Roma Inclusion Office the Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina

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

no. 39, june 2014. A Monthly Periodical of The Roma Inclusion Office

no. 39, june 2014.

Photo of the month: Consultative Meeting regarding the Strategic Document of the Office The founder and the Publisher of the INTRODUCTION Periodical: The Roma Inclusion Office of the Government of AP Vojvodina Dear Readers, Editor in Chief: Duško Jovanović Here is the June issue of our monthly publication. This issue starts with the Employment section Managing Editor: Aleksandra Mićić in which we present to you Tatjana Jovanović, a young Roma woman who got a job at a pharmacy in The Team: Inđija after high school. Dragana Rajić In the Housing section we talk about the best- Tijana Čubrilo organized Roma settlement in Apatin, and settle- Jovana Davidović ment Rupe in Ruma, which is its complete opposite, while for our Education section, we interviewed Correspondents: Dobrila Pejin, coordinator of the project “Children’s Ferenc Koso Center”. Roma Coordinators of APV In June, the Roma Inclusion Office held two con- Ivana Koprivica sultative meetings related to the development of the strategic document of the Office for the period Translation into Roma: 2014-2017. Igor Dimić We attended a training of the youngest cricket Translation into English: club in Serbia in Monoštor. The section dedicated to Ana Kozlovački Culture gives you three texts, and we specifically single out the article Fighting Windmills, about an Technical Preparation and Printing: influential Romani poet and a fighter for the rights MONDO-GRAF, Novi Sad of Roma, Jovan Bogdanović. www.mondograf.co.rs We spoke about the only president of a country of Roma origin, in the Roma in the World section. Circulation: We inform you that, thanks to the Research and 1000 Education Center and to the Preschool Teacher Training College, “Mihailo Palov” in Vršac, you can Address: Bulevar Mihajla Pupina 25, follow our publication in electronic form, available 21000 Novi Sad at www.rec.org.rs/bilten/.

Your editorial board Employment

A ROMANI WOMAN - PHARMACIST FROM INĐIJA

Tatjana Jovanovic with co-workers

Tatjana Jovanović, got a job at a pharmacy of Health Center “Dr Milorad Pavlovic Mika” in Inđija, through the Office for Roma Inclusion AP Vojvodina, and after a completed medical High School education.

2 e Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Employment

the Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad. Continued education will bring her better and easier future because to hold a job invol- ves constant work on yourself, additional training and education. What she is particularly looking forward to, is that her example will be a motive to her younger brother to go to school and get educated.

“This opportunity I was given is very important to me. I am first thankful to the Roma Inclusion Office for providing the initiative for my job, as well as to the director of Health Clinic and to the chief of Pharmacy who have embraced this initiative. I have done my internship here, and am happy now that I also got a job here”.

A dream come true “My dream and the dream of my family has been realized. My daughter got a job after high school. I’ve never had a dilemma when it comes to the education of my children. I am aware that this is the only way. I hope that my daughter will further continue her education.”

Saša Jovanović, the father

Parental support is necessary “I am happy that my daughter justified the trust and supp-ort given to her by the Province and the Republic. In both elementary An excellent student in ele- way. Although she often experien- and high school, she was one of mentary, and high school, Tatjana ced, as she says, difficult times the best students. If she wants to Jovanović has revealed that Roma through education, she never gave continue her education, we will men and women have the same up. She’s happy now because her not get in the way. We will support her because it is our most impor- abilities as everyone else, and just efforts paid off. This position will tant role.” should be given a chance. She used allow her to help her family, but Nada Jovanović, the mother her chance in the best possible also to continue her education at

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Employment

Leader in the field of A shining example primary health care “This young girl, she realized the importance of education. Health Center “Dr Milorad She says it was not easy, but did not give up. She used the incenti- Pavlovic Mika” in Inđija is one ves that provided by the Republic and the Province in terms of aff- of most successful health institutions in Serbia. It is an exam- irmative action. ple of how to successfully meet This young person is not the only one that has found her posi- the challenges posed by the EU. tion in the health center. We hired just over a year ago a Roma Vasa Petrović MD, director woman as nurse in this institution. This is the message that the of the institution, said that it institution should send to the Roma: “Educate yourself, go to has been the bearer of quality in primary care for the past 20 school, and you will get a chance.” years: What this example shows, as well as many others, is that the “What we believe in are Roma in Inđija, and in the whole province get the chance to be the people. All of our employees educated, trained, and then to find employment. Poverty, there- have completed some form of fore, should not be an excuse for the lack of education. It is the training. motivation for education and training. Only in this way can we get We managed to finish the procedure of Accreditation in a out of the vicious circle of poverty. Education is the only way and short period of time from May there is no dilemma. to September. Out of 585 para- Of course, you must have the cooperation of institutions, meters, we had about 98% done because without it, even this young person may not be here today. greatly. In addition, Roma must be part of the institutions. That is the case We have set new parame- in Vojvodina, but, unfortunately, not at the national level. ters in the system of security. The essence of accreditation is Roma are partners nowadays, and that is what the institutions just that, patient safety, and have to understand. There is a other way. safety of all of our employees. Roma in the province promote the system which could be defi- What we continually ned as: “Nothing about us without us”! We have a voice here. We emphasize is that only invest- make a team together with everyone else. ment in people can bring qua- This is a shining example. A Roma woman got a chance. Since lity. We organize trainings each week. In addition to our she was one of the top students in both the elementary and in high employees, citizens of Inđija school, we hope that this opportunity will be justified”. also attend the trainings, as they have recognized our insti- Ninoslav Jovanović, Coordinator for Roma Issues, Municipality of Inđija tution as a place where they can learn new elements about their health. We promote a healthy lifestyle - healthy eating and exercising. Proper health care system is based on three principles: equal accessibility, quality and speed. We are proud to say that we meet all three parameters. What we planned for the future, and have already started to implement is the preventive medicine. We are an institution with the highest number of checkups in comparison with our population. On our health bazaars, more than 30 thousand people have been checked up out of the total 50 thousand people”. At work Jovana Davidović

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Housing

LIFE?

The humanity goes forward every day. New ideas are born, new inventions are made. A list is made of the first space tourists. People around the world have the opportunity to purchase their star and give it their name. But in one place, the time has stopped in the forties. Forty families live in the settlement Rupe in Ruma. In 21st century, without the electricity, water, sewer, bathroom, paved roads, street lights, alone and forgotten, they fight for their mere existence. We bring you stories of inhabitants of this settlement that will leave no one indifferent.

“Everything always to us. We turned our to our Mitar already dirty and messy even remains only at the level Tadic, but there is almost no coo- before they leave the settlement, of promises” peration with him. We approached and this creates shame for them everyone. We even called the and thy do not want to go to According to Sinisa Medic, media. As we learn, this is not the school. It is still okay now, but resident of this neighborhood are case in other municipalities. We when it rains it is much worse. At living in terrible conditions. They submitted a request for assistance the time of the heavy rains and don’t get help from anyone, he to the mayor, and even protested flooding, you couldn’t even enter says, not even from the municipa- in front of the municipal buil- the settlement”. lity nor the coordinators. ding”. According to her, several years “Everything we get during the ago, it was organized for the inha- year is one package of food, consi- “No one cares about us, bitants to go to the municipality sting of rice, a couple of cans of we are forgotten” to give their signature for eviction: ready-made food. What we lear- “We gave our consent, but nothing ned is that substantial resources Baric Sandra is the mother of has happened since then. There are being allocated for improving two children: “After I get them were even information that we the living conditions of the Roma, ready for school, when they take a moved, but as you can see, it is but unfortunately, that doesn’t get bath and get dressed, they are not the truth”.

e Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 5 Housing

What she and most of the with his wife and two children. According to Milena, the sett- inhabitants of this village see as a The older girl is 9 years old, goes lement is surrounded by a ramp problem is poor communication with the local coordinator: “Our coordinator, to our great regret, does not do his job. When we turn to him, he says he has no time for us. He is never in the office and we simply cannot get to him. We hear that it is not so in other municipalities and that the coordinators are available to their compatriots”.

“It is what it is”

Matkovic Jaranka lives with her husband who is a cardiac patient. Their only income is social assistance, which is nine thousand Settlement Rupe per month. She shared her memo- ries of the visit coordinator with to school and is an excellent stu- from the first to the third day of us, who told them they will never dent. Now they have to rent. They each month, and during the whole move out of the settlement: “If pay their rent off welfare they month with high mounds of earth: that’s true, then why does no one receive”. “Whatever happens, we can not come to help us have a more or “The way we live is sad, like get out of the village. They mound less normal life condition”. we live in a concentration camp” earth with trucks at all entrances Her son lived with his family Milena Ivanov has kidney and to the village, you cannot even go in a house across the street: “You heart disease: “Whenever I’m loo- out or enter. Here at the entrance of the village lives one family, their daughter is very sick, has a severe form of epilepsy. What if she needs a doctor? Also, a large number of elderly and sick people live in the village. What if someone gets sick? Terrible”. Ivanka also expressed her dissatisfaction with the work of the coordinator: “We do not know whom to turn to. Our coordinator is literally running away from us, and says he has his own problems and cannot think about ours. He has been the coordinator for two Settlement Rupe years. Before that, Petar Petrovic see, it was my son’s house. It was king for help, I do not get it. Even and Dusko Jovanovic were coordi- burned down. When I went to the do not get the approval of free nators. While Peter was on, municipality to ask for help, I got treatment. I have to pay three something has been taken care of; rejected. My son lived in the house thousand for drugs every week. “ he provided running water and

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Housing

We often don’t even thing of the things we posses as a luxury, but simply take it for granted. Short power cuts or water outages due to failures in the network cause quite a stir in the modern world, not to mention the impossi- bility of internet connection or interference on the network. It seems to be unacceptable. After the story of the inhabitants of Rupa, all our problems fall into water. They live on the edge of existence, surrounded by weeds, in constant fear of rodent several fountains in the village and there. Petar then asked everyone and reptile bites. However, the unloaded our roads to be more at the municipality whose lives are hope you recognize in their eyes passable. Since then, no one did more important, of people or of delights. Help is certainly anything to help. We made a peti- livestock, and why don’t they move necessary to them, while they tion to move us to the other area, the fair down and make the streets have the strength, patience and due to floods, but it was rejected for us to live upstairs. However, endurance to spare. because of the cattle market out the story ended with his sacking”. Jovana Davidović

A UNIQUE ROMA SETTLEMENT

The first association in connection to Roma is their nomadic lifestyle, exotically portrayed in the movies but hard in the real world. That is the bitter reality extremely difficult for Roma around the world. When showing human destiny, they make an inevitable example. The eternal sadness of Roma could only be grieved over with a song, which marks their lives. Their life hasn’t been easy anywhere in the world. Always on the verge of mere existence, barely managing to survive.

e Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 7 Housing

However, in one part of the rable. Unlike in Apatin, their globe, in gentle Vojvodina, an After more than a hundred streets were given different years, over 90% of Roma chil- unusual place has existed for names: Music, Big, Small, Starry, dren were included in preschool years, which brings a whole diffe- Bar, Pioneering, Youth Street, and primary education and 90% rent story. In Apatin, a town on while one street was jokingly have completed primary school. the banks of river Danube, there called The Thief Street. Around 20% enrolls into high is a unique Roma settlement in school, but a negligible number the world. Current situation actually graduates. This is how it used to be After the disastrous floods in 1965, Today, there is around 3,000 It was created a long time they got moved to the adjacent Roma in the settlement. Thanks ago, when Vlach Gypsies, drivers of vessel-towing horses, arrived to the area in 1825. Here, they permanently settled around the rich Danubian forests. At first, they cut and sold timber, and eventually learned to make various objects made of wood - wooden troughs, spoons, wicker bas- kets and sell them. Their reed houses were deta- ched from Danube only by earthen Children’s playground mounds, so with each high water, higher ground. Then, brick houses Music is an integral part of they got flooded and destroyed. were built for the most vulne- their lives, and thanks to the The former Roma settlement was the ideal scenery for recording legendary bass-primate, Koka the anthology film “I even met happy Gypsies“ by Aleksandar Sasa Josip Miškovic, many came to Petrović. The film, the epic of Roma life, won numerous awards and pre- the Gypsy blockhouse “The Carp” sented the life of Roma on the world stage. to listen to his band.

to the continued support of the Municipality of Apatin, it completely changed its look and transformed into an area with a decent life. The indicator of the exten- sive help Municipality provides to the local Roma is that the total amount of the investments exceeds million euros. It’s a long list of what has been done and funded. All the streets are paved in the settlement. A complete electrification and electricity for every hou- sehold in the village has been Health Center done. A project to implement the

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Housing cable TV has been implemented, in order to significantly improve the information channel. Water supply network and a complete system of storm sewer were intro- duced. A spacious car park was built and a crossroads next to the kindergarten. A sports facility for various sports has been built also. Gasification of the settlement and a sewage system is planned to be A street in the Settlement done. Yet one of the highest achie- onal assistants who take care of cho-social support throughout vements of this type of settle- the attendance of the students. the year. Center for Social Work ment, that is nowhere to be seen Help for Roma families is achie- Apatin provided a permanent in Serbia or the region, was the ved through payment of medical legal assistance to all Roma fami- construction of a modern health costs, utilities and electricity for lies in obtaining identity docu- center clinic with a general prac- the most vulnerable families, the ments and the resolution of the titioner. In addition, a space cost of transport to health facili- status of citizenship. Today, intended for day care of Roma ties, visits to medical commis- there are no Roma without iden- children has been completely sion and others. All Roma fami- tity cards and other personal equipped within the “Little Bee” lies receive packages of food, documents in Apatin. The muni- preschool facility. cipality of Apatin sets aside Work space inclu- money to improve the des 19O m2, and living conditions of Roma the external around each year from its budget. 200 m2. The speci- In June 1996, the Roma ficity of the institu- Cultural Centre “White tion is that it is the Dove” was founded, which only one of a kind deals with the preservation in Vojvodina to of Roma traditions, particu- embrace as many larly Roma folklore. The Youth Hostel Roma children in In December 2013, preschool education, within the clothing and hygiene several Youth Home was built in the sett- actual Roma settlement. times a year receive, and all lement thanks to the donation of The municipality of Apatin Roma children up to the age of the Swiss government, where the annually provides free textbooks, ten receive New Year gift packa- youngest residents spend their supplies, lunch and transport to ges. Most of them are on wel- leisure time. It held rehearsals children since the school is fare. Everyone who needs it, and folklore groups, as well as located 4 km from the village. could be provided free legal aid youth orchestra. The school has provided educati- and counseling, as well as psy- All this makes the Roma settlement in Apatin one of the most Every year on August the 15th, the event “Roma Night” is held, organized around Europe. In such whose organization is funded by the Municipality of Apatin. They dance an urban environment, it trans- and sing until dawn, serve Roma specialties, and the biggest attraction formed thanks to the large num- of the event is the beauty queen contest for the title of “Queen of the ber of permanent investment. Roma night” when they choose the most beautiful Romani girl. In 2011, there were 7000 visitors. Jovana Davidović

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Education

NOVI SAD HUMANITARIAN CENTER – CHILDREN’S CENTER

Dobrila Pejin

Novi Sad Humanitarian Centre is an association that contributes with its work and organized activities to building a more humane civil society through the provision of assistance to socially disadvantaged and marginalized groups. NSHC brings together dedicated and responsible citizens and professionals of humanistic orientation, who equally and impartially care for everyone in need, regardless of race, nationality, religion, gender or gender identity, language spoken, politi- cal and other beliefs. The Association carries out projects and programs in the public interest and of special public interest We talked to Dobrila Pejin, coordinator of the project “Children’s Center’’ about one of the many projects of NSHC.

How did the idea come experience in providing support quality of life of the Roma popu- about for such a project? To and assistance to the Roma population. As we saw the magnitude what end is it running? lation through a variety of proje- of positive results this work The “Children’s Center” cts, we have found that educa- makes to children, the NSHC exists since 2003. The idea to tion is exactly the right way out decided to continue supporting launch a “Children’s Center” of the vicious circle of poverty, the education of children from grew out of the needs of the by increasing the employment socially disadvantaged families beneficiaries. Through years of opportunities and improving the after the continuation of the fun-

10 e Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Education ding, especially Roma children for the purchase of equipment kets for cinema projections. In with the support of the group of for children, users of the center. addition to these most regular volunteers. The aim of this pro- City of Novi Sad supports us with collaborators, we often collabo- ject is to keep children in schools symbolic donations amounting up rate with other student and to reduce the dropout rate, which to RSD 150 000, through competi- volunteers to support the work of is high with populations with tions announced by GU for Social The Organization “Children’s whom we work, thus contributing and Child Care. We particularly Center” organization of workshops to social inclusion and poverty work with four primary schools in and other similar activities. reduction. Novi Sad, whose support is of major importance to us. Those Please introduce the activi- Who are your partners and are primary school “József ties carried out in the Children’s collaborators on this project? Attila”, “Veljko Vlahovic”, Center. Do you have the support of the “Nikola Tesla” and “Marija The activities in the institutions? Trandafil”. Schools provide the “Children’s Center” are: The “Children’s Center” fun- space in which we work with chil- * Learning support - additional ctions without regular financial dren, and in addition, the classes and individual support, but we do occasionally exchange of information about instruction if needed and pre- get the support from several customers and referrals by the paration for the eight-grade donors. ERSTE Bank annually school tailor our work to the indi- enrollment in secondary organizes trips for our members vidual needs of children. We coo- schools; and volunteers together with perate with the Volunteer Center * Creative workshops - activi- their employees, and in the last of Vojvodina in recruiting the ties relevant to the develop- two years, our work has been volunteers. Arena Cineplex from ment of social skills and self- supported by approval of funds Novi Sad monthly donates 20 tic- confidence;

I was looking for something for a very long time which would fill my spare time, and be useful at the same time, something that would make a good internship for my university studies, but was unable to find something like that. I’ve heard for NSHC by accident, and my friend filled in the application in my name. I wasn’t sure that they would choose me for work with children, since I didn’t have any experience with them. When they called me in for the interview, I was thrilled, and became even more thrilled at the reception workshop, when I met all other volunteers, and when I realized that we are all from different faculties, different generations, yet all with the same goal, to help someone who really needs it. Just at the first meeting, a bunch of ideas on how to help the children with whom we work were going through my head, and I had people around myself who were ready to help to realize all of it. In time, everything went under my skin and became a way of life. I gained a lot of experience, and a lot has changed on personal level. I found myself in some things that later affected my determination of what I would like to do in the future. Everywhere around yourself, you are surrounded with people who are so different, and are still functioning as a perfect team, with the right goal, atmosphere and a great amount of positive energy, which you want to have around yourself. What is maybe the most important; all children with whom we work are absolutely lovely. We get out of schools every Saturday, maybe phys- ically tired, but mentally refreshed and with full of heart. Every grade fixed or a new letter learned, maybe they seem small, but the smile on a child’s face is a great step toward changing the world toward something better. The fact that I’ve remained here for the past three years, and that I intend on staying a lot longer says that I made the right decision. Dobrila Pejin

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 11 Education

* Psychological support – to rently no way to obtain funds for Your message to the chil- encourage children and this purpose, or they are not suff- dren, whose living conditions parents not to drop out of icient, and it is certainly a very need help in child-care cen- school because education is important item to motivate ters, and have not yet become the only solution out of the volunteers and maintain services your customers. vicious circle of poverty; that wouldn’t be there without We invite them to come to * Financial support - as long as them. us for supplementary classes, to we are able to help families socialize and learn together, and in the education of children What are your plans for the we promise them they will learn through donations of school future? Do you have plans to a lot of new and interesting supplies, clothes, shoes, etc.; expand the project? things and will realize that * Socialization – we socialize With the financial resources school is not that hard, and can with other children and visit we currently dispose with, there contribute a lot to us. various cultural events in and is no possibility to expand the around the city. work of “Children’s“ Center to An interesting experience, new schools, apart from those a memory clip - related to the What are the results so far? where we are already working in project; For 11 years of its existence, nor to increase the number of Particularly interesting is the project activities have been children. Given that there is a the song by Nevena Hromiš, expanded to four schools in Novi need for the organization of these which she wrote when she stop- Sad. Every year, about 250 chil- activities, we plan to focus on ped volunteering with us and dren attend remedial classes the training of schools and others dedicated to the children with organized in the framework of in the future. organizations to whom she worked. the “Children’s Center”, and initiate ovake volunteer activities about 80 volunteers work with to support education for children them. The fact that children con- in their schools. In addition, the “It’s needless to ask tinue to come to the center with NSHC will still try to find a way to whether I love you. Life itself their own initiative says how finance the costs of volunteers to and every spark in it rejoice much they appreciate the sup- ensure the sustainability of the in those smiles. Where does port they get in the “Children’s project. The annual work plan the music to which they Center”, and some of them each year is to improve the work became our volunteers after they with children and the introdu- dance in front of the school, have finished high school. ction of new approaches in order in the hallways, come from? to improve the quality of services Probably from the source of What problems did you to children. God’s creation. Yes, it’s a encounter in your work? race! Like the wind! Arms One of the biggest problems Given the vast experience wide open – wings of small in the work is the uncertainty NSHC has in working with the dark-skinned birds that run about the project funding. Roma population, what is that into a nest of hugs in full is missing, in your opinion, “Children’s Center” organized in swing, so perfectly simple, so in the process of Roma integra- this way, functions without regu- incredibly frank, in the way tion? lar funding, and to improve the we have long forgotten to quality of work, it certainly needs It is necessary to continue to hug, to love, to be happy”. a significant financial security. work on education, especially at The big problem is especially the primary school level and to Nevena Hromiš financing the costs of volunteers, work on developing small busi- such as travel expenses or educa- ness and other ways to bring the tions and trainings. There is cur- Roma closer to the labor market. Micic Aleksandra

12 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina NGO

REGIONAL PGF MEETING As of March 2013 “Center for the production of knowledge and Novi Sad and Vojvodina PGF team hosted a regional meeting skills”, has been providing free of PGF teams from Macedonia, Montenegro, Croatia and Central assistance with its 4 consultants and Southern Serbia, as well as with the representatives of the to the educational institutions and Open Society Foundation. associations to write high-quality The three-day program inclu- home: supported housing for peo- projects for European and domes- ded a meeting and a tour of asso- ple with autism and intellectual tic competition, with the aim of ciations and institutions that have disabilities”. improving the position of Roma. received support from the Project “SOS hotline for This assistance consisted of Vojvodina PGF team and whose women victims of domestic vio- assistance in designing project project proposals are EU and other lence” funded through the EIDHR ideas, finding partners, mapping donor grantees. program of the EU and imple- of appropriate donor, but also On that occasion, 25 guests mented by the Association of Roma with the actual writing of project from the region visited the Roma of Novi Bečej was presented in proposals. In total, 66 proposals Inclusion Office and discussed the Bečej. have been written so far, with the current results of the project fun- During the meeting, the help of the Center for the produ- ded by the Royal Norwegian results of all teams in 2013, as well ction of knowledge and skills. Of Embassy, entitled “Improving the as plans for the future were pre- this number, 24 projects were employability of Roma women in sented. The focus of the meeting approved worth EU 594,216.00. five municipalities of Vojvodina” was the justification for the exis- The results of seven proposals are with the project team. tence of PGF teams and their fur- still being awaited, which value is Guests had the opportunity to ther sustainability. The plan of the EU 300,310.00. The team of con-

Maximum utilization of EU funds for Roma The “Maximum utilization of EU funds for Roma” is one of the tools of the Open Society Foundations, which connects the inclusion of Roma Decade with the EU financial resources. In addition, support is provided for the European, national and local authorities in achieving the objectives of the Decade of Roma. Through the support of development projects, human and financial resources, and advocacy, the program aims to create a critical mass of decision makers at all levels of Roma Inclusion seen as a priority. The program focuses on issues such as poor visibility of Roma issues at the national and local levels, the lower level of resources and expertise and excessively bureaucratic procedures that prevent the most vulnerable groups to exercise their rights. Project Generation Facility (PGF) is part of this program and is a tool designed for potential beneficiaries of EU funds that do not have enough experience in the preparation of project proposals for EU funds. This tool is a support to organizations and educational institutions to develop human and financial resources and capacities, thus contributing to the development and integration of the Roma community. PGF program has existed in Serbia since 2012 and since 2013, three citizens’ associations have implemented it: “Center for the production of knowledge and skills” (PGF Vojvodina), the association “Romanipen” (PGF central Serbia) and the association “Roma Center for Democracy” (PGF southern Serbia). These three associations daily support organizations and institutions that apply with donors for funds for projects, thus improving the position of Roma. learn about the work of “Milan Open Society Foundation is to sup- sultants still continues to actively Petrović” school and to learn about port the continuation of the work and support the educational their current projects of cross-bor- Regional PGF team, which has so institutions and associations. der cooperation with the Republic far achieved a remarkable suc- of Croatia entitled “Home, sweet cess. Dragana Rajic

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 13 Roma Inclusion Office

STRATEGIC PLANNING

Roma Inclusion Office held the first consultative meeting with stakeholders regarding the strategic document of the Office for the period 2014-2017 on May 29th. The strategic planning process officially began on May 14th when the methodology with a time schedule was certain, as defined by stakeholders, KIR and with the SWOT analysis on track.

14 e Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Roma Inclusion Office

The desire to participate in the integration At the beginning, the atten- dees were addressed by Duško Jovanović, Director of the Roma Inclusion Office, who presented the work and results of this institution in the areas of the Decade of Roma. Jovanović has emphasized the fact that the presence of a large number of stakeholders in this meeting provides another proof that Vojvodina is ready to actively participate in the integration of Roma.

This exists only in Vojvodina

— D i v i s i o n f o r t h e Improvement of the position of Roma at the Provincial Secretariat for Economy, Employment and Gender Equality — Roma Inclusion Office of AP Vojvodina — Editorial in the Romani language broadcasting — Study Program for Preschool teachers in Romani at the Preschool Teacher Training College “Mihailo Palov” in Vršac

In the end, Jovanović announced that the next meeting will take place on June 17th and asked The meeting was held with Office for Roma Inclusion with sta- all those who were present to the aim to collect contributions keholders. Participants of the respond to this call so that the from partner institutions, organi- meeting were representatives of work on strategic planning can be zations, and associate users in the provincial and national insti- constant. The presence to that order to begin the process of tutions, Roma Coordinators, meeting, he said, was confirmed developing the strategy of the representatives of civil society, by representatives of a significant Roma Inclusion Office, as well as public companies and governmen- number of embassies in the to upgrade the cooperation of the tal agencies. Republic of Serbia.

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 15 Roma Inclusion Office

Working of the main tasks of the Office, vant information and data, as well with stakeholders Kalanjoš sees the launch of the ini- as for the Office to protect them tiative to introduce Coordinators from politicization; local govern- Afterwards, participants were for Roma Issues, health mediators ments want a larger volume of briefly presented the planned and teaching assistants into the concrete actions at the local level methodology of the strategic docu- system. Kalanjoš states the TARI and the amount of funds that are ment. The initial SWOT analysis project as a good step in this directed to the local level; and was shown and supplemented by participants. In the last part of the THE TARI PROJECT meeting, stakeholders supple- Technical Assistance Project for Roma Inclusion (TARI), worth mented the analysis. 4.8 million euros, financed by the European Union and implemented by the OSCE Mission to Serbia supports the implementation of the Suggestions Strategy for Improvement of Roma in Serbia. The main project partners are the Office of Human and Minority Rights, Ministry of Health, Dr Goran Bašić, a representa- Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Policy, Ministry of tive of the Center for Research, Education, Science and Technological Development, the Ministry of says that one of the fundamental Construction and Urban Planning, NGO Praxis, the Roma Education problems in the implementation of Fund, the Office for European Integration of the Republic of Serbia the national strategy for improving and the Social Inclusion and Poverty Reduction. the position of Roma is the lack of One component of the project is the formation of mobile the organized exchange of infor- teams, ie. the project is committed to the promotion of cooperation and exchange of information between officials in local institu- mation. In this regard, Bašić consi- tions dealing with social inclusion of Roma in 20 pilot municipalities ders the plan to carry out the (Bela Palanka, Bojnik, Bujanovac, Knjaževac, Koceljeva, Kovin, decentralization of the strategy, Kragujevac, Kruševac, Leskovac, Novi Sad, Odžaci, Palilula, ie., that gets dropped from the Pančevo, Prokuplje, Smederevo, Sombor, Valjevo, Vranje, Žitorađa national to the local level is the and Zvezdara). Mobile teams are made of municipal Roma right solution. As the body for Coordinators, Pedagogical Assistants, Health Mediators and managing strategy changes will be Representatives of the Centre for Social Work and the National formed on a national level, Bašić Employment Service, who will participate in the training and men- thinks the Office shall take part in toring program for the development of local action plans. In order the process. to ensure sustainable quality services in the health care system, Dobrila Pejin from NSHC con- the project will also provide support to the Ministry of Health in siders that child care should be systemizing Job Positions of health mediators. divided as a separate field in the area of strategic planning, and one direction and an example of good NGOs want intensive communica- of the obligatory sections in the practices. tion, Calls for NGOs, extension of area surely needs to be the street The representative of the the focus on children, problems of children. Secretariat of Health, Social Policy street children and trafficking. Zoran Kalanjoš, Coordinator and Demography, Tomislav As the expectations are one for Roma Issues of Sombor pre- Bogunović, talked about the of the most important aspects of sented to the establishment of the purchase of rural households, as the strategic planning process, the Association of Coordinators for an option that can be used to solve results obtained at this meeting, Roma Issues in Serbia. This the housing problem of the Roma. will undoubtedly be of great bene- Association now has 48 members - The meeting ended with a fit to the Office, and with the aim Coordinators. As vice president of summary and summing the of a better, more complete and the association, Kalanjoš spoke expectations that stakeholders better organized integration of about the expectations it has from have of the Roma Inclusion Office. Roma. the Roma Inclusion Office. As one The Coordinators expect the rele- Jovana Davidović

16 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Human rights

MEETING WITH THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE EUROPEAN ROMA RIGHTS CENTRE Foto: www.ombudsmanapv.org Foto:

Provincial Ombudsman, Aniko Muškinja Hajnrih and Eva Vukašinović, Deputy Ombudsman for the Protection of National Minorities, met with representatives of the European Roma Rights Center (ERRC).

In an interview with Adam Weiss, readmission, Roma participation in ject being the non-governmental director of the legal department in the preparation of urban develop- organization “Work in Progress” from ERRC and with his colleagues, it was ment plans and to the formation of Novi Sad, which is dedicated to the pointed to a number of issues that the Civil Guard. The officials expressed training of Roma mediators. affect the rights of members of the concern about the strengthening of Representatives of ERRC expressed Roma national minority – starting right-wing organizations in a number willingness to participate in the reali- from the treatment of the police of European countries. zation of this project and to actively against members of the Roma mino- Representatives of ERRC expre- cooperate with the institution of the rity, through education, issuing certi- ssed interest in the project, actively provincial ombudsman to protect the ficates of nationality, the implemen- supported by the Provincial ombud- rights of Roma. tation of affirmative measures, sman and with the carrier of the pro- www.ombudsmanapv.org

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 17 Social protection

STUDY VISIT TO ITALY

Photo: Provincial Institute of Social Welfare

A group from Serbia, ie. Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, visited the Italian cities of Bologna, Ravenna and Forli within the “Net Age” project in which the AP of Vojvodina included two partners: Regional Institute of Social Welfare and the Novi Sad Humanitarian Centre, together with another 10 institutions and organizations from Italy, Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro and Albania. The study visit was organized in May 2014.

The full title of the project is Representatives of other coun- Participants’ impressions “Promotion of regional social tries have visited the Italian region development that promotes of Emilia Romagna and Marche. Participants believe that rela- networking of relevant public and There were around 20 participants tionships with Emilia-Romagna and non-profit stakeholders to streng- representing state institutions dea- Marche are very important for the then innovation in the provision of ling with the elderly, as well as further development of the social social health services for people in representatives of non-governmen- protection system in our country, as the third age”. tal organizations. well as for cooperation with other The idea of the project is to During the study visit, the countries in the region. Additionally, strengthen and encourage the deve- representatives of Vojvodina had they recognized the ability to trans- lopment of demographic processes the opportunity to get acquainted fer the best practices from Italy by focusing on innovative social and with the social welfare system in and to really put the acquired fri- health services for older people to Italy, to compare it with the system endships and relationships between enable them an active, healthy and here, and to see the ways of provi- institutions and organizations to a independent life at old age. ding social services. good use. Service for users with

18 e Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Social protection

dementia was particularly emphasi- vities for older family members. Italian regions visited have zed, which is yet to be developed Parti-cipants also pointed out they developed the SOS centers for vul- in Serbia. The living conditions of got the idea to engage potential nerable people living at home, and demented users, as well as accom- new employees for vacant positi- can be contacted by telephone if panying facilities and equipment ons, such as for example an ani- they need something. It is also part we saw are really at a very high mator-activator of psycho-mental of the social protection and then level, and meet the standards process, because this profession social workers help for the family necessary for the quality of life. does not exist in the social secu- and the elderly individual to select Also, the experiences of rity system in our country, and we a service in the community which volunteer engagement within do not have schools to educate is most appropriate and adequate governmental and non-govern- this staff. They also pointed out to their needs. mental sectors in Italy left a signi- the importance of new ideas for And finally, a special impres- ficant impression. Volunteerism is enriching the work of the open sion on guests from Vojvodina left very important to them, they form of protection, for example, with the family, which in these emphasize voluntary work in the the introduction of a variety of regions and the services they pro- community and are very proud of language courses, cooking, and vide is very important. Family par- the experience they have in this computer skills useful for the ticipates in all phases of the area. The participants of the study elderly. Then, introducing the establishment and implementa- tour had the opportunity to visit a basic computer literacy, Internet tion of services for the elderly. non-profit volunteer organization and Skype to communicate with that locally organizes various acti- family and friends. Ivana Koprivica

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 19 Sport

THE YOUNGEST CRICKET CLUB IN SERBIA

Just over a year ago, there was a initiative for the formation of a cricket club in Backi Monoštor. The initiative has come to life and transformed into the foundation of the youngest cricket club in Serbia, whose players are mostly Roma. From an interview with Ivan Petrović, president of the club, we learned the details related to the emergence of the idea of forming a club, the way of training, funding, and future plans. One of the players told us his experiences as a result of playing cricket.

Cricket is a sport whose tradition stretches as far as the 14th century. It comes from England where it is still a very popular sport. The game is played the most in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Australia. In par- ticular, it is characterized by a spirit (moral code) which requires fair play, respect for judges, teammates and oppo- nents and honest admission of defeat and victory. This is a team sport with teams of eleven players. The cricket pitch is grassy and of almost ellipsoidal shape. At its center is a rectangular box, and on both sides of the boxes are wooden planks with crossbars (goalposts). During the game, a leather ball the size of a fist that hits a wooden stick (bat) is used. The pitcher tosses the ball from one hatch to another, a hitter needs to hit and run to the opposite part of the rectangular field while replacing the position with the launcher, to score a point. The match can last six for hours or more, and up to several days.

20 e Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Sport

The lack of resources and skilled personnel

Practice is held two or three times a week for two hours. They were given a stadium to use from the village football club Danube. They even let them draw lines on the ground necessary for cricket. The problem is that the club does not have a professional coach, which is needed for more successful performance. The Cricket federation promised that to pay someone to do coaching course to help the club meet the criteria and standards they require. Another problem is the fact that the club currently has no sponsors and is financed from its own funds of players. However, as the club received an official decision on the establishment, it will be eligible to apply for funding from the Ministry of Youth and Sports. “Out of these funds, we would purchase the equipment and provide money for transportation, because we need to cover the travel expenses when we go to Belgrade to games that are played on the field Lisičiji jarak”- said the president of the A successful start the game system. Name of the club. club is Bodrog Deers (Bodrog is the “We had a friend who moved old name for Bački Monoštor and Quality time here from Belgrade, who introdu- Deers as an English word for deer). ced us to the cricket and with the There is a great interest in this Ivan Petrović particularly representatives of the Cricket sport because it represents stressed out the importance of the Federation of Serbia and thus, the something new and different from fact this is the way for Roma chil- idea of a cricket club was born” - what is usually offered. The club dren to get off the streets and says Ivan Petrović. The Cricket successfully debuted in its first focus their excessive energy and Federation accepted them from tournament of B League in May desires into something positive. the start, by donating them part 2013. They mastered the Belgrade Cricket in Monoštor is a way to of their equipment, which fol- team Vračar and Zeleno Brdo. spend quality time as players have lowed the assistance with registra- Until then, they did not know their the opportunity to travel, socialize tion. After the initiative to form a quality and level of play, and then and meet people from whom they club, the players have been prac- realized that they have progressed can learn new and interesting ticing and learning the rules and and have potential. things. Ivan Civrić, who is, along

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 21 Sport

Ivan Civrić with Dennis Balog, a potential can- Cricket in Serbia didate for the player in the Serbian National Cricket Team, shared his In Serbia, Cricket was established in 2007, and in 2008, the first clubs in Belgrade were founded. In 2010, the Cricket Federation of Serbia was experiences with us. He has been established (CFS), and in the same year, the Serbian national team debuted playing cricket at the Bodrog Deers in international competitions. Meanwhile, the CFS became a member of the club and is very happy because the Sports Federation of Serbia and cricket became a sport which is supported players train well and play well. by the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Serbia currently has more than 120 He decided to play cricket since registered cricketers. majority of the players in the club are of Roma nationality, and it from other sports because it is not There are only six cricket gives them a chance to socialize as dynamic, but it is very inte- clubs in Serbia, and Bodrog more. “Cricket is very different resting” - said Civrić. Deers, as the youngest, shows potential, and with adequate professional staff and finan- ces, can continue to prosper. The premier league matches are the opportunity for them to measure power with a stronger team, and the potential national representatives are the clearest sign that the club works well.

Tijana Čubrilo At practice

22 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Culture

CONTRIBUTION TO THE CULTURAL LIFE OF THE VILLAGE

On the occasion of the Orthodox Christian holiday St. Nicholas, under the auspices of the municipality of Alibunar, in the hall of the House of Culture in Ilandža, the Cultural and Artistic Association “St. Nicholas“celebrated its name day. The evening concert – the play, sounds of Tamboura and ori- ginal folk songs, the cultural ambassadors of the village presented to the audience.

Dressed in colorful traditional from Kosovo, was to follow. costumes, the concert was opened Damir Pranjković, soloist on by a children folklore group with Tamburica, as well as Jovan dances from Banat, and then the and Dragan Jankov, soloists first folklore ensemble presented on the flute all performed to themselves with dances from the audience. Vojvodina and Eastern Serbia, cho- The local Tamboura reographed by Aleksandar Jova- orchestra performance entitled “The old vires into the The concert was attended right hands” was accompa- by the Roma Cultural and Artistic nied by the strongest Association “Romano Ilo - Roma applause, conducted by the experienced musical pedago- Heart”. With cheerful Roma dan- gue Todor Petrović, who ces, choreographed by teaching managed to revive and conti- assistants Đ ani Šajin and Nikola nue the Tamboura tradition Dragoslav, this composition deli- that made this place well- ghted the audience. known. before the upcoming charity con- According to the president of cert, with all the proceeds dedi- nović and Aleksandra Novakov. A Cultural Artistic Association “St. cated to the areas in Serbia performance by children’s singing Nicholas”, Dragoslav Stojšin, the affected by the floods. group, who performed folk songs concert was a dress rehearsal Ferenc Koso

e Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 23 Culture

FIGHTING WINDMILLS

In the home of Jovan Bogdanovic, on his call, we talked about his literary works and topics he deals with as a writer, but primarily as a Roma who takes care of his compatriots and wants to help them in their struggle for equality and progress. However, as he says, he often encountered obstac- les and rejection on this road.

Constant striving his life. He was a boxer for finished his eight-year eductaion for the better ‘’Vojvodina’’ in Novi Sad. As this in latter years of his life at the sport implies a strong desire to Workers’ University of Novi Sad, Jovan Bogdanovic JOB was win, and requires a great courage and then qualified for the driver. born in 1936, in Novi Sad. He grew and determination, a connection All these are clear indications that up in a very poor Roma family in can clearly be established to striving for progress always existed the village of Slana Bara. ‘’I come Bogdanovic of Roma origin and his inside him, which together with from the Roma Mahala “- says desire for change and improve- his own effort and work, materia- Bogdanovic. This fact determined ment of living conditions. lized. everything that later happend in Accordingly, Jovan Bogdanovic

24 e Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Culture

Literary work If the heart Love is a song that lasts Yours is beautiful As the dawn of the day in Paradise He published his first book in Is it important It is life 2004, although his interest in literature goes much further back. It What is its color And gives us everything was a book of poetry, Black and Happyness, tears and the sea. White, and the novel Splendor of The color of the soul is invisible catharsis – Kostana, the white It is colored by the deeds Gypsy got out later that year. His Songs from the collection Black and White travelogue Vision got published in 2005. He received recognition for contemporary society. He simul- he still does not give up literature his literary work in the form of taneously fights for justice, because he believes this way, he membership in the Association of understanding and feelings of the will approach the realization of all Writers of Vojvodina (DKV) and the people, regardless of skin color Roma rights and their awareness Writers’ Union in the country and and racial discrimination, which is that they have the necessary abroad (SKOR). present even today. Jovan rights, and that each individual “My literary works represent Bogdanovic emphasizes the need should be fighting for it. Problems the fight against windmills” - he for education and training of Roma should be talked about, ie. writ- stressed. The writer wishes to tes- youth, because, according to him, ten, and this is the only way to tify about the horrors through this is the route to prosperity and open a space for their solution. which Roma people went, and are a better future. Jovan Bogdanovic dedicated still going, through his work. his life to fighting for the rights Through records and literary Difficulties and the emancipation of his fellow works, he wants to hear all about Roma, and with his way of life the events that are taking place in However, like all those showed that Romany origin should engaged in literature, ie. Art in not be an obstacle. On the con- Manuscript by Jovan Bog- general, Jovan Bogdanovic has also trary, it should be an additional danovic presents his never- encountered difficulties when he incentive for improvement, and, ending struggle for the posi- wanted to publish his manuscripts. the fight against windmills ‘’should tion of Roma, who live on the margins of life, without any rights and a chance to express their values. [...] John feels there is a disparaging treatment of his efforts to change the world for the benefit of real human relationships and values, even when he is aware that his struggle supported by a small number of his friends, whose numbers are dwindling not because they do not support his views, but because they think that we as a society are stuck in a big vat where you can not see a way out. Excerpt from the review Books of Jovan Bogdanović written by Borislav Putnik - PUB For several years, he cannot raise never stop, because the point is for unpublished book funds for his book Black preacher not to win or lose, but to fight. Black preacher to see the light of day. However, Tijana Čubrilo

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 25 Culture

ROMA FOLK POEMS

Roma folk poems have always been part of the Roma identity, they were sung beside the cradle with fire and with the meal, at weddings, and even at the deathbed. So, the song is always with Roma, in daily activities, and in moments of celebration, but also of sorrow, in life and in death. Many of the songs have become very popular because they become part of the music tradition. Roma poetry is a natural and direct, and the life of Roma is an emotion, image and word. It speaks of people who were expelled from their homeland and scattered across the world.

The most frequent themes tely unattainable, but with the child. They are characterized by and motifs charm in trying to reach it. muted melody and gentle One of the central themes of rhythms. According to Rajko Djuric, the Roma folk poetry is the life in the most frequent themes and prison since the Roma have been Literary treasure motifs in Roma folk poems are imprisoned and persecuted family life and celebrations, throughout Europe for centuries. Trifun DImic published a book love between a boy and a girl, In the songs, the imprisoned in 1986, in the edition of Matica horses, travels, wanderings, Roma is usually addressing to Srpska folk poetry, which was the misfortunes, tragic historical God: “God Open your eyes and / result of many years of his gathe- events. Those are the poems send me wings! / To get toyou, / rings. He wrote songs mostly in that thematize the everyday life my suffering to see”. Vojvodina, from older people who of the Roma. Lullabies are particularly carried the lyrics in their memory. Both God and the Devil are emphasized in their beauty, and In the preface to this book, he tal- present in the poems, the Sun, many of them are included in the ked about the difficulties encoun- Moon and Stars. Great topic of global anthology of folk poetry. tered during the fieldwork. What Roma poetry is death, ie. its Lullabies are related to one of happened was that in some places immediate vicinity that man the most important events in the he did not write anything, there fears, and joy that is comple- life of the family - the birth of a was inability to answer to the pro-

26 e Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Culture blem of sound and melodic writing songs and it was also a problem to classify the poems. Certainly, the Wilted heart biggest problem was that that this was an individual job, without the institutional support, and it required the involvement of more It will wilt because of you, my young heart, people and support from relevant institutions. The importance this book car- Because I cannot look at you, dear. ries for the history of the Roma, especially the folk literature, particularly when we consider that See the forest green, lush, the poems are printed in two lan- guages: Romani, and (then) Serbo- Croatian. This made possible for And my soul is wilt, my dear. the majority of people to become familiar with Roma literary treasu- I gave you everything I had, res. Prior to this, last Romani folk songs were published in 1937 by Rade Uhlik (Romane gilja), but For you and your love, dear. were only in Romani language. Songs in the book by Trifun Dimić are classified as follows: wedding, lament, tributes, love A love song from the songs, family, lullabies, playful and mocking songs, social songs and book Roma folk poetry poems from the War 1941-1945.

Roma are people whose My daughter in law, of black skin existence is immersed in the song, and their spirit is cons- My daughter in law, of black skin, tantly circulating around the Of your rich father, spring of tradition. They found What’ve you brought to me? solace and a shield in poem, a I brought two patchworks, protection from all adversity; Two patchworks torn, it became their love, hope and faith in a better tomorrow. I brought two dresses, Although always on the move, Two skirts, two patches. the Roma have not forgotten the poems, stories and pictures And I brought black eyes from their past, which testified Like two ugly vineyards. about the life and customs. They carried them around with them, remembered them, and Wedding poem from the kept to them and passed them book Roma folk poetry on through poetry. Tijana Čubrilo

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 27 Roma in the World

A ROMANI PRESIDENT OF THE COUNTRY

Juscelino Kubitschek de Oliveira (Portuguese Juscelino Kubitschek de Oliveira, 1902- 1976) was a Brazilian politician and the President of Brazil from 1956 until 1961.

28 e Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Roma in the World

Paris and Vienna. After the spe- cialization, he gets a job as a doctor - Captain in the Military Police, and then started to get involved in politics. In 1934, he was elected to the State Assembly of Minas Gerais, and in 1940, he became the mayor of Belo Horizonte. He enters to the Assembly of Minas Gerais again in 1945, and five years later, he became the governor of that state. I n 1 9 5 5 , J u s c e l i n o Kubitschek ran for president of Brazil and won, and on January 31st in 1956, he passed the presidential oath at the Office and officially became the president. During his tenure, major major roads were built in the country, and the Brazilian auto industry was launched. Many have criti- cized him for giving the priority to the development of the road, and not the rail transport, since people thought that the rail service would contribute more to the development of the country.

The construction of the new capital

Among the most important projects he did as the President are the construction of new capital, Brasilia, which was built on, until then just the soil in the central part of Brazil. The region was fertile, rich in ore and water, and was thus suitable for the development of the economy. He comes from a very poor He studied medicine and gra- Although the idea of moving capi- family - his father was a tra- duated in 1927. During his stu- tal existed since 1891, the con- veling salesman and mother was dies, he had to work to be able struction started in February a teacher who was originally a to pay all the necessary expen- 1957, and the city was inaugu- Romani from the Czech Republic. ses. He specialized in urology in rated on April 21st, 1960. Then

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 29 Roma in the World they moved all the tial palace, and all the state institutions and Since the city was created from scratch, other government building. foreign embassies into it was designed and built according to all the Architecture plans provide the city. It was concei- requirements of modern urban planning and everything and there are ved as an engine of eco- special blocks with schools, architecture. It was designed by urban plan- nomic progress of the hospitals, theaters, cine- ner Lúcio Costa, architect Oscar Niemeyer and country, and its con- mas, hotels. Opinions struction was a master- the landscape architect Roberto Burl Marx. about Brazil and its beauty piece of modern archi- They intended the most modern aesthetic and and practicality were bro- tecture. It is located architectural achievements at the time for ken, but it is certain that 900 kilometers from the Brasilia. The architect Lúcio Costa said about the creation of the city previous capital, Rio de contributed to the develo- Brasilia in 1968: “It’s monumental, human, Janeiro. It was concei- pment of the western part simple, grandiose, ascetic in the purity of ved as a bird with out- of the state. stretched win-gs, with form, reduced to the most necessary things”. Among the monuments the main shaft 6 km Oscar Niemeyer later admitted that this expe- are: the Parliament buil- long and 350 m wide. In riment was not a success. ding, the Presidential the body of the bird are Palace, Kubitschek’s the most important administra- the wings of the apartment bridge, the television tower and tive and public buildings, and in blocks. First he built a presiden- the city’s cathedral. Foto: Internet Foto:

Kubitschek’s bridge

30 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Roma in the World Foto: Internet Foto: The Memorial Center

Brasilia initially had 36000 the country were provided by bear his name. Juscelino inhabitants, and now has nearly printing the money, which led to Kubitschek was the only Roma 2.5 million residents in the met- the inflation and losing the value who was the president of a ropolitan area. The rate of of Brasilian and other Latin country and that is its great increase in population is 2.8 American currencies. That is contribution for the Roma worl- percent annually. why in 1964, the military took dwide. His example showed and over the power, and Kubitschek proved that poverty and margi- Stories of corruption was were forbidden to engage in nalization should not be an politics for 10 years. obstacle for the Roma, but yet He was charged with corrup- He was killed in a car another inncentive for progress tion and the claims he placed accident in 1976, and 350 thou- and persistence, which surely the foreign economy as a prio- sand people attended his fune- brings success. rity, instead of the domestic ral in Brasilia. The airport and economy. Many investments in the fanciest hotel in Brasilia Tijana Čubrilo

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 31 DECADE OF ROMA INCLUSION 2005 - 2015

Rumunija 1. Jul 2005 - 30. Jun 2006, Bugarska 1. Jul 2006 - 30. Jun 2007, Ma|arska 1. Jul 2007 - 30. Jun 2008, Srbija 1. Jul 2008 - 30. Jun 2009, Slova~ka 1. Jul 2009 - 30. Jun 2010, ^e{ka 1. Jul 2010 - 30. jun 2011, Makedonija 1. Jul 2011 - 30. Jun 2012, Hrvatska 1. Jul 2012 - 30. Jun 2013, Crna Gora 1. Jul 2013 - 30. Jun 2014. CRNA GORA

1. Jul 2013. - 30. Jun 2014.

MINISTARSTVO ZA LJUDSKA I MANJINSKA PRAVA, DR@AVNU UPRAVU I LOKALNU SAMOUPRAVU UPRAVA ZA LJUDSKA I MANJINSKA PRAVA

32 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina