On May 14, in the city of Sofia, the finalists of the competition 'On the Path of Heritage from the First World Romani Congress in 1971: Romani Language, Culture, and Movement – Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow' were awarded in the two categories of essay and video. The competition is organized by the Trust for Social Achievement Foundation (TSA) with the participation of the Integro Association, the Liberal Alternative for Roma Civil Union (LARGO), and the Center for Interethnic Dialogue and Tolerance – Amalipe, on the occasion of International Romani Day on April 8.
Taking into account the importance of education and the preservation of cultural heritage, the organizers announced a competition in which young people were encouraged to draw inspiration from the messages of the First World Romani Congress held in 1971. This event was an important step in raising awareness of the traditions and identity of the Roma community among young Roma.
The event also addressed the contemporary challenges facing the Roma community in Bulgaria and Europe. Moderated by Maria Metodieva from TSA, the event began with congratulatory speeches from key members of each organization to the young finalists of the competition. Sarah Perin, Executive Director of TSA, Deyan Kolev, Chairman of the Board of CMEDT 'Amalipe,' Lilia Makaveeva, Executive Director of 'Integro Association,' and Sasho Kovachev, Chairman of the Board of the 'LARGO' Association, highlighted how impressed they were with the performances of all the young contestants in the competition. They underlined their renewed hope for the future of the Roma community and culture, despite the numerous obstacles each organization has had to overcome in their long-standing efforts. In her welcoming remarks, Sarah Perin noted:
“In the last 15 years, the civil sector has undergone significant transformations, some with negative consequences. The number of active organizations has decreased, and we often look back nostalgically on the years when organizations played a key role in the progress of the Roma and Bulgaria. Despite the difficulties, however, we have an important task – to prepare new activists and advocates for human rights who will fight for social justice. To ignite that fire which burns in most of us. Only then will we have fulfilled our mission.
Dear young finalists in our competition 'On the Path of Heritage from the First World Romani Congress in 1971: Romani Language, Culture, and Movement – Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow.' Thank you for daring to share your thoughts and views with us in this competition. Yes, it takes a certain courage, especially when admitting that you are Roma can be an unnerving task in our contemporary society – to say that you love your Roma culture, language, and history, which are not actually taught in regular classes in Bulgarian educational institutions. You are your own hope!”
The guests of the event had the opportunity to hear the words of the finalists through the presentation of the videos and parts of the essays with which they participated. Next came the most long-awaited moment for the participants themselves - their awarding.
In the essay category, the following were awarded:
- Desislava Vladimirova Ivanova, Kyustendil, 18 years old – 1st place
- Bozhidara Milenova Hristova, Veliko Tarnovo, 17 years old – 2nd place
- Milena Svetleva Kazakova, Varbitsa, Shumen Province, 22 years old – 3rd place
In the video category:
- David Dimitrov Georgiev, Levski, Pleven Province, 19 years old – 1st place
- Ayshe Fevzi Bilya, Nikola Kozlevo village, Shumen Province, 17 years old – 2nd place
- Asen Hristov Asenov, Maglizh, Stara Zagora Province, 15 years old – 3rd place
The event continued with a panel discussion on "Roma Equality, Inclusion and Participation - New Dimensions and Challenges", which included presentations covering topics such as the European Child Guarantee, hate speech and the image of Roma in social media, the challenges facing Roma women and leadership in the Roma community.
The event set a real precedent for commitment in the realization of a platform for cooperation between Roma organizations, which opens the door for young people to express their ideas and experiences. Presented with the experience, causes and knowledge of the speakers on the discussion panel, the youth had the opportunity to reflect constructively on their identity, culture and dreams for change. This creates the foundation for sustainable continuity between generations and ideas, allowing roots to grow deep and branches to reach high and far.
The essays and videos of the finalists in the contest will be available on our site soon.