities in long conversations and time eas: education, training, cul- Serbia, in this case the Roma. spent in the field. ture and tradition and human New Decade is a chance for Ivana Mitrović Đorđević, rights. the errors from previous MSci in Special Education, documents to correct and to works in a primary school for Conclusion achieve much better results. children with mental disabili- All present emphasized Guests from Sweden had a lot ties “Dušan Dugalić” and ex- the importance of self-asser- of questions and were careful- plained the system and function and motivation of indi- ly listening to everything said, tioning of this school. Trained viduals in institutions, as well and thanked the hosts and the professionals work with chil- as inter-sectorial cooperation end and said they heard many dren, individually or collec- as the key moment that con- positive and useful things that tively, and the evaluation of tributes to more efficient and they will be able to apply in their own achievements is an faster work. It is necessary for their municipality. integral part of schoolwork. all organs of the state, NGOs  Tijana Čubrilo

13 Social protection

Interview with Vesna Civrić, President of the citizen’s association "Duga" and the Head of the Office (the Board) for poverty reduction in Ada WELL ON THE WAY TOWARD RESTORING HUMAN DIGNITY

 How did the citizen’s association participants. What was our indicator is that “Duga” come about? the municipality of Ada has about 17 000 in- This association was founded back in 2001. habitants, and 1192 are functionally illiter- I returned from Israel to my own land thinking ate and 53% are young people to be trained. that the situation here became much better We are proud of the fact that we do not only than it was. However, what I saw was not as train young people, but also grandparents who good as I expected. The first drawback I saw is learned to read and write and have completed there were many children who were out of the elementary school. education system. These children did not even  What was, after education, your next know how to read or write. For this reason, step? we decided to establish a citizen’s association After education, which was not enough, that would deal only with the education of we searched for a way to provide jobs for children. We worked as a residence for poor them. The first public works came out in 2007, children for two years. Children were not sep- we applied and received hundreds of jobs. It arated by nationality, but were merged on the was a sign that not only NGO sector should basis of their common trait - poverty. At the fight against poverty, but also we have to beginning we had about 70 children, many of open something in the local community. For whom had no identity. After a year of working this reason, we opened the Office for Poverty with them, we had results, but we felt that Reduction so we could apply as the govern- this is casting false hope to children because ment sector. We are engaged in education, they were carefree only during day care. The housing, employment, working with people first indication of this was the one Christmas with disabilities and vulnerable groups, health when I met two children who were sitting on and ecology. Through activities that we do, we the doorstep of the school satchel while it was try to restore the dignity of the common man. snowing and they told me that they are starv-  What were the problems you have en- ing and are waiting for the day care to open. countered? Then we started to think about whether it is Not only poor people are those who are enough to work only with children. There was registered with the social services. Many peo- a Call for the second chance, adult education. ple do not answer and we do not know what We applied and we got a second chance. That is happening with them. Analysis of our so- was the beginning of strengthening families. cial map showed that the poorest are elderly Now we think that we can only help children if households, reported as agricultural produc- we help the family. ers, then old people with low pensions, the  When have you started with adult third are the people receive social assistance education and how did it work? and the fourth are single parents. What we’ve We have started in 2005 with adult edu- got there is very surprising. There is a large cation, and each year we have more than 50 number of people of working age and nine

14 Social protection

Vesna Civrić. Citizen’s association “Duga”

The most important projects involving NGO “Duga”

“Mapping of socially vulnerable people and promoting labor activation of socially vulnerable population at the local level» – The project lasted from March 2014 to February 2015 and presented an opportunity for the municipalities of Nova Crnja, Pećinci, Plandište and Novi Bečej at the local level to adopt the model of social policy which was successfully implemented by NGO “Duga” in the previous period in the municipalities of Ada, Mali Iđoš, Bačka Topola and Senta. The donor was the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Belgrade. Project costs were about 30 000 euros, while the share of NGO “Rainbow” around 3500 euros. “Improving the partnership of civil society and local governments in order to promote good practice community service” is a project that promoted good practices of community service in exchange for social assistance in 13 municipalities and hinted at a better integration of vulnerable groups in local community activities through community service work. The project lasted from January to April 2015 and was co-financed by the Provincial Secretariat for Interregional Cooperation and Local Government. Project costs were 200 000 dinars, and the participation of NGO “Rainbow” 30 000 dinars. “Support to the innovative mechanism of engagement of socially vulnerable population,” which is co-financed by the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Affairs and which runs from June 2015 to February 2016. The project represents an opportunity to five municipalities in Serbia as formal partners (Vlasotince, Bojnik, Crna Trava, Preševo and Medveđa) and six municipalities as informal partners (Knjaževac, Ljubovija, Žitiste, Zrenjanin, Sečanj and Kovačica) at the local level to adopt the model of social policy , implemented by NGO “Duga”. Project costs were 1.145 million dinars, and the participation of NGO “Duga” is 210 000 dinars.

15 Social protection months of receiving social assistance, al- they sought. This is not a salary, but an in-kind though there is no need because they live assistance. in decent conditions, in nice homes. Most of  What is necessary in order to open an these people have nothing on their names, Office for Poverty Reduction? and by all criteria fall into welfare cases. In Before municipality opens an office for pov- these situations, most often their grandpar- erty reduction, social policies must change and ents, grandfather and father were social cas- they must make rules by which this assistance es. It is a model of the family, because little and money will be awarded. Relevant people is invested in education. Also, the Centers for who will make the decision on the amount Social Work (CSW) provide the so called short- of money that people get for volunteer work term help, but again it’s only for people who should be in the Commission. They will get are registered with social centers and this minimum wage, and people would choose the possibility does not exist for single parents or job accordingly. It can be for wood, electricity, people who work and do not receive salaries. food, bus fares, medical services ... Why not  How dis you solve this problem? give the money ?! Because we feel that it’s not Thinking about it, we started to think about personal income, than community work, and how to help single parents and other people who are not registered at the CSW, which are in an unenviable economic situation. Then we came to the conclusion that in addition to the non-governmental sector that constantly ap- plies for funding and helps people, to open a municipal body called the Office for Poverty Reduction and later the Board for Poverty Re- duction. Office initially lived exclusively of projects. The largest part of it came from the Kingdom of Norway and these offices continue to operate thanks to local communities that took on the financing of offices. However, this has not yet entered into the law, and we hope for the new social policy. Help from the Of- fice refers to quick help or assistance that can be from the Mayor or Center for Social Work. This aid has to be done in the form of community service from people who are capable of working within families. We are often ac- cused of humiliating people, but I have to say that these people are proud of what they do. The Office does not do this by itself, but together with the local community and all the institutions belonging to the municipality of Ada. We have signed a cooperation agreement with them; so you can meet our workers of community service at the police, kindergar- ten, health center, and school ... they will receive an adequate assistance for the help Work atmosphere in CA “Duga”

16 Social protection because it often happens that social assistance cial assistance should be temporary and not recipients get their money, and that money is constant. We have six Roma who found em- often not spent on its original purpose. Also, ployment in a nursing home in Mol and four at you cannot get help until the job gets done. PUC in Ada that are exceptional. Those people I think it’s very good because if you refuse to can leave their children at day care, which is work, you would not be able to file a claim. an option. Children get a snack through soup Both Mayor and we abide by that rule. kitchens. We have inclusive education in three  Are people satisfied with the opportu- languages, in Serbian, Hungarian and Romani nity to earn? and what we’re proud of is that non-Roma People are really satisfied and very happy children learn Romani and Hungarian children to do their job. Every man has the right to learn Serbian. What we still need to work on is work and to earn his money with dignity. It is human trafficking, in particular of girls, which said very often that people who are registered is very difficult to control because different at the CSW don’t want to work, which is ugly people than us are behind it. and false. We never gave them a chance. So-  Ljiljana Maričić

17 Provincial government PRESENTING THE PERFORMANCE OF RUSSIAN CHOIR "GLINKA" HELD IN ST. PETERSBURG

t the presentation of the part of the act of the famous Russian choir “Glinka”, Awhich appeared in June at the Ser- bian music festival in St. Petersburg (Russian Federation), Vice-President of the Provincial Government and the Provincial Secretary for Economy, Employment and Gender Equality Miroslav Vasin stressed that it is important to familiarize the public of Novi Sad, as well as the public throughout Vojvodina about this important cultural event. This prominent ensemble conducted by Vladislav Černjušenko, within the Serbian music festival held in St. Petersburg on June 17, 2015, performed “Liturgy of St. John Chrys- ostom,” in the Romany language, by Zoran Mulić, professor of the Academy of Arts in Novi Sad. The Provincial Government supported the Liturgy performance at the cultural capital of the Russian Federation. “Prof. Zoran Mulić has the honor to present his important piece at the music festival in St. Petersburg, the center of culture, especially because that is the act that was com- posed in June was presented in the Romani language. Today’s program is a tribute to his work, and a reminder of the fact that such an important person is living and working among us, but is also an incentive to the artist and to the public to continue to appreciate great works of art and attend similar events. The Ceremony at the Provincial Government Hall very composition represents the cultural her- Provincial Secretary for Culture and Public itage of the Roma community and throughout Information, Slaviša Grujić also attended the the province, where they intersect many cul- presentation. tures, traditions and customs,” said Miroslav On behalf of the Provincial Secretariat for Vasin. Culture and Public Information and on behalf

18 Provincial government

of himself, the Secretary Slaviša Grujić said sad sometimes. Presenting at the Festival in St that it is an honor and great pleasure to greet Petersburg in Russia, a country that strongly nur- the participants of the festival. tures spiritual music, is a great success; espe- “The fact is that music, as an art form, is cially under the baton of Vladislav Černjušenko perhaps most of all the others the one that brings and by prof. Zoran Mulić and as they presented people together, especially when it comes to this city, Province of Vojvodina and the Republic spiritual music,” said Secretary Grujić. of Serbia in the right way. Due to the impression

Ceremony at the Provincial Government Hall “This gathering began by singing the Rom- that was left there and the praise we received, ani anthem “Gyelem Gyelem” and thus we got from this place, I want to wish you success in the message more powerful and stronger than your work and thus provide support to further all others, and that is precisely the essence of activities”, said Secretary Grujić at the end. existence, and also to cheer us up or makes us  www.vojvodina.gov.rs

19 Culture

Interview with Zoran Mulić, professor at the Academy of Arts in Novi Sad DUHOVNA VERTIKALA — TEMELJ POSTOJANJA I OPSTANKA

Proff. Zoran Mulić, at the “Glinka” Chapel

 You have recently visit- Mulić, conductor Bojan Suđić lena Žutić, Ivana Mulić, Stevan ed Russia. Can you tell us conducted the Symphony Or- Nikolić, Aleksandar Alić and Ne- on which occasion? chestra of the “Glinka” Chapel, manja Miličević. All of them had At the initiative of maes- author evening of the composer an active role during the chant- tro Vladislav Černjušenko, Svetislav Božić. In other words, ing of the Liturgy at the con- and organized by the “Glinka” the “Glinka” Chapel provided cert platform of the “Glinka” Chapel, there was a festival of full artistic resources, adding Chapel. A team of people who Serbian music culture in the pe- to both organization and musi- were material and technical riod from 17 to 21 June 2015. cal performances a true artistic support, as well as moral sup- Complete program was taking value. port included gentlemen Svetis- place in the magnificent hall  Who was in your delega- lav Nićetin, Ivan Karačić, Zorica of the “Glinka” Chapel in the tion, and who helped in the Mulić, Margarita Vujović, Romeo center of the old Petrograd realization of your trip? Mihajlović, Duško Jovanović, where Serbian musical herit- A team of people from director of the Roma Inclusion age of recent times was pre- Novi Sad traveled to Petrograd, Office and myself. I sincerely sented. During the three nights and those were: fathers Stan- regret that due to objective of the festival, the following imir Popović and Goran Dimić, circumstances the following acts were presented: the Lit- a small choir of the Orthodox gentlemen were not with us, urgy of St. John Chrysostom in church from Novi Sad which although they gave invaluable the Romany language by Zoran accounted Milica Grubišić, Je- contribution to the whole en-

20 Culture terprise: Miroslav Vasin, Deputy of the “Glinka” chapel, filled to and Goran Dimić, the choir be- Prime Minister of Vojvodina and capacity, which is about 1200 hind the choir, led by Ms. Milica Slaviša Grujić, Secretary for spectators, who awarded all the Grubišić, the world-renowned Culture and Public Information performers of this extremely choir “Glinka” from St. Pe- of the AP Vojovodine. important event for the Roma tersburg and a true devotee of  How was conceived the people with more than a warm musical art, Maestro Vladislav time you spent in St. Pe- applause and a standing ova- Černjušenko all gave immense tersburg and did it include tion. There was a great media artistic charisma to this histori- some other activities than interest, both for the whole fes- cally important event for the performing the Liturgy? tival and for the chanting of the Roma people. From 12 October Despite the short stay in Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom 2010 to the presents, music of beautiful St. Petersburg, in- in the Roma language. the Liturgy of St. John Chrysos- tensive contacts with Roma or-  Finally, what are your tom certainly has its place in the ganizations were made, which impressions? worship of the Orthodox prov- will certainly evolve during Since more than 15 years enance. 17 June, 2015 serves time into excellent coopera- ago, with the blessing of Bishop as evidence of this. People with tion at all levels. A delegation Irinej of Bačka Mr. Irinej Bulović, big hearts also made invaluable of Roma organizations attend- Romani language has become contribution for the Liturgy of ed the chanting of the Liturgy equal and full member of Or- St. John Chrysostom in the Rom- of St. John Chrysostom at the thodox worship. Thanks to Mr. ani language to come to life. Hall of “Glinka” Chapel on June Trufun Dimić, who translated a These are above all, the follow- 17, 2015, to host us so warmly number of liturgical books into ing gentlemen: Vladimir Mulić, and provide homey feeling in the Romani language, and from Milovan Miškov, Veselin Matejin their temple dedicated to St. the blessing of Bishop of Bačka - Remin, Imre Lakatoš, Dusan Andrew, talking and contem- Irinej Bulović, the basis for a lit- Petrovački, Ljubica Kiselički and plating cooperation for the fu- urgy that will be served in the Petar Nikolić. In addition to the ture. It should be noted that, Temple of Lord God on earth above mentioned, great appre- in the words of the Roma from was created. That is exactly ciacion without whom nothing St. Petersburg, around 400,000 what happened more than 15 would have happened goes to mostly Orthodox Roma live in years. Quote “The second time - the gentlemen from the Govern- St. Petersburg area. the first time” on the day of St. ment of the AP Vojvodina: Bojan  What were the reac- Cyriac Otšelnik, on 12 October Pajtić, Miroslav Vasin, Slaviša tions to the performance 2010 in the Almas Temple in Novi Grujić, Milorad Đurić, Svetozar of the Liturgy of St. John Sad, with the blessing of Bishop Čiplić. Thank you all on behalf Chrysostom in the Roma- of Bačka Irinej Bulović, the Holy of the Roma people, because ny language? Liturgy of John Chrysostom was the Roma people stood in line of Long-term cooperation with served in the Romani language people whose spiritual vertical the “Glinka” choir and their in its integral version that is, all to the Lord God is the basis of spiritual leader, maestro Vladis- parts of the Liturgy, both speech existence and survival, and the lav Černjušenko have always as well as music were in the music itself is his sincerity and been a warranty, both before Romani language. The initiator emotion will find a way into the and now and in the future, that of writing music of the Liturgy hearts and souls of true believ- a true, timeless and artistic in the Romani language is father ers, especially in Glory of the experience will be performed. Rade Jovanović of Šabac, also of Lord, pushing the limits of met- That happened on 17 June 2015 Roma origin. Apart from fathers aphysical orthodoxy na Mnogaya in the magnificent concert hall Stanimir Popović, Branko Đurčin leta.Tijana Čubrilo

21 photo report

22 photo report

23 Culture

"CIGANSKE VATRE " – FOR THE 19th TIME IN SRBOBRAN

The Citizens’ association "Rom" from Srbobran organized a cultural event, "Ciganske vatre" for the 19th time at the Republic Square. The program of the event was covered by folklore, musical, literary and artistic creativity of Roma from various parts of Vojvodina. As prior, patrons for this year, were Srbobran Municipality, House of Culture and the Provincial Secretariat for Education, Administration and National Minorities - national community.

24 Culture

Music, dance, painting, literature Romani cultural societies from Tornjoš, Horgoš, Martonoš, Senta, Bavanište, Kovin, Apatin and Deronja, as well as tamburitza orchestra “Blizanci” from Novi Sad with vocal soloist Boško Jovanović participated in the music and dance part of the program. Poetic reading took place as well, with were Maja Ranko and Ranko Jovanović from Deronje as guests. All attendees had the opportunity to enjoy the exhibition of paintings of artists from the Art Association, who presented the paintings with motifs of Romani life.

Participants of the “Ciganske vatre”

25 Culture

Diversity abundance Mayor Zoran Mladenović opened the event, and said that all ethnic communities in the municipality have This event has shown how their own holidays and events, which best reflect multi- important it is that the Roma culturalism of the area. “This cultural event takes place for the 19th time with the efforts of Roma and it should do not forget their traditions, be noted that our Roma are not just culturally present culture and creativity, and at this event, but take part in other celebrations. This is "Ciganske vatre " is a place the only way for us together to move forward. “ where Roma culture has been Slavko Dimić, President of the Citizens’ Association “Rom” expressed satisfaction that “Ciganske vatre “ was nurtured for years. It was attended by members of other communities, not just an opportunity for the Roma the Roma. “Through socializing we need to show diver- cultural associations to show sity abundance and our event shows that here, we live what they have done and in harmony with other groups.” Janica Golub Dimić boasted with the fact that the learned in the past year. On NGO “Roma” is traditionally organizing for the 19th the other hand, this was an time “Ciganske vatre”. “It is a great success because we opportunity for the non-Roma have managed for years to maintain an important event to become acquainted with where the Roma can demonstrate through this type of gathering the essence of nurturing traditions, customs, the tradition of this nation culture and language. This is also an opportunity for the and thus come closer to each Roma from various parts of Vojvodina to listen to each other, and that is the essence other, share experiences, successes and problems.” Jan- of human relationships in a ica Dimić expressed special gratitude to the Provincial Secretariat and the Municipality, who decided to support multicultural environment. “ Ciganske vatre” one more time and have thus shown to have understanding of Roma traditions and culture.

“Our municipality is small (about 16,500 inhabitants) and falls into the cat- egory of underdeveloped municipalities (3,200 unemployed). Generally speaking, we have a difficult social situation and do everything possible to facilitate this situation to all citizens, including Roma citizens. Srbobran municipality allocates significant funds in the budget and has a serious plan intended to help the Roma to integrate into society and overcome the problems they face. This path begins at preschool age, and then through primary and secondary school, which is reflected through free snacks, hygiene kits and educational material. Help extends through the health system and social benefits. One girl graduated from law school and works in local government, just in the sector where attention is given to social sectors and social assistance. All this together leads to the fact that we have more and more educated Roma. When the Roma get the opportunity to experience education, it is logical to raise the standard of living. “ Zoran Mladenović, president of the Srbobran Municipality Zoran Mladenović, predsednik Opštine Srbobran

 Tijana Čubrilo

26 Culture

Painting exhibition

27 DANUBE CONNECTS THE CLOTHES OF SELF-ASSERTION Romani Design, a Budapest-based studio, expresses the Roma’s new confidence, far from total assimilation and external images — without words, in the language of fashion.

xpressing identity and freedom is a recur- Here begins the work of the only haute rent theme in the fashion industry and couture design studio to date whose creative Eits market, a sector that hardly ever has impulse stems from classic Roma clothing. socio-political relevance. One of these rare Romani Design combines traditional patterns cases occurred in 2014, when Romani Design and silhouettes with mundane black silk and presented its collection ”My identity — My clear, straight shapes. The label from Buda- Freedom” in the Museum of Fine Arts on the pest, founded by Erika Varga, builds on the Budapest Heroes’ Square. The collection is contrast between traditional and contempo- inspired by traditional Roma clothing. At this rary elements. “I would like to show that the historical and touristic center of attraction, traditional has a place in our contemporary cultural traces of the Roma — who represent life as well, and that it is not outdated”, Varga six percent of the city’s population — are usu- states. She comes from the Szabolcs region, ally not to be found. Contemporary Roma cul- although her family’s history spans to Romani- ture is simply not a part of everyday life in an Transylvania. Her designs pick up elements Budapest. Under these circumstances, Romani of traditional Roma costumes from Romania Design’s catwalk becomes a place of self-as- and Hungary and reinterpret them. For in- sertion for a minority that is calling for new stance, the source of inspiration for the cur- visibility. rent collection is the kretinca, a traditional apron passed on from mother to daughter, the Tradition beyond costumes heiress adding to the decorations and embroi- Long, multi-layered pleated skirts, bright dery. Varga’s contemporary reinterpretation colors, floral motives, lace and trimming dec- leads to elegant silk dresses with trimmings oration — these are the insignia of tradition- that subtly trace the outline of a kretinca. al Roma clothing. Less and less communities The collection proudly claims Roma cultural wear these costumes on an everyday basis. At heritage and the presence of an ethnic group the same time, today’s Roma, who come from whose stigmatization and stereotyping have traditional families but often have a modern, little parallel in modern times. urban lifestyle, and not adequately represent- ed in fashion or elsewhere — just as if they Tailoring self-confidence didn’t exist. Old stereotypes about Roma, For many years, trained jewelry designer however, are tenacious: Each and every year Erika Varga taught Roma culture in Hungarian during carnival, many „gadjés” (the Romani Roma communities. She also founded a youth word for non-Roma) pull tambourines, gold magazine made by and for Roma. Her social chains, veils and flowered skirts out of their commitment and creativity united in the idea wardrobes. Yet, this is a mere costume that of founding a label for fashion inspired by Roma is not accepted as everyday clothing and not clothing. As the head of Romani Design, she reinterpreted. has been designing clothing, jewelry and bags

28 DANUBE CONNECTS since 2010, aided amongst other by her sis- examples of the lascivious Romani with her ter Helena Varga. The label also pursues social erotic exoticism. Victor Hugo’s description of objectives: in 2014, it organized a one-year Esmeralda in the Hunchback of Notre-Dame is educational project that taught basic tailor- a standard example of this phenomenon: “in ing skills to young, disadvantaged Roma from fact, when she danced thus, to the humming Hungary and Slovakia. “Our aim was not only of the Basque tambourine, which her two pure, to teach them a profession”, says Erika Varga, rounded arms raised above her head, […] with “but also to help them gain back their self- her corsage of gold without a fold, her varie- confidence and be more successful in looking gated gown puffing out, her bare shoulders, her for a job. For many of them, this was a life- delicate limbs, which her petticoat revealed at changing opportunity, I believe.” times, her black hair, her eyes of flame, she

Apart from negative stereotypes, young was a supernatural creature.” The author over- Roma frequently lack positive role models. looked the fact that covering one’s shoulders is Yet, they are often enough confronted with essential in most Roma communities. the ways others perceive them. These percep- tions are often related to the outer appearance Clothing — A Political Issue of Roma and their clothes. For instance, the Roma culture is still molded by reductive narratives of Western culture include manifold and defamatory representations of this type.

29 DANUBE CONNECTS

In a powerful comment, US author Jesica Rei- dy, herself Romani, criticized a photo series published in VOGUE in autumn 2013 under the title “Summer in Love”. The series’ eroticized representation of female “gypsies” hardly dif- fered from the one already described by Hugo. The series didn’t present any Romany Design clothes, although it is so far the only label redefining Roma style from within the Roma he Central European Initiative (CEI), the community. “Do you know one of the ways regional intergovernmental forum gath- that people can tell that I’m Romany?” Reidy ering eighteen Countries from Central asks the VOGUE editors. “Clothing. Traditional T and Eastern Europe has decided to financially clothing is a political issue.” Many Romani liv- support the Serbian NGO “Radovi U Toku” in ing outside of traditional communities have the implementation of the “VET4Mediation completely abandoned their traditional cos- with Roma” project, co-funded by the Life- tumes and have adopted their aspect to the long Learning Program of the European Union. majority. This is not always a free choice — The CEI’s involvement in regional coopera- many are afraid of being recognized as Roma tion - as well as its bridging function - contrib- because of the widespread hostility towards utes to remove existing barriers and divisions them. The visibility of Roma has to be fought hindering the European integration process. To for, particularly in Hungary, where 15 percent meet the strategic objectives outlined in its of voters chose the antiziganist, right-wing extremist party Jobbik. Therefore, it is nei- Plan of Action 2014-2016 - aligned with the EU ther only pop nor obvious for Roma to act as- Multi annual Financial Framework 2014-2020 - sertively in public and wear clothing that ex- which accompanies the implementation of the presses this ethnic self-confidence. Europe 2020 Strategy CEI defined the areas of Nevertheless, Erika Varga abstains from cooperation and the project LLP VET4 Media- loud political slogans and lets her collections tion with Roma is in line with the 2014-2016 speak for themselves. These provide Roma CEI’s priorities. with an expression of their identity that nei- CEI is supporting the VET4 Mediation with ther drowns itself in nostalgic traditionalism Roma project also contributing in the dis- nor denies its origins. “I also feel that my ca- semination of projects’ results to CEI member reer path is giving motivation to young Roma states and by providing an inter-governmental women, showing that they can be successful framework for its sustainability after its end. while proudly expressing their origin.” Her The project, characterized by a consortium costumers, though, are mainly non-Roma from formed by EU and non EU countries, also pro- Hungary and other countries that, thanks to motes education, e-learning and training as Romani Design, discover a part of Roma cul- key tools to facilitates the entering in the la- ture unaffected by stereotypes. Roma, on the bor market of Roma people. It promotes di- other hand, still struggle not only for a way versity, plurality, tolerance, including gender of expressing themselves between tradition, equality and social cohesion. their external image and modernity. The protection and the promotion of the rights of persons belonging to national minorities is also among the priorities of CEI as indi-  Karolin Kral, cated in the CEI instrument for the Protection Danube connects of Minority Rights that promotes Roma Inclu-

30 NGO

THE CENTRAL EUROPEAN INITIATIVE SUPPORTS RADOVI U TOKU IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE VET4 Mediation with Roma project

sion/integration, in line with the objectives of bution to European integration the CEI com- the Decade of Roma Inclusion 2005-2015. The bines multilateral diplomacy and project man- actors involved in the project are bringing, agement and bridges European macro-regions. and sharing, different approaches, best prac- The CEI’s political cooperation intends to sup- tices and possible policies to favor the inclu- ply the countries and their institutions with a sion, and the integration, of Roma people in pragmatic platform for regional cooperation, society. focusing on their preparation to a future ac- CEI is committed to supporting European cession to the European Union. A special at- integration through cooperation between and tention is given to capacity building of non-EU among its Member States, with the European Member States, pursued through know-how Union, as well as other interested public/pri- transfer/updating and through the exchange vate institutions, NGOs, international and re- of experiences/best practices among EU and gional organizations. non EU countries. Since its foundation, 25 years ago, the CEI has been able to constantly adapt to the quickly-evolving European political environment, while acting as a platform for political dialogue, helping in maintaining cooperative relations and in building confidence among the  Marzia Clucher, participating countries. To offer a solid contri- Radovi u toku