Guest blogger: The other side of Roma integration

Every now and then something happens and the debate about integration of the Roma minority in Romania is reignited. In 2010 it was the repatriation of several hundred Romanian Roma from France. Last year the attention of media, civil society, other Member States and the European Commission has turned once more to this subject. So when I took over the dossier in the Embassy the momentum was right and I thought I knew what to expect. After all Romania is home to the largest Roma community in the Union with estimates varying between half a million and two millions. This is hardly a new issue. Find more about the Embassy’s work around Human Rights

In early December 2010 I paid a visit to the recently opened Alternative Education Club that the Policy Center for Roma and Minorities opened up in Ferentari, a densely Roma-populated district in Bucharest. Having previously seen some of the worst parts of Ferentari, I was aware of how little opportunities the area had. But the Club gives children in the school a chance to spend their free time in a positive manner, away from the troubles of their neighbourhood. With teachers helping out with homework, classes in photography and street dance and many other activities it provides a safe environment for the children. Being located within the local school, it also encourages pupils to keep their school attendance up. Weeks after opening the Club was already so popular that pupils had to be turned down from various classes.

Subsequently I had the chance to join Agentia Impreuna during their campaign “Everybody deserves a Santa” at the school in Piteasca village, 15km away from Bucharest. The school has 80% Roma pupils who come from poor and sometimes extremely poor backgrounds. Agentia Impreuna prepared and offered a present to each of the 190 children in the local school and kindergarten. British Embassy staff jumped at the chance to contribute and collected toys for the campaign.

We left Bucharest early in the morning fully equipped with toys, sweets, books and clothes and of course Father Christmas. Each gift prepared thoughtfully, with age-appropriate contents. But nothing could have prepared me for the welcoming we received at the school. The excitement of the children meeting Father Christmas and “his helpers” is impossible to describe. There were carols, plays and poems. Many parents and grandparents also joined the celebration. The atmosphere was festive and happy – as it should be.

In case anybody is still wondering what Roma integration is about, then I believe this is your answer. It is about these children in Ferentari, Piteasca and many other similar places and their chance to happiness.

Blog post by Miruna Constantinescu in the Political team of the British Embassy