INTRODUCTION

Dear readers,

With the November issue you are now holding, we continue our work on creating a better visual identity of our magazine, lead by your suggestions and ideas. The topic of this issue is Children’s Day. Within it we present this international holiday, as well as a confe- Ljubivoje Ršumović rence entitled Safety of Children in Educational Institu- The Founder and the Publisher of the Periodical: tion in AP Vojvodina, with which the Government of AP The Roma Inclusion Ofice of the Vojvodina has marked Children’s Day. Government of AP Vojvodina In the Interview section, Danica Stričević, the presi- dent of the Municipality of Nova Crnja presents the Mu- The Editor: nicipality whose head she is at, as well as the activities Duško Jovanović she is implementing regarding Roma inclusion. About the round table with the topic of Eficient im- The editor of the theme of the number: plementation of Roma policy at the local and national Duško Jovanović levels and the National Councils of National Minorities and Gender Equality conference we talk in the Human The Team: Rights section. This section also follows the celebration Zita Farkaš of the tenth anniversary of the work of the Provincial Pamela Uzelac Ombudsman. Jovana Davidović Our Health section will introduce the Centre for the prevention and rehabilitation from pathological gam- Correspondents: bling, while the NGO section brings the story of the Roma Coordinators of APV Roma of Southern Banat Association (JUBAN). Ivana Koprivica In the Culture section, you will be introduced to the GRUBB foundation, which has opened its new teaching Translation into Roma: centre in Novi Sad. Igor Dimić Old crafts brings the Story of an old horse trader, which concludes this issue. Translation into English: We are waiting for new suggestions, ideas and criti- Bojan Đorđević cisms, and we leave you to enjoy November, seen thro- ugh the eyes of our editorial board.

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2 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina This month’s topic: Children`s day

“A child is not a child, a toy for aunts and uncles. A child is a child, to be loved and understood.” Ljubivoje Ršumović

UNIVERSAL CHILDREN’S DAY Universal Children’s Day has traditionally been celebrated since 1989. That year, on November 20th, the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted the Declaration on the Rights of the Child and the Conven- tion on the Rights of the Child, as the irst international documents in the area of human rights which specially deal with children. The aim of this day is to promote the ideals and goals of the Convention for the well-being of children all over the world, and to remind all people about the rights each child has. In accordance with that, the state is obliged to provide the rights which are determined by this document to every person under the age of eighteen.

Every child has the right to away from the problems, so the- of the Child was signed, even live with its parents, a right to ir children become the victims with important international do- education, play, freedom, he- or the perpetrators of violence. cuments, children are still the alth. Unfortunately, in Serbia the Caring for a child is one of the victims of different forms of vio- level of child poverty is signii- hardest and most responsible lence, armed conlicts in scho- cantly high, and they are one of jobs. Children’s Day should be ols and elsewhere, traficking, the most endangered categories. aimed at parents and expert staff, exploitation in different forms Every tenth child is faced with because they are the ones who (sexual abuse, prostitutions, beg- discrimination on basis of their inluence the lives of youngsters ging, etc.). nationality, violence and neglec- in the entire world. The four basic, key rights of ting of their everyday problems. Even though back in 1989 the Convention without which Parents often turn their heads the Convention on the Rights other rights cannot be achieved

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 3 This month’s topic: Children`s day are the right to life, survival and SAFETY OF CHILDREN IN SCHOOLS development, to nondiscrimina- tion, respect for the best interest of the child and the right to re- At the Assembly of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, orga- spect the opinions of the child. nized by the Provincial Secretariat for Education, Administration and The state must provide each National Communities, a conference on the safety of children in the in- child, in the maximal possible stitutions of education in the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina was amount, with basic conditions held, in regard to celebrating Universal Children’s Day. The partici- for life. Every child has the same pants of the conference were greeted by the president of the Assembly of rights regardless of gender, race, the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, Ištvan Pastor, the president of skin color, language, religion, the Government of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, Bojan Pajtić political and other beliefs, na- PhD, the vice president of the Government of the Autonomous Province tional, ethnic and social back- of Vojvodina and the Provincial Secretary for Education, Administra- ground, inancial status or othertion and National Communities, Andor Deli MA, and the assistant to the status of the child or its parents. minister for secondary education at the Ministry of Education, Science In all actions concerning a child and Technological Development, Zoran Kostić PhD. its interest must come irst. When growing up amongst The participants in the con- work of the ombudsman, today conlicts and a dificult living -si ference were representatives of about the safety of children in tuation, children lose their care- all local self-governments in the educational institutions, and in free childhood, and in that way Autonomous Province of Vojvo- the coming period the topic will their imagination and their abi- dina, the Ministry of Education, be gender equality, which shows lity to contribute to the advan- Science and Technological De- the stage our society is in. cement of culture and society is velopment, the heads of all three “Is it possible that we are killed. school boards in the Autonomous today discussing the results of a Province of Vojvodina, the Pro- research on violence in schools, vincial Ombudsman, representa- and we see schools as the second The preamble of the Conven- tives of the Police Department of homes of our children, a place tion on the Rights of the Child re- Novi Sad, representatives of the where they are educated, a place minds of the basic principles of Provincial Secretariat for Health- where parents send their children the UN and the special provision care, Social Policy and Demogra- feeling safe?”, said Pastor and on human rights. The preamble phics, the Provincial Secretariat added that this is a problem that - conirms that children need spe for Interregional Cooperation and must be placed at the focus of the cial protection and care due to Local Self-government, the Pro- public. their sensitivity, and for the pri- vincial Secretariat for Sport and President Pastor added that mary role of protector it points at Youth and the Provincial Secre- today’s situation is intolerable, the role of the family as the basic tariat for Economy, Employment and that the signal that no one is unit of society in a natural envi- and Gender Equality, representa- accepting this situation is the fact ronment. The Convention also tives of student dorms in the Au- that we are talking about it today states that every child must live tonomous Province of Vojvodina, with an ambition to return our so- and grow in a family atmosphe- UNICEF, parent associations and ciety into normal lows, and that re, in an environment illed with non-governmental organizations. certainly institutions must take on love and understanding. A child the responsibility, but that the ba- should be completely ready to The problem of child safety sic issue is how to raise children function alone in society and be must be at the focus of the at home and that there is no in- raised in the spirit of the ideals public stitution which can take that upon stated in the Charter of the Uni- The president of the Assem- itself. ted Nations, in the spirit of pe- bly of the Autonomous Province We need to be an example to ace, dignity, freedom, tolerance of Vojvodina, Ištvan Pastor, re- and solidarity. our children minded the audience that a few days ago there were discussions The president of the Govern- Aleksandra Mićić on tolerance, yesterday on the ment of Vojvodina, Bojan Pajtić

4 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina This month’s topic: Children`s day Source: APV APV Source: Government

Participants of the conference PhD, pointed out that we are eve- The president of the Govern- Not enough attention paid to ryday witnesses of events which ment of Vojvodina pointed out the prevention of violence in cruelly shed light on the fact that that, apart from schools where the schools we are surrounded by violence. forms and relationships that exist The Provincial Secretary for “Our children are victims of in the family can be seen, parents Education, Administration and peer violence or violence from are the irst teachers of the skills National Communities, Andor adults. The fact that as much as of conduct and friendship. Stating Deli MA, stated that our society 3.700 children are victims of vio- that today’s meeting is only one does not pay enough attention to lence in our country every year is of the forms of an organized ight the measures being taken regar- devastating, or the fact that every against violence where an indivi- ding the prevention of all types fourth child suffers peer violen- dual is not alone, he made a plea of violence in schools and educa- ce. Violence is, unfortunately, for us to be examples to our chil- tion. Andor Deli believes that the present at all ages, in all cultures dren: “We can show a child that constant monitoring of the state and, which is an especially large emotions can be shown in a more of this area is of enormous im- problem: violence is often not acceptable way. The effort of pa- portance, as well as the exchange spoken about. In school, as it is rents to recognize and reduce the of professional opinions and atti- a social institution, its goals and tudes, because only better coordi- violent behavior of their children way of work are deined, becau- nation can achieve results. As the se schools are the most important is an investment into their heal- Provincial Secretary also empha- place of socialization for our chil- thy and calm future”, stated Bo- sized, legally formulated ideas re- dren. On the determination and jan Pajtić PhD, relaying that there present only half of success. Ano- perseverance of teachers, as well is no more important work than ther and more important aspect of as parents regarding an adequate ensuring the safety of children. success is their implementation. and civilized behavior, depends Today’s conference should point the level of the healthy environ- to the possible directions of thin- ment which is necessary for the king and steps we can take in the happiness of growing up”, stated joint battle against all forms of Pajtić. violence in schools.

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 5 This month’s topic: Children`s day

shed in institutions teams for the protection from violence and we have intensiied duty service. We are implementing numerous acti- vities, programs and actions and we are cooperating with numero- us domestic and international or- ganizations and associations, we are training teachers and parents. But at the same time, we also ask the question if everyone is fami- liar with the regulation and are they followed?”, stated Kostić who believes that events like the- Source: Internet se are the place to keep discus- sing and asking such questions, Activating all existing powers towards violence in an organized as well as the place to exchange and resources of society way and without exceptions, to positive practical experience. work on its prevention and the “Violence is not diminishing, The assistant to the minister development of positive values. for secondary education at the and it is necessary to act now and Protection from violence, abuse without delay. Blame cannot be Ministry of Education, Science and neglect are at the top of the and Technological Development, placed on others, everyone must list of the Ministry for Educa- contribute in their own domain as Zoran Kostić PhD, believes that tion, Science and Technological the work and life of children, stu- much as they can with the activa- Development. This is why we, tion of existing measures and the dents and employees in safe con- by creating the conditions for the ditions are a key prerequisite for a resources of society”, emphasi- prevention of violence and dimi- zed Kostić. quality education. nishing its results, have adopted “This conference and many a law which has clearly set the other events and activities, which level of ban for violence and di- Jovana Davidović are intensively held in Serbia, scrimination, as well as the rules show that we have realized how and regulations and clear proce- important it is to work on deve- dures for action, we have establi- loping a zero tolerance policy

Conclusions and recommendations At the conference on the safety of children, the representatives of key institutions in this area were shown the importance of the safety of children in educational institutions. The results of previous work have been presented, regarding the safety of children in Vojvodina, and it planned, through the division of responsibilities, to determine the precise steps to come. Several conclusions have also been made. It was suggested to the Provincial Secretariat for Education, Administration and National Communities, that in cooperation with school districts, in the school year of 2013/14, they should organize and hold round tables with the subject of the safety of children in educational institutions, in every school district. It was also recommended that in local self-governments working bodies should be formed which will include all subjects which could contribute to the safety of children (representatives of the local self-government, parent councils, non-governmental organizations) and others. The need for this body to determine the measures for the prevention of violence and abuse in educational institutions and guidelines on dealing in cases of the endangerment of child safety, in accordance with regulation, was also stated. Finally, it was suggested to the Provincial Secretariat for Education, Administration and National Communities, that it should inform the Government of Vojvodina on the conclusions of the conference and suggest the forming of a coordination body for the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, whose task would be to monitor the implementation of the concluded activities.

6 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Interview A BATTLE FOR THE BETTER LIFE OF THE ROMA

The president of the Municipality of Nova Crnja, Danica Stričević presented the Municipality whose head she is, as well as the results this Municipality has achieved in the process of improving the position of the Roma. As their most important projects, she listed “Improving the quality of education of Roma children in the municipality of Nova Crnja” and the “Ofice network for the social inclusion of the Roma”. Speaking about plans for the coming period, she pointed out the implementation of local action plans for the impro- vement of education, employment, housing and healthcare of the Roma, as well as including the Roma into local institutions.

*Present the mu- *What is the posi- nicipality – its charac- tion of the Roma like in teristics, potentials, your municipality and resources, investments, what activities are you programs and projects implementing? being implemented. -In the municipa- - The Municipali- lity of Nova Crnja, the ty of Nova Crnja has a Roma live in conditions strategically favorable that, in most cases, do- position, owing to the n’t meet the minimum international M-7 road, of existence. The pro- quality agricultural land blems local institutions and the Romanian bor- mostly come across der. It is one of the smal- are the the unemploy- ler municipalities in the ment of the Roma in the Republic of Serbia ba- municipality, the lack sed on the number of in- of elementary or high Source: Municipal archives habitants and the area it school education, bad encompasses. The main living conditions and potential that the muni- lack of healthcare. One cipality of Nova Crnja of the problems is re- has is the rich supply admission, a lot of the of thermal and mine- cultural land, the quality of which Roma who come from ral waters, which can be used in varies from irst to fourth class, abroad have a hard time adjusting multiple ways, from spa tourism and which is used for growing to the conditions of life in Serbia. to heating greenhouses and other grains and industrial plants, mo- The activities which have been objects. Then there is the wind stly wheat, sunlower and corn, implemented are the “Improving and solar energy, which provi- and in a smaller amount sugar the quality of education of Roma des opportunities for building beets and soy. We have nine in- children in the municipality of dustrial areas which have been wind generators and solar power Nova Crnja” and “Ofice network plants; the wide network of chan- adapted and are ready to be used for the social inclusion of the nels, which could be used for the by potential investors. The main Roma” projects. melioration of agricultural land; investments in the municipality The municipality of Nova the developed road network, ma- of Nova Crnja in the past years Crnja is currently implementing inly the international M-7 road, have been by PP Cairnwell from the Local Action Plan for the im- which connects Zrenjanin and Ti- Great Britain, which deals with provement of education, employ- misoara and cultural and historic agricultural production, a Ser- ment, housing and healthcare of landmarks, which pave the way bian and Russian trading compa- the Roma in the municipality of for the development of tourism. ny from Russia, which deals in Nova Crnja. Considering that The resources the municipa- the production of food products, in 2012 two large projects have and Biljemerkant from Croatia, lity of Nova Crnja has are agri- been inalized, in 2013 we have which deals in trading.

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 7 Interview

not participated in projects, but we plan to participate in projects in 2014.

*What has until now been done in the areas of education, employment, housing and heal- thcare in order to improve the position of the Roma in your -mu nicipality? -The municipal administra- tion of the municipality of Nova Crnja has during 2008 hired a Roma issues coordinator. On March 12th 2012, the Assembly of the Municipality of Nova Crn- ja adopted a decision on starting Source: Municipal archives the process of creating the Local Danica Stricevic with the president of the Roma National Council Action Plan for the improvement of Nova Crnja, the Srpska Crn- education of parents, pedagogi- of the education, employment, ja Healthcare Centre, the “Đura cal assistants, teaching staff and housing and healthcare of the Jakšić” elementary school from children. Also, the children were Roma in the municipality of Nova Srpska Crnja, the “4. Oktobar” provided lunches, books, school Crnja. The plan was inished in elementary school from Vojvoda equipment and ield trips. December 2012, and has been Stepa, the “Petei Šandor” ele- adopted for the period between mentary school from Nova Crnja, *What are the plans of the 2013 and 2015. Also, the “Ofice the “Branko Radičević” elemen- municipality for the coming pe- network for the social inclusion tary school from Aleksandrovo, riod? of the Roma” project has been the “Stanko Krstin” elementary -The plan of the municipality inished (2010-2011), as well as school from Radojevo, the “Đurais to implement the LAP for the the “Educational inclusion of the Jakšić” high school from Srpskaimprovement of education, em- Roma” (2011-2012) project. Crnja, the National Employment ployment, housing and healthca- Service and the “Centre for the re of the Roma. Also, the plan is *Does the budget of your integration of Roma in Serbia” to include more Roma in the local municipality plan funds for the non-governmental organization institutions, governmental and implementation of action plans from Srpska Crnja. non-governmental institutions, adopted to solve the problems of as well as applying for projects the Roma? *What was the last activity and competitions of international -The municipality of Nova you implemented in your munici- and domestic donors related to Crnja has according to the amend- pality regarding the Roma popu- education, employment, housing ments to the decision on the bud- lation? and healthcare. One of the goals get for 2013 (Oficial Gazette of -The last activity in the mu- is to update the software received the Municipality of Nova Crnja, nicipality of Nova Crnja was the through the “Ofice network for no. 14/13) dedicated 700.000 di- “Educational inclusion of the the social inclusion of the Roma” nars for the network ofice for the Roma” project, which aimed to project, which aimed to create so- social inclusion of the Roma, as improve the quality of education cial maps. well as 100.00 dinars for the im- of Roma children and improve plementation of the Action Plan the capacities of relevant local for the Roma. institutions. The main donor of Pamela Uzelac the project was the DILS pro- *Who are your partners in gram, and the amount of funds this process? was 34.960 Euros. The main ac- -Our partners are the Social tivities of the project were the Work Centre of the municipality

8 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Habitation ROMA SETTLEMENTS IN VOJVODINA

ADDITIONAL Sombor has received apartments, i.e. ho- INFORMATION uses from the Social Work Centre. In the City of Sombor, in the The biggest issue is the lack of In Table 5 the local self-go- settlements of Bezdan, Gakovo, employment and no personal do- vernments which have in their re- Stapar, Telečka and Doroslovo ascuments. sponses to the Provincial Ombud- well as in the city itself, the Roma sman listed that there is no sepa- live in certain streets where all the Pančevo rate, secluded Roma settlement on measures of the National Invest- their territory are listed. However, ment Plan for the housing of Roma The City of Pančevo has in ac- in some settlements there are parts need to be implemented, such as: cordance with the Action Plan for where the Roma population lives legalization, material aid, repairing the implementation of the Strategy integrated with the rest of the po- the road infrastructure, etc. for the Social Integration of Roma pulation, where certain problems 2009-2012 implemented activities also exist. Kula regarding: o Improvement of social po- According to the comments In the Municipality of Kula a and detailed data which have been licy and health of Roma (purcha- Roma settlement from Sivac has sing hygiene packages for Roma families; regular education of the Name of settlement Roma population on the promo- tion of health and immunization Bački Petrovac Novi Bečej by the Roma health mediator); Bačka Topola Novi Kneževac o Improvement of prescho- Bela Crkva Pećinci ol, elementary and high school education (purchasing book kits Čoka Sečanj for preparation for the preschool Inđija Šid program for children of Roma na- Kovačica Temerin tionality; purchasing basic kits and missing schoolbooks for students Kovin Titel of Roma nationality in elementary Kula Žitište and high schools from socially en- Nova Crnja UKUPNO: 17 dangered families); o Improvement of the in-

Table 5. Local self-governments which do not have a (separate) forming culture and development Roma settlement of the civil sector of the Roma in the City of Pančevo (introducing been relocated. Residential objects submitted by some of the local programs of informational-docu- have been bought using different mentary character in Romany in self-governments the situation is as funding sources for the residents follows: the program of TV Pančevo –- re of this settlement within the settle- ports and interviews on the lives Kikinda ment. The problem is still the so- of the Roma national minority; lution of the housing issues of the organizing sports and recreational, Roma associations in Kikinda Roma from this settlement (a part folklore and art meetings of Roma have turned to municipal organs re- of the Roma live as subtenants in children); garding the legalization of objects objects for which the Social Work o Improvement of housing aiming to solve problems in Roma Center helps pay the renting costs) (repairing the roofs of the daycare settlements which have been built as well as the renovation of old ho- in the “Borislav Petrov-Braca” ele- illegally. Many objects are not it to uses to make them livable in. mentary school in order to improve live in, and be used, and are also the daycare conditions of children located on dangerous terrain, with Bačka Topola of Roma nationality; providing i- no planning basis. For solving the- In the Municipality of Bačka nancial aid to Roma families in the se issues large inancial resources Topola there is no typical Roma adaptation of the internal part of are also needed. settlement. A number of the Roma living space).

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 9 Habitation

Bečej to the unhygienic living conditions in that segment (through awarding and the large threat of contrac- apartments owned by the munici- The municipal council in Be- ting various contagious diseases. pality meant for persons with so- - čej has adopted the conclusion ac The reason is the almost complete cial needs in accordance with the cording to which 1.000.000,00 di- lack of infrastructural furnishment municipal decision) nars from the budget of the Muni- of the settlements, as well as the o Health and social services cipality has been approved, which unfavorable urbanistic solutions (through the activities of the Heal- will fund the project to overcome the problems of the lack of basic (especially in Bačka Palanka andthcare centre and the Social Work infrastructure in Roma settlements. Tovariševo where the situation is Centre and the Municipality of The participants of the project are the most dificult). There are no Inđija as a local self-government the “Ecumenical Humanitarian roads in these settlements, and the aiming to provide free checkups, Organization” Ngo, the Roma In- water line has not been created current inancial aid is aimed at clusion Ofice of the AP Vojvodi- (there are no sanitary facilities in checkups which are not free as well na and the Municipality of Bečej. most objects), the larger number of as rights determined by the Law on A proposal has been submitted to objects does not have electricity or social care and social security of the Capital Investment Fund for the has been illegally connected to the citizens as well as the municipal need of funding capital investments network, which increases the po- Decision on extended rights in the from the budget of the AP Vojvodi- ssibility of electric shock due to the ield of social care). na which asks for 10.558.000,00 inexpert handling or lack of quality o Utilities (services provi- dinars. The name of the project is installation. There are no locations ded by Water Supply and Sewa- “Social inclusion and improving for disposing of waste, it is not re- ge and Waste Utilities, including the housing conditions of Roma moved because there is no way to the removal of waste and placing men and women in the AP Vojvo- approach the locations. The objects dumpsters, are equally available to dina”. The NGO plans to build themselves are not it to live in due everyone in the municipality. bathrooms in 120 households, bu- to their dimensions and internal or- o Infrastructural and other ild septic tanks, hire volunteers to ganization of space. services (in accordance with the educate Roma children from pre- inancial possibilities, the muni- school age to high school educa- The lots where the objects cipality works on raising the level tion, enroll children into preschool have been built do not fulill of the infrastructural equipment in all programs and create a database of minimal size required by the Law settlements. children who need to be included on planning and building. The ob- o Legalization (solving pro- in the educational system, provide jects are mostly not listed in the blems of legalization of illegally school equipments and books, as Real Estate Cadastre. built objects is done through the well as provide daycare and meals line department of the Municipal in daycare for children who parti- Inđija cipate in it, educate parents on the Administration and the Directora- importance of education and edu- In the municipality of Inđija te for Building of the municipality, cate the teaching staff on inclusive there are no separate Roma settle- in the law prescribed by the law). teaching in schools. ments. The Roma are fully integra- When creating planning documen- The problem that has arisen ted with the rest of the population tation the integration of Roma set- during the implementation of this and have the opportunity to access tlements into residential areas was project is the drainage of storm wa- the same level of rights and fulill provided. ter in the “Gypsy neighborhood” of their needs in all segments as the Bačko Gradište because the canals other inhabitants of the settlement. The Municipal Administration which drains storm water is illed Speaking about rights mostly re- of the Municipality of Inđija within with trash and waste and it is im- fers to: its jurisdiction in accordance with possible to build septic tanks for o Education (the enrollment the municipal decision provides le- the houses in the settlement becau- of children of Roma nationality is gal aid to all citizens of the munici- se the water level is too high. The insisted upon in regard to the pro- pality and the Roma Inclusion Co- canal needs to be cleaned before visions of the Law on the basis and ordinator provides services from work on the project can begin. system of education, aiming to pro- his jurisdiction within the Roma Inclusion Ofice seated in Inđija. Bačka Palanka vide equal availability of the edu- cational system to children from The living conditions in Roma marginalized groups. settlements in the municipality are o Housing in conditions very dificult, which mostly refers which provide the minimal needs

10 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Social care REPORT ON THE SECOND PHASE OF RESEARCH “THE ANALYSIS OF SOCIAL CARE SERVICES FOR CHILDREN ON THE LOCAL LEVEL”

2.3. Social Care services for In the municipality of Gornji ties in the coming period, with the children realized in 2013 Milanovac, apart from the service tendency for them to grow into a of home aid which is being provi- service which will be implemen- With the gathering of data ded, it is important to mention that ted in accordance with standards. and via questionnaires and focus there is a plan for the development As a possible source of funding, groups, the following results on of daycare for children with deve- apart from the budget funds of the the types of services aimed at chil- lopmental disabilities. Currently, municipality, there is the possibi- dren, as well as the service pro- the Volunteer Centre and the Asso- lity of applying for funds within viders and funding sources were ciation of parents of children with the Exchange 4 project, in order received. developmental disabilities, with to create the service with donated The service of the Club for the support of the Social Work funds in an infrastructural sense. children and youth with behavior Centre and the local self-govern- In Topola, apart from the problems in the Municipality of ment which has so far provided “Koraci” volunteer association, Čoka was provided during 2012, the space (within the preschool), the association for the help to and was funded as a project acti- are conducting workshops once mentally insuficiently developed vity by the funds of the Provincial a week for around 25 children persons “Zagrljaj” is also active. Secretariat for Health, Social Po- with developmental disabilities. As a reason for the nonexistence licy and Demographics. The posi- During the focus group, the local of the needed services – the local tive effects of this service point to self-government showed a serious self-government lists the lack of the need for its continuation. readiness to support these activi- funds. The local self-government

Municipality Service Provider Funding source

Daycare for children Funds from a project funded and youth with Social Work Centre by the European Union, the ČOKA developmental municipal budget participating disabilities Home aid for children Funds from a project funded with developmental Social Work Centre by the European Union, the ŽITIŠTE disabilities and their municipal budget participating families Home aid for children Funds from a project funded with developmental Social Work Centre by the European Union, the GORNJI MILANOVAC disabilities and their municipal budget participating families Home aid for children Funds from a project funded with developmental by the European Union, the REKOVAC disabilities and their Rekovac Red Cross municipal budget participating families Funds from a project funded Home aid for children by the European Union, the with developmental Social Work Centre “Užice” municipal budget participating disabilities and their families

Daycare ”Petar Radovanović” Home The budget of the City of for children and youth, Užice UŽICE Užice Adapted transportation services for the users of The association of invalids “Let’s grow together” project of cerebral palsy and polio which is funded by the EU the Daycare Užice Commission in Serbia and the City budget Supportive housing for young people who are Social Work Centre “Užice” The budget of the City of becoming independent Užice Home aid for children Funds from a project funded with developmental “Koraci” volunteer centre by the European Union, the TOPOLA disabilities and their Topola municipal budget participating families

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 11 Social care is examining the needs of the citi- A summary of the results of the The available data shows that zens of the municipality for social research on the number and local service networks are still not care services through the Social type of services provided developed enough and that the Work Centre, and they have a da- municipalities encompassed by tabase on children with develop- The choice of services which this sample do not fund all servi- mental disabilities. have been initiated is the result of ces which they have foreseen in the researched need at the local le- In the municipality of Žiti- their municipal Decisions. šte, the local self-government has vel. The available capacities have by mapping the ield conducted a inluenced the choice of services, This is mostly the consequ- research of the needs of the citi- and the condition for the services ence of the lack of funds which zens for social care services. Even which have been established wi- the local self-governments have at though the Municipal Decision thin EU project was that after the their disposal. on Social Care foresees a larger inalization of the project the mu- nicipality made the new service number of social care services for A signiicant possibility fore- children, due to the lack of funds sustainable. seen by the new Law is the fun- there is currently only one being The fact is that the home aid ding of services in the jurisdiction realized. service which almost all munici- of the local self-government thro- The reasons for the lack of palities have opted for is far less ugh earmarked transfers from the demanding than for instance a services in Užice are limited bud- budget of the Republic in less de- get funds and the issue of service daycare service, in regard to the veloped municipalities as well as provider. The local community is necessary structural demands. municipalities where institutions researching the needs of citizens This makes it cheaper, easier to undergoing transformation are lo- for services through contact with organize, and the municipalities cated. the citizens and cooperation with mostly have experience with this the Social Work Centre. There are service as it involves a target gro- Apart from that, the local self- up of older users. partial databases – a database of -governments should monitor the children which have gone through A summary of the research donor competitions in order to es- interdepartmental commissions, results on the development tablish services in a capital sense databases of associations, service and needs for services in local from donated funds, mostly from users, etc. communities the available EU funds. The mechanisms for resear- ching the level of satisfaction of One of the goals of the reform users by the city have not been in the area of social care is the de- developed. Some data can be indi- velopment of a network of diffe- rectly gathered through the reports rent services in local communities. of service providers.

Municipality Services which should be developed

Home aid for children with developmental disabilities and their families ČOKA Daycare/club for children and youth with behavioral problems

Pedagogical assistants and healthcare mediators for the Roma (within the ŽITIŠTE educational system)

Daycare for children with developmental disabilities GORNJI MILANOVAC Counseling-therapeutic and social-educational

REKOVAC Counseling for children and youth with asocial behavior

Respite service for children with developmental disabilities UŽICE Adolescent club Development of innovative social-healthcare services

Developmental counseling TOPOLA Daycare for children with developmental disabilities

12 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Human rights

Participants of the round table EFFICIENT IMPLEMENTATION OF ROMA POLICY AT THE NATIONAL AND LOCAL LEVELS

At the Cultural Centre of Novi Sad, on November 21st, the inal, ifth round table on the “Eficient imple- mentation of Roma policy at the national and local levels” was held. The contents of the round table consisted of a presentation of a short analysis of the report through qu- estionnaires on the improvement of the position of the Roma, a presentation of the draft of the report on the implementation of the National Strategy and local action plans for the improvement of the position of the Roma, as well as an encouragement of the strengthening of the role of the Roma civil society in monitoring the implementation of Roma policy at the national and local levels.

The event was attended by representative of the Provincial jatović, a researcher on the “Mo- the director of the Roma Inclu- Secretariat for Economy, Em- nitoring the implementation of sion Ofice of the Autonomous ployment and Gender Equality, Roma policy at the national and Province of Vojvodina, Duško Ana Beretić, a representative of local levels in Serbia” project, Jovanović, the assistant at thethe Centre for Minority Rights, Dragana Rajić, representatives Provincial Secretariat for Eco- Ana Grbić, the authors of the -re of the Roma League, Stevan Ni- nomy, Employment and Gender port in the implementation of the kolić and Božidar Jovanović, as Equality in charge of the ield of Strategy for the Improvement of well as Roma issues coordinators the improvement of the position the Position of the Roma, Brani- and pedagogical assistants from of the Roma, Slavica Denić, a slava Žarković and Marijana Mi- Vojvodina.

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 13 Human rights

Monitoring the implementati- Activities of the project “Housing is one of the big- on of Roma policy at the nati- gest and most endangered pro- The “Monitoring the im- onal and local levels in Serbia blems of all those socially en- plementation of Roma policy at dangered in Serbia. According The representative of the the national and local levels in to the latest research from 2002, Centre for Minority Rights, Ana Serbia” project entails the mo- there are 593 Roma settlements nitoring and implementation Grbić, opened the event and at in Serbia, with over 15 houses, the very beginning presented the of the national Strategy for the of which 95 are located in cities, project called “Monitoring the Improvement of the Position of and the others are rural. What implementation of Roma policy the Roma, monitoring the imple- is characteristic for these settle- at the national and local levels mentation of Local Action Plans ments is that 70% of them do not in Serbia”, which is being reali- for the Roma in 70 municipali- zed by the Centre for Minority ties in Serbia, publishing a report have a regulated ownership sta- Rights from Belgrade. The pro- on the implementation of Roma tus, 38% does not have a water ject is funded by the Delegation policies at the national and local supply network and 60% does of the European Commission in levels, as well as advocating for not have a sewage system. The Serbia (the EIDHR program), the them. houses are made from worn out Open Society Foundation from “So far we have held ive ro- materials. In such places people Belgrade and the Secretariat of und tables in Sombor, Smedere- to not have legal security”, said the Decade of Roma Inclusion vo, Vranje, Prokuplje and today Branislava Žarković. from Budapest. The project is in Novi Sad. The report on the During the research the au- being realized in partnership implementation of the national thors relied on the national, pro- with the Roma Women’s Centre Strategy and local action plans vincial and local levels. This way “Bibija” from Belgrade and the for the improvement of the po- they could list what has so far YUROM Centre from Niš, as sition of the Roma will encom- been done on those levels. well as members of the Roma pass the period of the Strategy According to the achieved League. The project will last for itself, from its adoption in 2005 results, it has been shown that the 18 months, and aims to eficien- until today, with an overview of most has been done on the natio- tly implement the Strategy for key achievement from 2005 until nal level. A legal framework has the Improvement of the Position 2009. This is the irst report which been established, which recogni- of the Roma and the action plan encompasses everything from zes the obligation of the state to complementing this Strategy. beginning to end. The report will provide and fund programs re- The target groups of the analyze the government’s me- garding the insurance of housing. project are Roma civil society asures and activities implemen- The national strategy for housing organizations, members of the ted in all 13 areas of the Strategy, has been ensured, in order to im- Decade of Roma League and among which the most important prove the lives of the Roma, in the Roma Women’s Network, as are: education, employment, in- regard to the improvement of the well as state institutions – mini- forming, political participation, legalization fond, infrastructural stries in charge of the implemen- discrimination, budget funds for furnishing, etc. tation of the Strategy for the Im- the implementation of the Strate- provement of the Position of the gy for the Roma, as well as the Roma League satisfaction of the inal users”, Roma, and especially the Ofice Those present were addres- for Human and Minority Rights. stated Ana Grbić. sed by Božidar Jovanović, a Also, there are the 70 local self- representative of the Roma Le- -governments, selected based on Results from the ield ague, who presented this coali- the number of Roma population The representative of the tion. and adopted local action plans Centre for the improvement of for the Roma. Within this pro- “The Roma League was fo- housing of socially endangered unded with the goal of the im- ject, according to Ana Grbić, thegroups from Belgrade, Brani- creation of a publication is fore- provement, inclusion and eman- slava Žarković, was in charge cipationof of the Roma community seen. It is a report on the monito- writing the report on the imple- with the aid of the civil sector. In ring of the implementation of the mentation of the Strategy in the accordance with that, the League Strategy itself. ield of housing.

14 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Human rights

Participants of the round table from Serbia and 60 Roma and non-Roma non-governmental organizations, of which 11 are a part of the representative ofice of the Roma League: YUROM Centre, Centre for the rights of minorities, Children’s Roma Centre, Roma Women’s Centre Bibija, Education centre of the Roma from Subotica, The Union of Roma Students, Little Prince Children’s centre, Intercultural Theater, Women’s Space, Roma informative centre and Roma Explorers”, stated Jovanović.

The event was closed by the presentation of good prac- tice examples and experiences in implementing Roma policy at the local level, by the Roma- Inc lusion Ofice and the Provincial Secretariat for Economy, Em- ployment and Gender Equality. wishes to join all active organi- then the role of the Roma society zations and associations in order in monitoring the implementa- to improve their actions. tion of Roma policy at the na- D. J. As an NGO coalition, the tional and local levels. It gathers Roma League’s goal is to streng- more than 400 Roma activist

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 15 Human rights THE NATIONAL COUNCILS OF NATIONAL MINORITIES AND GENDER EQUALITY

In Novi Sad, on October 17th 2013, a conference was held entitled “National councils of national mino- rities and gender equality”. The conference was organized by the Provincial Ombudsman with the support of the OEBS Mission to Serbia. The event was attended by representatives of the national councils of national minorities in Serbia, state and provincial institutions, non-governmental organization and all other relevant factors, which deal with both questions of national minorities, as well as questions of gender equality.

Participants of the conference The conference was preceded national councils participated in discussed the possibilities for the by a research on the level of repre- the research. The general conclu- application of the principles of sentation of women in the national sion was that the level of visibility gender equality in the four most councils of national minorities in of women should be raised within important areas of implementing Serbia and the application of the national councils and that they sho- and protecting the rights of minori- principles of gender equality in the uld be able to contribute with the ties – education, culture, informing work of these councils. Fourteen results of their work. and the oficial use of language. The conference was opened by the Provincial Ombudsman, Women are more present and Aniko Muškinja Hajnrih, the pre- visible, but still do not have equ- sident of the National Council of al rights the Slovak National Minority, Ana According to the deputy of the Tomanova Makanova and the chief Provincial Ombudsman, Danica of the democratization department Todorov, this conference should of the OEBS Mission to Serbia, Jan encourage all those who are active Luenberg. in the national councils of natio- After a speech on the legal nal minorities to enable the active framework and the practice of the participation of women in decision protection of women’s rights, who making and their independent deci- are members of national minori- sion making. ties, delivered by the deputy of the According to the latest results, Ombudsman of the Republic of 30% of women are present in the Serbia, Goran Bašić, and the depu- Nevenka Vasić national parliament and local self- ty of the Provincial Ombudsman, -governments. They have become Eva Vukašinović, the participants

16 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Human rights

more visible. We can see what they ason why concrete measures on the of the Autonomous Province of do, how much they contribute to position of women in society, the Vojvodina, Stojanka Lekić, said the quality of politics and public media, education should be taken, that the better visibility of women life: “Women are not included in where their position cannot be tied is the reason why the Women’s making all of the decisions, this to the traditional role of women: Parliamentary Network has been needs to be changed. They are as “Our society needs to be educated formed on the provincial level: hard-working as men are, as active for a long time in order to create “We have managed to connect wo- and willing to work, eager to par- standards and introduce certain men, without regard to their politi- ticipate in improving lives and the laws. We need to change our cultu- cal background. This is a way for improvement of the community. re and educational policies.” them to talk, participate and make That is the value of this research.” suggestions regarding the creation In many other countries, as The Women’s Parliamentary of laws, all aiming to make them well as in Serbia, the social posi- Network more visible and economically em- tion of women, unlike that of men, The president of the Board for powered.” is still not privileged. This is the re- Gender Equality in the Assembly The end of the oficial part of the conference was marked by the words of the president of the Natio- Only on paper nal Council of the Slovak National In the National Council of the Roma National Minority, 30% Minority, Ana Tomanova Makano- of the members are women, Roma women. Nevenka Vasić is one va: “The road to success if dificult of them: and steep. Without regard to the “Roma women should have the same opportunities as do fe- circumstances, what is important is - male members of other national minorities. Also, they need to -i a good idea, a good strategy, pro ght to prove their readiness to take on obligations, in order to ind gram, deliberation and consistency their place and be represented in all segments of society. Among in everything you do. To be equal - us, Roma women, there are women who have exceptional political and visible is just a matter of con - knowledge and skills. If they are activated in the right way, Roma science. Women must be more per sistent and brave in order to take women will not be represented only on paper anymore.” on responsibility.” Pamela Uzelac

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 17 Human rights A DECADE OF THE PROVINCIAL OMBUDSMAN

The institution of the Provincial Ombudsman celebrated its tenth birthday with the support of the Assem- bly of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina and the OSCE Mission to Serbia, with a formal academy at the Grand Hall of the Assembly of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina. The ceremony was attended by a large number of guests, among which were representatives of state and provincial organsof administration, inter- national and domestic institutions, organizations ighting for human rights, educational and other institutions which the Provincial Ombudsman has cooperated with in the past ten years.

Those present were addres- Serbia, Saša Janković, the chief of presents the history and work of sed, apart from the Provincial the democratization section of the this institution, during which the Ombudsman, Aniko Muškanja OSCE Mission to Serbia, Jan Lu- Republic of Serbia acquired aro- Hajnrih herself, by the president eneberg, the president of the As- und twenty independent institu- of the Assembly of the Autono- sociation of Local Ombudsman, tions for the protection of human mous Province of Vojvodina, Zlatko Marosiuk and the executi- rights at all levels of government Ištvan Pastor, the vice president ve director of the Belgrade Centre and several laws of vital importan- of the Government of the Auto- for Human Rights, Vesna Petro- ce to this area. nomous Province of Vojvodina, vić. Andor Deli MA, the Ombudsman Those present were given A big European institution of Catalonia, Rafael Ribo, the Sta- the “10 years of the Provincial The Provincial Ombudsman, te Ombudsman of the Republic of Ombudsman” publication, which Aniko Muškanja Hajnrih, pointed

18 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Human rights

Celebrants with guests out in opening the formal acade- my honor that citizens recognize gence between life and the law. It my, that it is truly a great success the institution of the ombudsman has shown that the law is not per- to celebrate ten years of existence. more and more. The citizens are fect, and that it always represents The adoption of the Decision on more and more aware that human a strive towards perfection. It has the establishment of the Provincial rights are the foundations of hu- shown that it is dificult to recon- Ombudsman, a completely new man dignity.” cile the law and justice, the right institution, by the Assembly of for the pursuit of happiness and ju- Fighting for human rights the Autonomous Province of Vo- stice, freedom of men and citizens and the dignity of man jvodina, represented a truly brave and equality,” stated Pastor and decision. It was a choice to impro- Congratulating the Ombud- added that the readiness to open ve the system of the protection of sman on this jubilee, the president new perspectives, to persevere human rights, after the democratic of the Assembly of the Autonomo- in the protection of the dignity of changes in Vojvodina, and realize us Province of Vojvodina, Ištvan citizens, are an important quality as fully as possible the noble ide- Pastor, pointed out that the com- that the institution of the Ombud- als of the universal Declaration mitment and dedication in the pro- sman has brought to the processes on Human Rights. The Provincial tection of the rights to a free and of institutional consolidation. Ombudsman owes its existence digniied life for every man and The president of the Assem- and achievements, according to citizen, as an elementary human bly also said that the battle for the Provincial Ombudsman, to nu- right, have undoubtedly marked human rights is one we need to merous institutions, organizations the engagement of the Provincial ight every day: “The freedom and and citizens. Aniko Muškanja Ombudsman in the irst decade of equality of individuals are measu- Hajnrih also stated that govern- the existence of this institution. red by the absence of obstacles. If mental bodies in 65% of cases fol- “The irst decade of the work a citizen is too poor, uneducated low the recommendations of this of the Provincial Ombudsman and weak to be able to use his law- institution, which is equal to the has conirmed the dificult -diverful rights, freedom does not mean averages of EU countries: “It is much to him, but the task of insti-

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 19 Human rights

tutions is to provide the availabili- its existence and the successes se who contributed to the previo- ty of justice to all, and especially achieved. us success of this institution and to marginalized groups.” Ribo stated that Serbia is expressed her hope that citizens He added that the coming facing great challenges, having will continue to be faithful part- years and decades pose as a pri- in mind the economic situation, ners of this institution. “I wish to mary task, not only for the institu- which is related to the violation thank the Assembly of the Auto- tion of the Ombudsman, but for all of very important social rights of nomous Province of Vojvodina for participants in public life, the task citizens. “The “privatization of having in mind the needs and inte- of building a political community rights” is underway, which are gi- rests of its citizens, for recognizing which will nurture civil values, ven to private companies, which the importance of the institution of freedoms and responsibilities, and in turn endangers human rights,” the Ombudsman and adopting the decision on the establishment of which will promote the dignity of said Ribo. “We are not politicians and the Provincial Ombudsman. I wo- men and citizens as untouchable, we cannot inluence the law anduld also wish to thank the citizens, because only such a political com- propose objections to certain ri- who have in the past ten years munity will create institutional po- ghts, but we can point out if so- shown us the problems in the ield ssibilities for equal opportunities. meone is trying to endanger the of human rights, with which the Friendship and partnership rights of a particular person.” Ribo governmental bodies need to deal with Catalonia added that unfortunately human with in a more eficient and pur- rights are violated by public su- poseful way. We hope that they Those present were also ad- pervision and listening-in even in will do this in a greater number in dressed by the Ombudsman of institutions, without any control. the future,” concluded Aniko Mu- Catalonia, Rafael Ribo, who con- At the end of the ceremony, škinja Hajnrih. gratulated the institution of the the Provincial Ombudsman Aniko Ombudsman on the ten years of Muškinja Hajnrih thanked all tho- Aleksandra Mićić

20 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Health LIFE IS NOT A GAME

Modern man often inds the answer to the question what to do with his spare time and how to “kill” a few hours in activities that at the irst glance seem harmless. The lottery, going to bookmakers, composing “winning tickets”, a few rounds of poker, roulette, slot machines... Time goes by. The misconception grows. Addiction is born.

Psychotherapists Jasmina Lekovic and her associate Ivana Pavlovic

Gambling is one of the most chotherapists and psychiatrists. starts with a visit for the irst -in risky and dangerous vices. Sin- The Centre was established terview with a family member ce 1980 it has been a part of the aiming to build functional and or another close person who will international classiication of di- healthy models of thought and provide support during the pro- seases. It has equally shattering behavior in gambling addicts. cess of gambling rehabilitation, effects as do drug abuse, alcoho- The Centre works on the educa- and it is continued with individu- lism, violence and other serious tion of citizens, and especially al counseling and psychotherapy. vices. It all starts from simple children and youth, on the harm- We introduce the family to gam- curiosity and a wish to have fun, ful effects of gambling through bling addiction so it can help in and it ends in tragedy. Invisible lectures and workshops, as well overcoming it. We organize gro- to the eye, it grabs the life of the as counseling for persons who up meetings for clients who are addict and with its sharp claws it have problems with pathological interested in this type of support. destroys his personality, leading gambling. Psychologists, psychotherapists to fatal consequences. The rehabilitation of clients and psychiatrists show the addict Center for the prevention and What is pathological gambling? rehabilitation of pathological gambling Gambling is a name for a collection of games, behaviors and activities which entail betting money which carries with it a certain On November 29th 2012, in risk and the hope for a positive outcome (returning the investment Novi Sad, the irst Centre for the or winning a larger amount of money). prevention and rehabilitation of Pathological gambling is a behavior control disorder, a habit pathological gambling was foun- and an impulse. Spending nonexistent money, at place where more ded, called “Life is not a game”. time than planned is spent is considered pathological gambling. The expert team of the Centre consists of psychologists, psy-

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 21 Health the stage he has reached, becau- that all bookmakers and casinos se they are often not aware how must be at least 200m away from advanced their addiction has be- schools, this rule is still broken. come. As the reason for going to these places they list fun, following The most common symptoms the results of their favorite te- of pathological gambling ams, as well as easy money, do- Persons who have entered ubling their lunch money. the stage of pathology are most How does treatment begin often preoccupied with gam- and is gambling curable? bling. They keep thinking about past experiences, they plan futu- Users who come to the Cen- combination, i.e. sure winners, re actions, they think about how tre seek help in order to control in their head in advance. The to get the money they need to themselves in moments of crisis. addict lies to his family, friends continue the game. Their level The expert team stimulates the and therapist about the extent of of tolerance is increased, so they client to think about the conse- his gambling. When he wishes to keep raising the stakes, in order quences gambling can cause. stop gambling or at least reduce to achieve the expected pleasu- The beginning of treatment is it, he most often does not succe- re and thrill they crave. The rise long and dificult. When a - pa ed. After a year of trying, there of adrenalin in the blood gives tient begins to stop himself, that is a crisis and he returns to gam- them strength, as with drug abu- is the moment when treatment se and alcoholism. Addicts often neglect the responsibilities they “Pathological gamblers are extremely intelligent people. So- used to have. They skip school, cial interaction is ridiculous for them. They are skilled and convin- distance themselves from their cing in manipulation, they know how to put up masks so no one family, friends, hobbies, they pay will know what vice they suffer from. They believe that only good no attention to their reputation in things will happen in their lives, they have unrealistic optimism. society. In order to get the mo- They are afraid of being shamed in front of the important igures in ney they need for gambling they their life. They do not have inancial control.” are ready for anything, even ille- Ivana Pavlović gal operations: theft, lies, fraud, forging documents at work and the like. A person who has a pro- begins. The duration of treat- bling. The addict continues to blem with gambling often has a ment depends on the consequen- gamble even when there is a risk feeling of uneasiness and irrita- ces and aspects of life infested by of losing his family and friends. bility. There are often attempts to gambling. There is some dama- When there is a lack of money, stop or at least reduce gambling. ge with everyone, mostly to the he turns to false friends or loan Persons who come to casinos trust within the family, which is sharks who wholeheartedly most often wish to improve their according to the experience of expect his downfall. They spend mood or run away from the pro- experts, returned only after two their earnings to the last cent, blems they have by gambling. years of treatment. Gambling even though they sorely need the The trigger which most often cannot be fully cured, but control money for other expenses (bills, leads to problems at home, loss and persistency can heal it. food...). The symptoms of those of employment, a partner, a lack suffering from the disease are of money and the like. When Diagnoses from experts also sleeping disorders, suicidal they lose playing roulette, slots, tendencies, lying and manipula- According to Jasmina Leko- poker, they often return to the tion. vić, a psychotherapist at the Cen- scene of the crime trying to re- Persons who start going to tre, addicted persons mostly do verse the damages done, creating bookmakers often do it betwe- not know when they pass into pa- new “smarter” strategies. Ad- en the ages of ten and eighteen. thological gambling. They mo- dicts have numbers and winning Even though the law prescribes stly ind out when you lead them

22 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Health back to the beginning. Then they themselves come to the conc- A secret confession lusion that the crucial moment The irst time I stepped into a bookmaker’s ofice I was fo- is mostly when they repay their urteen. It all started out as fun, playing a few tickets with friends debt. so as not to be bored in class. I was thinking, it’s only 30 di- “The problem of gambling nars, that’s not much. In time my wishes grew. We started going is huge. Rare are those who stop in groups, every day, 2 or 3 times. I didn’t see the road I was after the irst time. They usual- walking on. We skipped classes, because I wasn’t interested in ly try to do something to get the studying. Sitting at the bookmakers and following the games, I money they lost back. After ive, looked stealthily at the people who played on the slot machines. six lost rounds they come to us. It was interesting to watch them, and learn how to play. You pay Our advice to parents is not to 200 dinars, and you get 2000 credits and the game begins. Pyra- repay the debts. In order to stop, mids, cherries, dollars spin and you stop them and wait for you they need to feel the suffering winnings. In those moments my adrenalin rises signiicantly and and consequences themselves. I feel tension. Time lies. 2 or 3 hours pass from the beginning of The family needs to pressure the game. I don’t realize that. I say to myself: “Come on, come them, either with blackmail like on, connect it already!”. withholding money or leaving Unfortunately, people who start with tickets and slots, end the house. In that way you give up on poker and roulette, which are also at the bookmakers. Two their existence a shake.” dangerous games. I place my last lunch money on a few “win- Ivana Pavlović, a inal year ning” numbers. The ball spins like a carousel, and falls in the student of psychology at the Fa- wrong place. I start to sweat, to panic, and I want more. I look culty of Philosophy is an asso- around what to do. A friend comes up and smiles. “What’s up, ciate of this Centre, and she has bro? You lost, eh? Don’t worry, I’ll lend you the money, you do- stated that the potential users of n’t have to pay me back until the New Year. No interest!”. I take the Centre rarely come on their 100 Euros, I start again, and again. own: “It is usually the parents, I feel guilty, what have I done! How will I pay it back? I sisters, girlfriends and closest calm myself, I’ll do it again tomorrow and win the money back friends who ask for help. The for sure. addicts do not realize they have I come home, I can’t look at my parents. I’m annoyed by a problem. They become aware their talking. It’s always the same: “How was school? Study! only when they have a large debt Eat!”. My head does not want that. I get nervous and panic. How they can’t repay, but as soon as will I pay it back? I lie on the bed, cover my head with a blanket they get that in order they forget and create a new strategy. Now I can’t make a mistake. everything and they start aga- The morning comes, a new day and a new beginning. I think in with the idea that they won’t this is my lucky day, its March 8th. Eight is my lucky number. make the same mistakes as last I miss the bus and go to the bookmakers with stealth. I look for time. When they come to us, they my good friend to borrow another 50 Euros. I press the numbers think they will learn how to gam- and I lose, of course. ble in a smart and controlled way The New Year has come. My debt is now over 2500 Eu- which is a big delusion.” ros, I can’t even mention it to my folks. I contemplate suicide. When asked how to repay The interest grows every day, and I have no money. My “best” the money, experts advise users friend brought me to the bottom. The loan shark keeps calling to borrow money from an impor- me, threatening me, he wants to kill me, if I don’t pay him back tant igure in their life (uncles, by midnight. The clock is ticking, I don’t know what to do. I cry! aunts...). That way they would I tell myself I will never do this again, never again! feel shame.

Pamela Uzelac The small, everyday, at irst glance harmless rituals can turn our lives into a mess. So when choosing hobbies and habits, caution is ne- cessary, because life is not a game.

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 23 NGO PROBLEMS ON THE PATH OF ROMA INTEGRATION

The Association of Roma from Southern Banat, JUBAN, as a non-governmental organization, was foun- ded in 2007, in Pančevo. From then on, it has worked on improving the social, economic, educational and overall position of the Roma. The association ights for the implementation of the rights of Roma guaranteed by the Constitution of the Republic of Serbia with different types of activities. It cooperates successfully with the Ministry for Human and Minority Rights, with which it has signed a memorandum on cooperation; the Roma Inclusion Ofice; the National Council of the Roma National Minority; the Roma Decade League and the Center for Advanced Education from Belgrade.

Miroslav Jovanovic with representatives of the Roma population

Two successful projects ving the position of young Roma Another successful project is men and women – professional the Public works – Cleaning and According to the president of development: “Within this pro- reining the shores of the Tamiš the JUBAN association, Miroslav ject, twenty ive young peopleand Danube rivers project. The Jovanović, recently a meeting has river Tamiš was cleaned and aro- been held aiming to summarize enrolled and inished courses for certain professions, after which und three thousand pieces of pla- the previous work of the associa- stic packaging was removed. In tion. Apart from that, the topic of they received certiied diplomas. However, the problem is that the- this way, the Roma have deied the meeting was planning future the prejudice that is held aga- activities. se diplomas are not accepted in the city of Pančevo, while in -Ša inst them and proved that they Among the previous activities can also successfully implement of the association, Jovanović po - bac a similar project was carried out, and all of the participants had Public works. The project was ints out two successful projects. implemented really well, which their requaliication inserted in The project Jovanović is was conirmed by the mayor of especially proud of was Impro- their employment booklets.” the city of Pančevo, as well as the

24 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina NGO director of the National Employ- have successfully implemented ment Service. the action of collecting textbooks for the youngest. They say that Re-activation they believe that the local self- In the previous year, the JU- -government wants to help, but BAN association has not imple- that the problem is their lack or mented any activities. According organization. They also believe to the members of this associa- that the education of their mem- tion, they hope that by the end bers is a necessity, so that they of the month they will solve all can write their projects themse- problems and continue with their lves and participate in domestic activities. The president of the as- and international competitions. sociation has expressed the wish All members of the associa- to form an expert team and anno- tion share the hope that in the unced that in the near future they future, with the support of the will sign a cooperation agreement City of Pančevo and the Roma with the Roma Inclusion Ofice. Inclusion Ofice, a large num- ber of Roma problems will be Lack of organization – a pro- solved. Even though they face a blem, education – a necessity lot of hard work and effort, the members and associates of this The cooperation of the asso- association do not waver in their ciation with the local self-govern- Miroslav Jovanović ight to provide the Roma a life ment has been named as a good ment in Serbia which has provi- worthy of man. one by the members of the asso- ded textbooks for all Roma chil- ciation. They point out that they dren who go to elementary scho- Pamela Uzelac are the only local self-govern- ol. This is the fourth year they

Unemployment as the source of all problems staring in Father and Son Simić Radovan from Kačarevo is a member of this association: “We have been members of the JUBAN association for several years. There are around 120 ho- useholds and we are all unemployed. We mostly do seasonal jobs. We were also en- gaged in the Public works, with the help of our president, Miroslav Jovanović. The young people in our village, mostly, after inishing elementary school don’t continue their education, they start to work, like us, Nikola Simić mostly seasonal work, due to the lack of funds. There are a lot of self-taught repairmen, masons and farmers. I graduated from the Mechanical Engineering High School, and after thirty years at Utva I got ired. My son graduated from the Secondary Chemical School, but he still can’t ind a job.“ Nikola Simić, the son of Radovan Simić, still hopes to ind a job: „Five ye ars ago I gradu- ated from the Chemical Lab Technician department. I am registered with the National Employ- ment Service, but there are no jobs. I would like to have a job in my ield of work, but right now I would be glad to get any kind of job. I don’t want to lose hope, I believe I will start to work somewhere soon.“

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 25 Culture TEACHING CENTRE OF THE GRUBB FOUNDATION OPENED IN NOVI SAD The newly opened teaching centre of the GRUBB foundation (Gipsy Roma Urban Balkan Beats) in Novi Sad was promoted at the “Trifun Dimić” library in Šangaj. The GRUBB Foundation aims to educate young Roma through artistic and educational programs, in all three of its centers: Belgrade, Niš and now Novi Sad. The event was attended by Dragan Kojić, the director of the City Library in Novi Sad, Marina Žilić-Ilić, a writer and painter, Dobrila Karauli, the manager of the GRUBB foundation, as well as a large number of youngsters and young Roma.

Preparing to perform

The GRUBB foundation – into society through different Encouraging young talent support and shelter types of art. It all started with small or- According to manager Do- The GRUBB foundation dinary workshops, where Roma brila Karaulić, the goal of the was established in 2006 in Gre- children came to rap. This was foundation is based, irst of - at Britain. The founder and i a place where they found shel- all, on all of these children i- nancier of the foundation is ter from the street. In time more nishing school, and inding a Mrs. Caroline Roboh, from and more children came and decent job after that, in order to England. The oficial name the of Roma hip-hop group called become integrated into socie- the GRUBB foundations comes GRUBB was created. The gro- ty more easily. Currently aro- from “Gipsy Roma Urban Bal- up currently has its own musi- und 730 children have passed kan Beats”. It is an institution cal and is performing around for Roma children, which ena- through all three centers. They the world, in Canada, America, bles them to become integrated “pull” each other into a life full France, England.

26 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Culture

“We don’t want the life we had, we want to change it, so it can be better for all the Roma, that they can inish faculties and schools!” “GRUBB Stories” Apart from music and dan- ce workshops, GRUBB has workshops which deal with en- couraging young Roma to wri- te and and engage in art photo- graphy. A performance of the hip hop section On this occasion the of happiness and joy, where We are proud of our students book of young authors called they socialize, sing and dance. and their achievements, and so “GRUBB Stories” was presen- “At the GRUBB teaching we consider it extremely impor- ted. This is the irst in a series centers we truly and deeply tant to provide them with enco- of books which have been writ- believe that the demolition of uragement in showcasing their ten and illustrated by a group of boundaries between education, talent. The voice of a young young Roma aged between 13 art, fun and work is the driving person should be heard loud and 23. Their inspiring and very force of social integration. ‘Ta- and clear, they are our future”, emotional stories are the result lent comes from believing in stated Dobrila Karaulić. of a yearlong creative writing what you do’, said one of the program, based on the model users of our center, and today of the renowned British organi- he is one of our music teachers. Tradition in a new outit zation, “First Story”. The book The GRUBB promotion was accompanied by group is a combi- an exhibit of photographs taken nation of urban, during the “About town” pro- modern hip hop so- ject by young Roma. unds and traditional Roma music. These And truly, this promotion young talented pe- was marked by the words from ople without formal the invitation: “The stories, musical education photographs, music, dance and create and write ly- voices of young Roma, both rics themselves. So individually and united, send a far they have had strong artistic, honest message large international to the observer, that the love success. Their num- they sellessly share is what bers are engaged makes life worth living, as do and they speak of these types of events”. Judging the dificult position by the smiles of those present, of the Roma, about this enrichment of spirit has culture and tradition. made them happier. As it has made us. Pamela Uzelac

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 27 Culture

28 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Roma crafts THE STORY OF AN OLD HORSE TRADER

Production and trade were once ways to survive. At fairs one didn’t just trade, one made friends and conversation. Socializing and conversing with others were once a greater pleasure, than is the case today. Fairs were places where great life stories, friendships, even loves came to be. In no other country was trade such a fun time, as it was in Serbia. A seventy-two-year-old horse trader from Ruski Krstur, Triva Novaković, remembers his famous trading days with a smile on his face.

*How was your relation- to school. I was attracted to the demanded a lot of commitment ship with the trading crafthorses and I only had eyes for and care. Even though I was born? them. My love for the horses young, I didn’t mind. My father - My family traditional- was greater than anything else. often went to fairs, and I went ly engaged in horse trading. My father had ive of us, but no with him. We got up at night, When I was seven, my father one loved the horses as much as around one or two. Under the kept horses. I didn’t want to go I did. Working with the horses moonlight, with no lights, with

Three days of a fair, one horse, four owners

“We went to a fair in Šid and sold a horse to this man. The fair lasted for three days. After two days, that same man came up to me, to sell me that same horse. I laughed, but I couldn’t tell him. In the three days of the fair, that horse exchanged four owners, and came back to me. You have to keep quiet in tra- ding, in order to succeed. A gypsy would cheat a gypsy, it happened a million times. It would often come to blows, because of cheating.”

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 29 Roma crafts four or ive carts, and two-three Horse meat was valuable, ago. I had two lovely race hor- horses tied to the carriage, we as it is today, nothing has chan- ses, I had to sell them too unfor- went far away. The largest fa- ged. Italians and Frenchmen tunately. I now have my darling irs then were in Šabac, Ruma, used to come to the fairs and Cherry, who is my cure for eve- Šid, Sombor and Bačka Topola. buy horse meat for pig farms. rything, she’s keeping me alive. We attended those with no re- They fed pigs with that meat. I can’t describe how much that gard to the weather conditions. They would cook it in a caul- mare loves and respects me. While we traveled, we would dron, add some wheat and give ind ields full of mown clover.it to the pigs. There used to be *How dificult was it to ind Even though it is against the an old farm in our village too, a buyer? law, even dangerous, we wo- whose owner bought horses - Horse drawn carriages uld take that clover, stuff it on from me. It doesn’t exist today. used to be the main vehicles the horses and leave. We had When we sold our horses, for transportation. There were to make due. I remember even we bought new ones, old and no tractors, cars, motorcycles. now how people shouted after skinny ones, in order to feed We used to hitch a horse, put a us then: “Our clover is gone, them and sell them for a better wooden plough on and plough the gypsies took it!”. price. I had a big ield, we held a ield. We would go to the wo- them there and fed them for two ods, pile on a cube or two, and *What did you do at the fa- months until they reached the bring the wood home on a horse irs? right weight. cart. There were no trucks in the - We traded at fairs. There military, only cavalry. We could were different goods, crafts and *How many horses did you sell horses easily, like cars to- cultures. You could ind every- own? day. Although, it was easier to thing in one place. I think back - I couldn’t tell you the buy a horse who didn’t want to now, how beautiful the horses exact number. Only God knows. work and obey. We mostly bo- were. I sold my last horse two years ught such horses.

30 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina Roma crafts

Horse traders or matrapazi The Roma have been and remained good traders. They have a great convincing ability, which bro- ught them success. Many people around the world have heard of the old horse traders. The horse traders are people who engage in breeding and trading horses. The Roma horse traders are so experienced in masking horses that they can disguise some animals (horses, mules or donkeys) and sell them to their former owners, without fearing they will be recognized. It is know that in Banat the horse traders skillfully organized thefts and trading of horses, from which they earned a lot. They would cut the manes and tails of horses or they would braid them, they would hit them with spurs, would harness them with sharp ties, and sometimes they would cook cheese, and stick it hot to the horse’s back, forehead or elsewhere, and there the hair would fall off, and new, white hair would grow in it’s place. In this way the Roma horse traders would turn a horse without mar- kings into a horse with markings. They used to be present in almost all parts of the world. Today their number has shrunken signiican- tly, they are almost extinct. The very word “dzambas” (horse trader) has more meanings. It has its roots in the Persian language, and its basic meaning is cattle farmer. “Dzambas” also denotes reckless people, and there is also a last name Dzambas, which is mostly present with orthodox Serbs. This name was for the irst time used for cattle farmers who freely walked the Ottoman Empire.

*How did you make a good their head, poured a liter of oil, *Could you live off of horse horse out of a “bad” one? and the horse is as good as new. trading once? - A “bad” horse usually With horses that were too old, - You could live very nice- didn’t like his owner, he pu- I would cut their mane, paint ly. There was good money to shed him away and didn’t want their hooves, tie them braids. be made. I don’t know if you to obey. When I bought such a I wouldn’t sell horses like that remember the old red bill with horse, I would make him work for a lot of money, I would usu- the horse’s head. Well, for one night and day with no food. ally tell the buyer what the case horse, I got ive of those bills. Even though he is an animal, was. You can imagine how nice life he would realize he can’t live was then. without me. I would give him Regarding that, I would food slowly, pet him and comb like to tell you an interesting *Do you have someone to him, he would feel I meant no story. Back in 1964/65, our ne- inherit the horse trading trade? harm. ighbor had a black horse, abo- - Unfortunately, I don’t. I ut twenty years old. Usually a have a son, but he loves cars, Afterwards, I would scra- horse can live from twenty to like I used to love horses. pe the horse’s teeth with large twenty ive years. I wondered Young people are not so inte- emeries, to make them younger. what I could do with him, if I rested in this trade today. There I had a temperamental, live hor- bought him. There was no hair are some, but very few. Recen- se who wouldn’t allow anyone color back then. There were tly, I saw a man in the neigh- near him. I didn’t know what to only textile colors. So, I found boring village, he had four, ive do, and I remembered to take a some black coloring, I painted horses, he loves them like I do. liter of brandy before the fair, my horse from top to bottom, If I were younger I would keep placed his head against a tree I hid the grey hairs and made the tradition going, but I am and tilted it until he drank all him into a regular stallion. Of running out of strength. of it. The horse was calm then course, this was a great risk. A for the next 24 hours, and after lot could happen, it the buyer Pamela Uzelac that got back to his own ways. found out. I would do the same with hor- ses which had asthma. I lifted

The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina 31 Roma crafts

32 The Roma Decade in AP Vojvodina