Center Amalipe Monthly newsletter

ISSUE 9, 2011

Table of contents: FOCUS KATUNITSA AND AFTER THAT – IS BULGARIAN SOCIETY TOLERANT [Focus: September proved to be quite hot. Not so much on account of the high integration are actually lacking. Roma organizations have been also ·Katunitsa and after that – is temperatures but on account of the degree of passions. Unfortunately, these surprised. Seizure of fear amongst many forced them to remain silent. passions were not related to the natural joy originating from the beginning Others have restricted their efforts to declarations and letters. As a whole, Bulgarian society tolerant th ·Roma Pride - let's study and of the school year: very quickly September 15 - one such a bright holiday - the so-called "Roma movement" failed to meet this challenge and to live together was marked by the sign of ethnic hatred. The village of Katunitsa became protect the people whose empowerment it has been destined to guide. In this situation, CIEDT Amalipe was the only Roma organization which ·What happens in Bulgaria: famous in a negative sense - not only with the fact that a teenager has been responded actively. In the hot week which followed the events in Facts, reactions, Roma Pride killed presumably on an order assigned by an arrogant local baron, who proclaimed himself for a "king" and who has been patronized by political Katunitsa, our office has turned into an improvised crisis center: every hour ·Declaration in response to parties and governments. calls from the moderators from the Community Development Centers the recent activities of A criminal deed quickly turns into ethnic conflict, which hung over throughout the country have been received reporting on what is happening violence and hatred speech st against Roma and other Bulgaria as a thunderstorm cloud. In the last week of the hot September, and asking how to react (see below). On the 1 October, together with our minority groups in Bulgaria Roma neighbourhoods throughout the country were living in fear: some structures throughout the country and with partners - civil society have been attacked by ultra-nationalists, skinheads or just hooligans, and in organizations, schools, youth activists and teachers, we organized the [ other neighbourhoods rumours for imminent attacks have been spread campaign "I have a dream – that we all learn and live together" in 15 towns Khere: which provoked the average Roma to keep an ax and a shovel as self- throughout the country. Our idea was to give opportunity for publicity to defense weapons in their room and this happens in Bulgaria –already EU those who believe that the ethnic hatred is beyond any question (these are ·T h e c o m m u n i t y member. Young Roma people, on their way back from school have been majority in Bulgaria!) and to bring to reason the newly established development club – village of attacked by well-doers, fighting with "gypsy criminality" – the only crime kingdom of absurd and insanity. Through this, we also intended to give a Varbovka with a new youth of these young people being that they are dark-skinned and that they have chance to the Roma living in the ghetto to show that their community has center decided to study in the ethnically mixed school, rather than in the reasons to be proud with itself and that they do not need to live in fear. ·Training on advocacy skills segregated so-called "tsigansko" school. Thousands of Roma children Thousands of people took part in the initiative on the 1st October: the in the field of Roma ceased to attend school, and their parents watched television programs Centers for Community Development have been filled with people who healthcare showing how other children (secondary school students) raise slogans took from the essays on tolerance theme and from the carnation bunches ·Medical students discussed 'Let's turn Roma people into soap ...'. Bulgaria was on the brink of civil war. given out by our volunteers, made drawings on the same theme, wrote with Minister Donchev the Against this background, institutions, having as their mission the Roma down their own messages. Against the background of the nationalistic problems of the Roma integration remained silent. The National Coordinator of the Decade for parades running on the same day, this peaceful initiative brought the community in rural areas Roma Inclusion and the President of NCCEII had not intervened being it warmth of the October sun back to the grudged Bulgaria. The courage of ·Clubs for local development only with single speech – at the time, he was on leave because of pre- dozens of Bulgarian and Roma young people, teachers and civil society from Varbovka, Batak and Balvan presented a theater- music show ROMA PRIDE - LET'S STUDY AND LIVE TOGETHER WHAT HAPPENS IN BULGARIA: FACTS, REACTIONS, ROMA PRIDE ·Volunteers from community d e v e l o p m e n t c l u b s Center Amalipe together with other civil society organizations, schools, young Roma people, Roma and Bulgarian students organized on 1st October a number of Certain facts: The pre-history of the present clashes in the village of Katunitza organized football game events in around fifteen cities and towns in Bulgaria. They are also a response to (Plovdiv District) is in the previous decades when Kiril Rashkov, a Kaldarashi the events Bulgaria witnesses during the last one week, the wave of violence and boss labeled Tzar Kiro (King Kiro), moved from Plovdiv to Katunitza and started [Observer: hatred speech against Roma in Bulgaria. Our initiative is a response to the to torture the local population (predominantly Bulgarians). Kiril Rashkov replaced message of the crowd shouting words of ethnic hatred and the attempt to managed to escape any form of justice because of his links with the ruling political ·First meeting of the working present the latter as the “fair outrage of the masses”. forces and his wealth (accumulated mainly in the gray economy). This lead to tensions with the local population enhanced additionally by the arrogant behavior group for the preparation of In the context of the events during the last couple of days we have decided that the of some of his grandsons the national Roma Strategy Bulgarian Roma Pride would not be a march but something more… Our attempt was also On September 23 in the village of Katunitza a buss driven by a Roma man Simeon Iosifov killed Angel Petrov, 19 years young person from Bulgarian origin. [ to include many Bulgarians in these School: initiatives to show that ethnic tolerance is Since the family of Petrov and Rashkov had long history of conflicts during the still a value in the Bulgarian society and that previous years and since few days ago a Rashkov grandson threatened to kill ·Let's dream in all the the sensible people in Bulgaria believe and Petrov, the majority of Katunitza people decided that Iosifov is engaged by languages are also proud of what Bulgarian Roma are Rashkov and started protests. During the protest another young person Pavel Tolev died because of heart attack. ·Seminar for mentoring proud of. All the initiatives started at 11.00 a.m. on On September 24 the protests against Rashkov appropriated clear anti-Roma teachers ''With attention to character especially when the football fans from Plovdiv joint them. They burnt 3 every child" October 1st. A civic campaign “I have a dream: to study and live together” was one of of the Rashkov houses with slogans for killing all Gypsies and Turks. The police the activities. It was organized by Center interfered lately, when the houses were burnt. During the next days protests were [Roma health: Amalipe in Veliko Turnovo and Strazhica organized in many Bulgarian cities – Plovdiv, Sofia, Veliko Turnovo, Burgass, (with the support of the two municipalities), Varna, etc. Although officially they were labeled “On defense of Katunitza · Analysis of health care by the National Network of Children in people”, the protests had clear anti-Roma character. Fan clubs, rocker clubs, reform and their impact Sofia, by the primary schools of Tishvitsa nationalist political parties and many young secondary students joint the protests and Banitsa and Roma medical students in organized through Facebook. Since September 25 the anti-Roma protests at on the Roma community Vratsa, and by Roma Lom Foundation in certain places started to use violence against Roma. In Burgass, Varna and other in Bulgaria september, Lom. The activity was named “Tolerance places Roma people were beaten and even Roma neighborhoods were attacked. 2011 fair.” In all the cities mentioned Bulgarian and Roma young people were giving Victims of this violence were ordinary Roma who had no links with Rashkov: the citizens a carnation (in analogue with the Portuguese carnation revolution), a some of them were students who attend ethnically mixed schools outside the drawing by a child, and an essay written by a Roma child for the future of Continues on page 2 Bulgaria. The citizens in response were asked to write their message for Bulgaria on a white sheet of clothe. Around 1000 carnations were given to the citizens DECLARATION IN RESPONSE TO THE RECENT ACTIVITIES passing by. Most of the people received them with a smile and the wish that more OF VIOLENCE AND HATRED SPEECH AGAINST ROMA AND and more people join this OTHER MINORITY GROUPS IN BULGARIA campaign. This returned us the The events from Katunitsa, as well as the threats and violence in the Roma hope that the prevailing part of neighborhoods all over Bulgaria challenge the major achievements of the Bulgarian society does not Bulgaria during the last two decades: non-violent transition, ethnic piece, the share and does not support the model of civic nation where all ethnic groups Roma, Bulgarians, Turks study hatred slogans of the crowd. “In and leave together. The events from the last couple of days resulted in Bulgaria we all live together and growing fear in the Roma neighborhoods: fear for the safety of the children the richness of the culture of and for their own safety. In this situation thousands of Roma children every one of us contributes to stopped going to school and thousands of Roma parents did not go to work. what Bulgaria is” – wrote one of The most vulnerable part of the Roma community in this situation turned to the people we met. Of course, be that groups of people who work and study outside of the Roma ghettos and there were people who had looked at us skeptically at the neighborhoods, i.e. all those people on whom we rely to be the main agent of beginning but our volunteers, especially the Roma medical students and sincere change for the modernization of the community. words written by the Roma pupils quickly changed the skeptical glances.Continues on page 2 All Center Amalipe page 2/4

Continues from page 1 FOCUS Continues from page 1 FOCUS ROMA PRIDE - LET'S STUDY AND LIVE TOGETHER WHAT HAPPENS IN BULGARIA: FACTS, REACTIONS, ROMA PRIDE In all the cities the event enjoyed a lot of smiles, warm words and wishes in contrast to the expectations for provocation and the neighborhood or that Roma boy / girl is killed became everyday life in the Roma ghettos. Often violence. In most of the cities the initiative was organized these rumors were pushed by vagabonds and even by people affiliated with nationalist political together with the municipalities and the support of the regional parties. The result is that at present thousands of Roma kids do not attend school because of the fear: police department. this appear to be very sharp problem in ethnically mixed (desegregated) schools and also in certain In the six Roma community centers (Novi Pazar, Shumen schools situated within the Roma ghettos. Hundreds of Roma do not go to work. In many district, Pestera, Pazardzhik district, Etropole, Sofia district, neighborhoods Roma started to self-organize themselves in defense groups. Biala Slatina, Vratsa district, Kameno, Burgas district, and The reaction of the institutions still does not calm the situation. Although both Prime minister Balvan, Veliko Turnovo district) established by Center Amalipe Borisov and President Parvanov appealed for ethnic peace and for not transforming into ethnic a in six districts in Bulgaria the day of the Roma pride was criminal problem, the protests still raise anti-Roma slogans. Although police is mobilized to protect celebrated with flowers, children paintings, exhibitions of the schools, the neighborhoods and to not allow the protests to become violence, Roma people in Roma culture and the example of successful Roma. many places are under fear. The “Roma related institutions” do not react. The National coordinator In Novi Pazar the residents of the city enjoyed an exhibition of of the Decade of Roma Inclusion and Minister of Interior Tzvetan Tzvetanov is in leave (he is traditional objects, showing decent work and culture of various organizing the election campaign of the ruling party) and does not make statement regarding the ethnic groups in the country. Romani women prepared a conflicts. After proposal of Roma NGOs – members of the National Council for Cooperation on traditional baklava recipe. The visitors learned about various Ethnic and Integration Issues, the Council passed declaration on September 28. Examples from one Roma crafts and feasts. Roma children shared their dreams day in Roma neighborhoods: Since in July Amalipe formed Community Development Centers in six presented in the drawings. In Kameno where the exhibition rural municipalities, the local Roma moderators actively participate in solving the problems that presented traditional Roma crafts and the people showed how they used to produce artifacts such as appear in them. spoons, spindles, etc. The visitors were so eager that long before the announced time, they were On September 27 three Roma parent from the neighborhood in Novi Pazar were «informed” already before the court of the Community Development Center where the event took place. In through telephone call that a Roma guy is killed in the school. In half an hour all Roma parents Pestera in addition to the exhibition of traditional costumes and objects the event was attend also by moved their children from school. The Roma community moderator Emilia … together with the the famous Roma boxer Serafim Todorov who talked about himself and his life. Separate section of leader of local Roma organization Museam Ali visited all families in the neighborhood and calmed the exhibition presented medals and pictures of the famous Roma choreographer Mancho them. It appeared that no guy is killed and no incident has happened. The parent promised to sent Makarinski, founder of Pazardzhik and Pestera dance ensembles which had won prestigious their children back to school and on September 28 all Roma kids attended school. On September 27 international awards. In Byala Slatina in addition to the exhibition "I am proud of…" showing Roma around noon Roma youngsters from Peshtera received massages through Facebook that pogroms life and soul, the children of primary school "Hristo Smirnenski" presented poems, fables, and told will be organized in both Roma neighborhoods – Ediveren and Lukovitza. The people started to self- different stories. Roma youngsters told of their desire to study higher education and are proud of the organize in defense groups. The Roma community moderator Nikola Furnadjiev did short fact that their region is birth place of many Roma students and graduates. Old women told of investigation about the origin and the massages received and found that they are sent by young lady, traditional holidays and the way they had celebrated them. In Etropole the guests admired the daughter of one of the candidates for mayor from nationalist party. The local leader Iuksel Iasharov traditional items, tasted the delicious polenta, prepared after a Rudari traditional recipe and an and Furnadjiev informed immediately the police. The local prosecution office started investigation. exhibition of children's drawings entitled "I dream about Bulgaria without violence" painted by On September 28 the situation was completely calmed and the local people continued to organize children from Etropole Municipality. Everywhere in the cities where the Roma community the community meeting “I am proud to be Roma” that will take place on October 1 within the development centers had organized the exhibitions they were honored by representatives of initiative Roma Pride. municipal administrations, representatives of local government institutions, school principals, On September 28, late in the afternoon, two people from one of the Roma neighborhoods in health services, kindergartens and social services. Everywhere the events enjoyed great interest Pavlikeni received phone call that skinheads from Sliven will attack the Gipsy mahala. The Amalipe from the local population: Roma, Turkish and Bulgarian community. The campaign joined both, coordinator for Pavlikeni municipality Valentin Vassilevmet the leaders in both Roma young and elderly people. The idea of ? ? the exhibition was to show what the Roma community neighborhoods and together with them visited most of the families. They promised to not stop their could do; to show what Roma culture was and what we could be proud of; to show that we could be children from school. The police was informed for the menace and ensured that no groups are proud of the cultures of the different ethnicities and we could live together in Bulgaria. And as our approaching Pavlikeni. Late in the evening the situation was completely calmed. community moderators shared: "That was really the way to get people from different ethnic groups “Roma Pride – let's study and live together”: for October 1 Center Amalipe and big number of together and to celebrate the Day of the Roma pride." The visitors of the exhibitions in Kameno, NGOs, teachers, and activists – both Roma and Bulgarians – plan to organize civic campaign “I have Byala Slatina, Pestera, Novi Pazar and Etropole received also one drawing made by a child, bearing a dream – to study and live together”. It will coincide with the European initiative Roma Pride.The the campaign message. In response, they left their messages at our Tolerance fair. Here is what little Alexandra left us (6 years-old, Pestera): "My dream is that all people in Pestera are alive and well and love each other!" And this is Annie's (7 years-old): "I am a small citizen of Pestera and my dream SCHOOL is love and understanding among all." Many other schools, organizations and citizens joined the initiative promoting tolerance. NGO "Public Education Council in the municipality of Gotse LET'S DREAM IN ALL THE LANGUAGES Delchev" participated in Saturday's initiative making TRAIN of TOLERANCE: pupils gathered on "Macedonia" square in Gotse Delchev (Blagoevgrad district). They cought each other hand in hand October 3, 2011 was not just an ordinary school day for 'Vasil Levski' and crossed the entire main street. They gave the citizens painted smiles pictures with the logo of the primary school in the village of Karadzhovo, Plovdiv district. There were campaign “To live and study together” painted by the children the previous days. In "Ivan Vazov" two reasons about this singularity: The first one was that exactly there at this School, in the town of Varshets (Montana district) students and teachers decorated TREE of school at 11 am started children traveling exhibition 'My dream for the Roma TOLERANCE and put flowers with their names. The older students made a WALL OF people and for Bulgaria today'. This is an exhibition of children essays and paintings intended to visit TOLERANCE at the main entrance of the school with more than 90 schools in the country. Each of these schools is participating in the project 'Prevention of messages from each class in the school. By creating the Roma children drop out of school' funded by 'America for Bulgaria' Foundation. The idea that longest painting in Sliven children joined the national provoked such an initiative is based on our belief that in many cases children are wiser than adults KHERE( AT HOME) and children's voice is often forgotten. In a THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CLUB – VILLAGE OF 'turbulent' time like ours nowadays, we decided to VARBOVKA WITH A NEW YOUTH CENTER ask students (regardless of their ethnicity) what On September 21 in the building of the Culture house of the village of they dream about, what they seek and how they see Varbovka, Pavlikeni Municipality a new Youth Center was opened. It was the place of the Roma community in Bulgaria in the established on an initiative of the Association of Mayors of Rural Areas, future. This kind of 'Ship of Children's Dreams' Municipality of Pavlikeni and Center for Interethnic Dialogue and Tolerance each week will reach a new school and each new ''Amalipe'' - Veliko Tarnovo with the active participation of activists from the Community Development school is going to put on a blank canvas its Club – Varbovka and the mayor of the village – Mr. Anton message. We decided that if we can gather enough Anotonov. Children from the local elementary school essays, not only in Bulgarian but also in Rromanes, 'Filip Totyu' presented a special program prepared for the Turkish, English etc. we could make an festive opening of the Youth Center. They raised the international traveling exhibition. This is how spirits of the audience on the square in front of the culture children from the nearby Balkan countries we'll also be able to participate in it and to dream together house by showing Bulgarian traditional and modern for a BETTER WORLD! The opening of the exhibition was attended by representatives of Amalipe: dances and reciting poems. Speaker of the official Deyan Kolev, Mariya Balkandzhieva and Tsveta Antonova, the major of the village of Karadzhovo, program was the head of the Culture Department at Pavlikeni Municipality, Mr. Gancho Alexandrov who is the French journalist Anne Dastakin and representative of the municipality of Sadovo – Mrs. Eli also an active supporter of the cause for Promotion of Stoyanova. But what we need to underline is that the exhibition was attended by plenty of children! Roma Culture. Special guests of the event were Mr. Each of them presented their work to the public, holding in hands wishes and essays. Everyone knows Deyan Kolev – Chairman of Amalipe Center, Mr. Valentin that child's dreams, pure and unadulterated can best paint the words we, the adults often use but less Vasilev – coordinator of Amalipe for the municipality of empathy and believe in such the word 'tolerance', 'together', 'friendship', 'can', 'love' and many more. Pavlikeni, Mrs. Tanya Andreeva – coordinator of Amalipe However when we hear a 3-grade child talking about that he wants all his friends to remain united and for the municipality of Veliko Tarnovo and Mrs. Anka to love each other no matter that they have different names (ethnic origin): Hasan, Manush and Petar it Andreeva – collaborator of the Community Development Club's Program in Veliko Tarnovo district. In his seems that there is a 'light in the tunnel' (hope) and not everything is a political game or deeply hidden opening speech to the youths Mr. Deyan Kolev praised the initiative and the good work of the local activists hatred wrapped in stereotypes and prejudices. We should be really glad that this is the future of who area actually the most active team within the whole district of Veliko Tarnovo. Apart from examining Bulgaria and exactly they – the children teach us in unity. The second reason this day to be a special in details all the Roma families in the village of Varbovka under the initiative for Community monitoring of one was the fact that only 2 km far away from the turbulent village of Katunitsa (The distance between healthcare services in the Roma community, the team members of Varbovka Youth Center also prepared a Karadzhovo and Katunitsa is only 2 km) we saw how Roma, Turkish and Bulgarian children live and theatrical play “Doctor, where are you?” which is now being performed in many other villages. Amalipe's learn TOGETHER! Here's what a Roma-mather said: 'I don't know and I can not understand why they present for the Youth Center was brand new fitness equipment. A brand new computer will also be donated separate us like this. In our village we all live in peace and understand each other. I am a mother of a 7- where all youth from the village can enjoy a free internet access. Deyan Kolev gave to the Youth Center also grader daughter, everything else does not matter'. And here is the wish of Zhivka Angelova, Roma, 3- the Roma flag with the wish that youngsters work actively with all the ethnicities from the village of grader: My dream is To change the world And everything to be fine again To have fun with my friends Varbovka. Other official guests of the event were: the Head of “Social Assistance” Directorate at And to play more funny games. Let's wish 'Good luck' to these pupils and we Municipality of Pavlikeni, Mrs. Angelina Petrova; Mr. Tosho Krastev and Mrs. Blagovesta Fakirova from the Association of Mayors of Rural Areas; Mrs. Mariya Micheva – principal of “Filip Totyu” elementary don't have to forget to thank the entire teacher's team of 'Vasil Levski' primary school and others. The village of Varbovka is the largest village in Pavlikeni school, Karadzhovo leaded by Krasimira Blagoeva, about their warm Municipality. It has 1300 inhabitants: 950 of whom – representatives of the welcoming and great job! The traveling exhibition is going to finish in June 2012 reaching the 9th Roma Children Festival 'Open Heart' in Veliko Tarnovo where Center Amalipe page 3/4 KHERE( AT HOME) KHERE( AT HOME) TRAINING ON ADVOCACY SKILLS IN THE FIELD OF neighborhoods in Gorna Oryahovica. At the sight they searched for ROMA HEALTHCARE information about the health status of the people and the problems in access to quality healthcare services of the local Roma population and Over 90 participants took part in training on developing advocacy also the obstacles in other areas of life – education, infrastructure and skills in the field of Roma healthcare near Veliko Turnovo. employment. The observations and conclusions that the students Participants were students of medicine and medical specialties across the country. So for the made were presented at the conference . Lots of emotions and rational proposals were implied in third consecutive year we support program for medical students and graduate doctors from the presentations of each group. The students could not hide their professional understanding on Roma. It was attended by both first-year students and students who participated for the some cases they have encountered during the outreach work – such as mistaken diagnosis, lack second and third year in the program, which continued the challenging mission to help young of daily services of a medical specialist, unlawful charges that were supposed to be covered by Roma to believe in their abilities and strive for their dreams. Throughout the week of training the Health Insurance Fund, even fatal death cases the students had a busy schedule which was due to a late show of ambulance. The students unexpected and they were surprised by the shared their pain provoked by the devastating intensity and variety of activities both poor life and the low quality of education in local theoretical and practical. If the first day of the schools which condemns intelligent Roma program, most students were not delighted that children. The students made number of concrete they had to spend a week of the long-awaited proposals. The medical observation and summer vacation here instead of relaxing on the screening of mothers one year after delivery must beach, but the very next day we showed them be covered by the Health Insurance Fund regardless the health insurance status. After all that they will not regret for a moment, on the the interest of the child is superior, the students contrary, that at the end, of all of them will be said. A change in the normative regulations to friends and would not even want that the guarantee pharmacies in each village was the training comes to an end. There it was. Now all demand of another group. It is necessary to bring exchanged emails and Facebook contacts to serious attention to the villages in the so called “urbanized municipalities” that are not eligible further friendship and cooperation in the cities for participation in the Rural Areas Development Program. For example a program that would where they will learn. The training was conducted in two main aspects - theoretical and be designed only for villages with poor living conditions and also sanctions for municipalities in practical. Some of the topics were related to the history, customs and culture of Roma, which the quality of life is many times better than the life in the villages of the same reforms in healthcare and their impact on ethnic groups, conflict resolution, social and health municipality, the students insisted. Minister Donchev was sincerely respected by the interventions in the community, and the other professionalism and advocate passion of the students. He participated in the entire discussion students have been involved in practicalwork and answered all queries and proposals regarding the improvement of quality of life in villages. in several towns and villages in Veliko The Minister underlined that the money is not basic problem for the Roma integration – money Turnovo district - Gorna Oryahovitsa, will be provided also from the EU funds. Broad public support should be brought and in that Vodoley, Batak, Varbovka, Maysko and matter the medical Roma students who speak in a Pavlikeni, where they were accompanied by professional manner on different issues besides fieldwork staff from Amalipe, working on the medicine are essential. “You are the vivid programs to prevent and control tuberculosis. advertisement of the Roma integration”, In the course of the visits, students had to learn Donchev said. He underlined that he will engage about access to healthcare and education himself personally the National Roma strategy to services by meeting with local people, doctors, be one of the main priorities for funding in the teachers or mayors. The results of the next programming period as long as it is prepared fieldwork, the future doctors presented on the in a pragmatical manner as it happened with the next day - September 2 at a conference titled deinstitutionalization. “The plan for "We are neither impersonal nor indifferent," held in the District Administration. Apart from deinstitutionalization provisions that we will the students, participants in the event were the Minister for Management of EU funds invest 200 million BGN for 10 years for better Tomislav Donchev, Alina Kovaci, head of public healthcare program of the ''Open Society'' future of 7000 children. Step by step this happens Institute - Budapest, Maria Metodieva - Roma Program Director at ''Open Society'' Institute - – in a good way. This is what I want to achieve regarding Roma integration – effective concrete plan that would be implemented, pointed Sofia, Ass. Prof. Pencho Penchev , District Governor, Dr Ivan Ivanov - Director of Regional Health Insurance Fund - Veliko Tarnovo and Dr. Albena Lambeva - Director of RHI - Veliko Turnovo. The purpose of practical work and the conference was to encourage young people SCHOOL to take an active position and be committed to improving the health status of the Roma community, to show that young Roma healthcare professionals are not only mediators SEMINAR FOR MENTORING TEACHERS ''WITH between the community and healthcare system but also potential for enhancing the capacity ATTENTION TO EVERY CHILD" of the healthcare system. At the end of busy week students went to Sliven and Stara Zagora to try from fieldwork in the Roma neighborhood. There they met accordingly our partners from In the days between 8 and 13 September 2011, CIEDT Amalipe the "Roma Health" Foundation chaired by Dr. Stefan Panayotov and "World Without organized a seminar with mentoring teachers "With attention to every Borders" Association. In Sliven, advocacy activists participated in the initiative for child ". It is connected to the three-year program, implemented by preparation of a campaign to prevent and control tuberculosis. Together with the mediators Amalipe and funded by "America for Bulgaria" Foundation. A few days before the start of of the neighborhood and the field staff they consulted residents of extremely poor the school year, we gathered mentoring teachers who will support activities in the pilot neighborhood explaining how to join the campaign, what medical examination is necessary schools in 2011 2012. Over 30 schools have been approved for mentoring schools for the and how to recognize symptoms of the disease. Since 2009, "Open Society" Institute - Sofia second year of implementation of the program. The seminar was held in two venues - in in cooperation with Center for Interethnic Dialogue and Tolerance "Amalipe" implement Plovdiv and Veliko Tarnovo. The purpose of the meeting was to introduce teachers to the programs in support of Roma studying in medical colleges and universities program essence, with its basic elements and approaches used. We presented the (RomaHealthScholarshipProgram). During the last academic year 2010/2011 it was achievements of the program from its first year of implementation, and its results. The fact attended by some 60 Roma youths, and the new 2011/2012 it is expected to reach a total of is that after working with target pupils, parents and teachers, the percentage of children 100 people. This is the first support program in the sphere of higher education in Bulgaria dropped out last year was reduced by almost 70%, success rate greatly increased, and aimed at doctors and nurses of Roma origin. It aims to contribute to improving the provision ungrounded missing from classes is reduced to a minimum. This is an irrevocable sign that of healthcare services to disadvantaged Roma in our country and to overcome discrimination the activities of the program go in the right direction, and interaction between schools is in the healthcare system. What is more, to provide worthy patterns to motivate young Roma essential for the adoption of good models of work in a multicultural environment. to pursue careers in the healthcare sphere. The idea is through a specially established Participants were involved in the overall model of the program, an emphasis was laid on the National Selection Committee within the Program to pre-select candidates - medical teach the teacher method. The aim of the mentoring teachers is to conduct regular visits to applicant students and graduate doctors who will undergo specialized training to help them pilot schools assigned to them; to monitor the implementation of individual programs in learn how by the providing healthcare services in areas dominated by Roma population to basic and pilot schools, the cases of children at risk of dropout and to support activities for work for their inclusion and involvement in the healthcare system. school dropout prevention. One of the main tasks of the mentoring teaching is to be able to "get" to their colleagues from the pilot schools, transferring their valuable experience in working in multicultural environment. Of course, it is not meant that the pilot school has MEDICAL STUDENTS DISCUSSED WITH nothing to show and teach others. We believe that every school and every child is worthy MINISTER DONCHEV THE PROBLEMS and that positive results can be achieved by all of them! In each of the two meetings OF THE ROMA COMMUNITY IN RURAL conducted within three days, we were able to share much of the experience gained from our AREAS schools in the last year. An overview of the individual modules that each school should introduce as part of the program has been made, as well as ways to organize the classroom During three hours students from Roma Health so that it becomes attractive for each student have been considered. Information on the Scholarship Program discussed with Minister of EU funds Tomislav Donchev the problems of different types of extracurricular activities that motivate and involve not only students but access to healthcare and the quality of life in small also their parents was also provided. Interesting for the participants was the session in living places. The Director of the Regional Health which they had to provide decisions on specific cases with children at risk of early school Insurance Fund Dr. Ivan Ivanov and the Director leaving. The cases they had to settle have been adopted from the experience of schools of the Regional Health Inspectorate Dr. Albena participating in the program last year. Thus we made them acquainted with the real Lambeva also participated in the discussion. The situations they themselves may have to face. This is the second year of the program. The event took place during a student's conference “We are neither impersonal, nor Indifferent” team of mentoring teachers grew. This is very positive because the more teachers, the more Center Amalipe page 4/4 ROMA HEALTH OBSERVER Field assistants participated in training for outreach work and prevention of FIRST MEETING OF THE WORKING GROUP FOR THE Tuberculosis in Roma communities-In mid-September the team of CIЕDT "Amalipe" PREPARATION OF THE NATIONAL ROMA STRATEGY implementing the Program for Prevention and Control of Tuberculosis attended a training on "Extending the Scope of Effective Care for the Prevention and Control of Tuberculosis in the On the 27th and 28th September in the Human Resource Development Center – town Community", which was opened by Dr. Elena Kabakchieva - long-term program consultant. During the Kremikovtsi, was held the first working session of the inter-institutional group, preparing training, the method of outreach work was explained, of filing and working with database and also how the National Strategy for Integration of the Roma. In it, took part representatives of the main to reach key target groups. One of the themes focused on tuberculosis symptoms, mode of disease institutions of the executive authority, as well as non-governmental organizations. CIEDT transmission, prevention and treatment. Such a training is essential to the success of the work in the Amalipe was represented by Deyan Kolev. The meeting was organized by the Secretariat of Roma community considering the specifics of the disease. If a person suffers from tuberculosis, all persons he/she comes into contact with- relatives and friends in his closest set must undergo the so-called NCCEII. The participants reached agreement on the format of the document, i.e. on the chemoprophylaxis to prevent contamination of relatives. The process of inclusion of all contact persons necessary of two parts – a strategic part (based on the Framework Program for the Integration and working with the family of the patient requires specific skills and knowledge in the field of social of Roma in Bulgarian Society) and an operational part (Action Plan). The Document name work that teams from around the country engaged in this program gained in the course of the training. has also been discussed. The representatives of Roma organizations refused to agree on the Center Amalipe participated in a Healthcare Sector group of the National Development Program name, proposed by the Secretariat of NCCEII: "National Strategy for integrating the Roma Bulgaria 2020-On September 8th at the National center of public health and analysis was held the third and other vulnerable ethnic groups / communities in a similar situation. It is explained with meeting of the “Healthcare” Sector group which is preparing chapter “Healthcare” in the National the fact that different approaches are used in the integration of the Roma and the Turks, Development Program Bulgaria 2020. Members of the expert group are representatives of different sometimes some approaches work in one community, and in the other - not; if we want that the structures of the Ministry of health. Due to Center Amalipe's advocacy efforts non-governmental strategy be effective and operating, it must be for integration of Roma, said Deyan Kolev. The organizations (NGOs) were also included. The expert group had the task to work on and develop the document “Brief analysis of “Healthcare” sector, possible areas of intervention, indicative financial decision on behalf of the document's name was postponed for a later stage. Separated in sub- resource and method of calculation”. In its draft version the document points three areas of intervention groups, participants discussed main points concerning the strategic and the operational which under the NGO proposal will be extended and further developed. Momchil Baev from Center document. It was decided that proposals on the strategic part should be put forward until 7th of Amalipe proposed the health integration of the Roma population to be included in this strategic October, and on the operational – until 13th of October. The proposals will be summarized document, whereas the best way to do that is by determining a specific area of intervention “Improvement of access to healthcare of vulnerable ethnic minorities”. Furthermore, four of the main KHERE( AT HOME) positive practices for improvement of access to healthcare should be included in the document. Those practices have already proved its efficiency and are recognized as successful by the Ministry of health. Namely these are the healthcare and social centers in the community, health mediators, the CLUBS FOR LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FROM deinstitutionalization and Roma Health Scholarship Program. The other members of the expert group VARBOVKA, BATAK AND BALVAN PRESENTED A supported as a principle the proposals. THEATER-MUSIC SHOW Representative of the Global Fund for Fight against AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria visited Club K7 Veliko Tarnovo and Amalipe-Dr. Valery Chernyavski - portfolio manager of the Global Fund (GF) The halls of the community centers in Batak and for Eastern Europe and Central Asia visited CIEDT "Amalipe'' and the voluntary youth club K7 - Veliko Balvan Varbovka proved tight to all wishing to Tarnovo. Dr. Chernyavski wanted to see the youngsters working on HIV / AIDS prevention and risky attend the show, "Doctor, where are you?", which sexual behavior using the "peer education" method. He talked with them about how fieldwork activities the volunteers from local clubs for Community are carried out and wanted to know what more can be done in order that the Programme "Prevention and Control of HIV / AIDS" in Bulgaria be further developed and more successful. The good news that Dr. Development presented to the gave the local people Chernyavski brought was that after the completion of the current programming period of funding from in three consecutive days –from 7th to 9th of the GF in 2014, Bulgaria is actually entitled to apply for the next programming cycle 11 for funding September. The idea for this show came activities aimed at combating HIV. After meeting with the youths, Dr. Chernyavski encouraged the spontaneously from the volunteers themselves, Amalipe staff working on the HIV Program to participate actively in the preparation of the Bulgarian who decided that the theater is the best vehicle application for the next funding period. through which in a simple way to explain the Club K7 Members Veliko Tarnovo Participated in Training on Outreach Work for HIV problems of access to health services for vulnerable Prevention-Over 90 young people, including students and pupils from 18 cities across the country ethnic groups. The reaction of the local people participated in the autumn school for advanced in HIV / AIDS prevention and outreach work via the during the three-day tours of the amateur artists in 'peer education' method. The training is organized by the Ministry of Health and the Programme three villages showed that they are on right way. "Prevention and Control of HIV / AIDS", financed by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. The Autumn School was held at the National Training Center of the Red Cross in the village of The production is imbued with much wit and humor, her screenplay, costumes, decors and Dolni Lozen from 30 September to 4 October. It was attended by teams of 18 NGOs, sub-recipients makeup are all done by volunteers, and some of the sketches in the show are based on real cases. under Component 7 "Reducing vulnerability to HIV among young people in the most risky group (15- The show "Where are you, Doctor?" Is a joint initiative of the Center "Amalipe" - Veliko 24) by increasing the range of services and programs aimed at young people" . The main purpose of the Tarnovo and the clubs for community development in Batak Balvan, Varbovka and Vodoley on autumn school is to increase the capacity of NGOs and young people who work through 'peer education' the project for Community Monitoring for Health Care in Vulnerable Ethnic Minorities funded method on HIV / AIDS prevention among young people at risk. During the training sessions, young by the Open Society Institute - New York. The perfect organization of events in the three people got prepared for outreach work as peer educators in the promotion of sexual and reproductive villages made a very good impression of official guests and representatives of local health and HIV/AIDS prevention outside the school. The training participants received user-friendly government, which were attended the performances in the villages. The guests declared their information on HIV/AIDS and sexually transmissible infections, unwanted pregnancy and further support for the activities of the local clubs for community development, as generators of contraception. Through modern methods and discussions they worked on their communication skills, ideas and actions to improve living conditions. teamwork, tolerance for diversity, decision making and prevention of risk behavior. Outreach work via the 'peer education' method aims to change knowledge and behavior of young people at risk in the direction of avoiding risks of acquiring HIV through promotion of healthy lifestyles, dissemination of health education material, psychological and social support. Epidemic Outburst Threatens the Roma in Plovdiv Region-Outburst of dangerous epidemic of VOLUNTEERS FROM COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CLUBS Hepatitis A could be expected in Plovdiv and the region in autumn. The warning comes from the ORGANIZED FOOTBALL GAME Infectious Diseases Hospital in Plovdiv. The reason is the abnormal increase in sick with jaundice. The largest number of cases was reported for the Roma neighborhood "Stolipinovo." Dirt in the "Sport for All" Under this motto on August 14th , 2011 under the scorching August sun atthe neighborhood, fecal waters running down the streets and poor sanitation are among the most common stadium of Vodoley village was held football game between the mixed teams of young people - causes of jaundice infection. Within the blocks even water pressure is low and people have to fill cans of water from the cellars. Fatigue, fever and yellowing are typical symptoms of Hepatitis A. Doctors warn that a person can be infected with Hepatitis by eating ice cream or breakfast, bought from the snack bar at the corner. If a person contaminated with Hepatitis A is not hospitalized, he may die due to complications of the disease. 3144 People Tested for Tuberculosis during the Week of Open Doors on 03/10/2011-3,144 people benefitted from free medical examinations and consultations for tuberculosis during the "Week of Open Doors". It is organized by the Ministry of Health and the Program "Improving Tuberculosis Control in Bulgaria." This is the third week of open doors since the beginning of the year. Free examinations were held from September 12 to September 16 in the specialized hospitals in all 28 districts in the country. During the campaign, 65 people were diagnosed with the disease and taken for treatment, whereas with 184 patients latent tuberculosis infection was diagnosed. These people are redirected for chemoprophylaxis. In the "Week of Open Doors", 4826 patients were subjected to screening to identify the risk of developing tuberculosis by completing a questionnaire. The regular conducting of the "Week of Open Doors" helps in early diagnosis, treatment and prevention of tuberculosis. For this reason, in volunteers from the local clubs for community development in villages Balvan, Vodoley, Batak December the MH and the Programme "Improvement of Tuberculosis Control in Bulgaria" will and Varbovka within the project of Center "Amalipe" for community monitoring of access to organize another week of open doors. At the suggestion of municipal councilor Dr. Mavrodi Kaleynski, health care of vulnerable ethnic minorities, funded by the Open Society Institute New York. the municipal council of Veliko Tarnovo authorized the allocation of funds for Municipal Specialized The goal of the initiative was the young people to promote their local clubs and to involve new Hospital for Active Treatment of Pneumo-phthisiatric Diseases "Dr. Treyman" and CDVD Ltd. -Veliko volunteers for their cause - to improve living conditions in the four cities through personal Tarnovo which, though being scarce as funds from the state budget, will preserve the structure and participation and contribution of every citizen. Hours before the match the organizers operation of the municipal hospitals. This will facilitate the implementation of Amalipe Programme mobilized 30 local volunteers who cut the grass of the stadium and outlined the playground, in "Strengthening the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Tuberculosis in Bulgaria" and its anticipation of the first guests from Batak. With the group of Batak arrived the village mayor, Component 5: "Extension of the Scope of Effective Care for Prevention and Control of Tuberculosis in who personally encouraged his team. Before the first signal of the judge, local cheerleaders the Community", funded by the Global Fund for Combating AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis. In early September this year Amalipe and teams working on the program voiced their support to the hospital in a showed impressive skills and increased the degree of mood of the audience. After 90 minutes letter to the Mayor of Veliko Tarnovo - Dr. Rumen Rashev. The game under the hot sun, the result was equal and had a penalty shootout. At the end, with the letter of Amalipe reads: "Of great concern to the civil society result 5:4 won the mixed team from Batak and Varbovka. Volunteers went home with hope and