Romania: Too many people distance themselves by denying the distress of the Roma

Originating from the Indian sub-continent – especially from Rajastan – in the 11th century, for many years the Roma in Romania had the status of slaves. A notice dated 1852 is witness to the sale of 38 boys and girls, men and women “in good health”. The hovels of the Roma can still be found on the outskirts of villages and illustrate the marginalised life of these families, whereas in the heart of the towns, storks – other migrants! – build their huge nests on telephone poles.

In an up-to-date report on his visit there as the Terre des hommes ambassador for child rights, Jean-Marc Richard observes: “Too many people are content with denigrating the distress of the Roma, instead of giving fair chances to all.” Faced with the illiteracy of many adults, Terre des hommes facilitates maintaining poor children at school. Courses of tutoring help the weakest get up to the level they need, but it is also necessary for their mentality to develop. Teaching staff, youth workers, Roma and Romanian children learn to cooperate through games and sporting activities. They talk together and share ideas, they come out of denial, and give up their mutual mistrust.

The first professor of Roma origin at the University of Bucharest, Dieva, and the association of which she is president, are committed to getting real acknowledgement of the culture of her ethnic group. Her individual example is encouraging. It shows that integration in Romanian society is compatible with developing the customs and traditions of a minority. Dieva’s association is one of the four partners with whom Terre des hommes is now working to improve the integration of the most vulnerable youngsters. By giving them a lasting place in school, underprivileged boys and girls increase their chances of having a job and an income one day, of taking their place in society. A great challenge!