Challenging Antigypsyism through Human Rights Education

Last week, during 21^st to 27^th of May, I took part in the Spring Seminar of Phiren Amenca which took place in Durres, Albania, amongst 35 youngsters roma and non-roma from 9 countries all over Europe.

The topic of the week was “Challenging Antigypsyism through Human Rights Education and we did a lot of activities that helped us to know more about the issues of Roma in Europe but also to create connections between us and our organisations.

Each day was filled with activities that made us gain knowledge on Human Rights education, but especially on how we can use this education to try and change the situation of Roma in Europe.

Every individual presented his/hers sending organization and also the projects that the organization is leading in the community. We talked about the geographical region where we sustain our activity but also we presented the projects implemented until now.

Got the chance in the 3^rd day to learn more about the Albanian Roma association field, their projects and also their difficulties and successes, this was one of the most interesting part of the seminar, being able to know and compare the situations across Europe.The seminar was based on non-formal education and also gave the opportunity to all of us to facilitate a workshop at the end of one session, Phiren Amenca trying to help growing professionals amongst youngsters, but especially amongst Roma youngsters thinking about the next event that will take place in Varna, Bulgaria at the end of August, and where one of us, if prepares a project, can be part of the facilitation teams.

In the end we talked about a regrettable event that took place on the 16^th of may, Romani Resistance day in Olshani, Ukraine, where a man from the municipality killed a Roma in the middle of the day, and the suspect was put in home arrest.

 We created an action plan and we will start an action to raise awareness of the case and to try to reach justice in this case.

We formed a European connection between Roma and non-roma and we managed to be productive and hopefully we will manage to continue the great work that every individual is doing. Until next time I want to thank FAGIC for sending me there and also to Phiren Amenca for everything that they provided during the seminar.
                                                                                            
                                                                                                           Bogdan Burdusel