Roma History 

The Roma are a people group who live all over Eastern Europe. Some anthropologists think that the Roma people originally came from India, they travelled across Asia and settled in Eastern Europe in 1050. Their history has been one littered with tragedy; they were enslaved in Romania until 1864, as well over numerous years been subjected to ethic cleansing and forced labour.  Along with the Jewish people, homosexuals and political dissidents the Nazi party tried to exterminate the whole race in the Second World War. Still today, they are often the victims of racism.

However, their roots are of an artisan nature, with music, dancing, painting and other crafts being very much part of their history and identity. Unfortunately, due to poverty, this artisan identity is being worn away in many communities. Today in Albania the majority of Roma people like in shanty style towns, their main source of income being what they can recycle from the rubbish bins. In many parts of Eastern Europe the Roma are generally seen as second class citizens, they suffer prejudice and have limited access to education and health services.

Mangava’s aim is to provide some of these Roma women with a reliable income, to nurture and encourage their artisan roots and to give them a working environment which is supportive, and acknowledges their worth and equality as Roma people.

Education

Many Roma are illiterate and the majority of children do not attend school. Although the State schools will accept Roma children the majority of them do not have a birth certificate. Many Roma parents are unwilling to send their children due to the prejudice they are likely to face and the very poor economical situation which limits them from providing school supplies for their children. In addition to this many children accompany their parents to work on the streets. Roma men and women often find that they get more money if they take their children with them to beg, as people are more sympathetic towards children.

However within Albania there are now some charities who are offering education to Roma children. Mangava aims to work with these charities to help provide the children, who we have had contact with, the opportunity to access an education.

Terre Des Hommes, CAAP and BMS (partner organisations to Mangava) work against child trafficking and help support children while they are at school.

Click on the links below for further information:

• BMS World Mission and 'In Transit'
• Terre Des Hommes

Medical Needs

Most of the Roma have limited access to doctors and hospitals. In Albania people often have to pay for treatment, therefore in many cases, due to lack of money, illness and injuries are not seen by a doctor for weeks or months and therefore have the potential to turn into more serious complaints.

The Drita e Botes foundation is currently running a Medical Outreach project in the area of Shkoze, Tirana. This project provides advice and education on medical issues for both Albanians and Roma alike in the Shkoze area.

• The Drita e Botes Foundation