Gabriel Mihai, 37, Brussels, Belgium
Gabriel Mihai is 37, from Timisoara; Romani-Romanian by birth and Belgian by adoption, he speaks six languages (Romani, Romanian, German, English, Dutch, French) is married and has two children– a daughter and a son (17 and 18 years old).
A giver and a wise young man whose goal in life is to help others— assisting with integration of Roma community (started from an early age), encouraging education and employment, among all else.
„No job felt degrading, no matter how small” He was always glad and proud to have a job.
Gabriel left Romania for Switzerland when he was four years old. He studied at a German Gymnasium in Zurich and returned with his parents to Romania, in 1994. He then continued his studies at a reputable German High school in Timisoara, where he also learned English; by this time, Gabriel was already speaking four languages. Made friends fairly quickly, and got to be appreciated by teachers and colleagues, alike.
In 2002, Gabriel left Romania for the second time, for Belgium. He immediately started looking for work. He found, at first, various simple landscaping jobs. Later on, he became one of the volunteers with a Belgian organisation looking after the interests of the local Roma Community, and continued with a Mediation stage, in Brussels.
In 2010 Gabriel started working for Foyer, as a Mediator— now, he continues what he started. The work evolved, and together with a dedicated, ambitious and socially responsible team (picture below), he makes the effort to further develop Foyer.
The mother was more supportive than the father– however, despite the father’s lack of enthusiasm (although Gabriel’s father never opposed his plans for a professional future)– he always hoped that his son will pick-up his business, after his retirement.
Being socially responsible, Gabriel started very early, as a goodwill gesture, assisting the Roma community with various small issues related to education and employment. Slowly, he assisted with other social matters, and continued by doing volunteer work, then, mediation at Foyer.
Gabriel’s tasks and responsibilities vary from assisting the young Roma with their schooling process, to following with their integration in class (by keeping in close touch with their teachers and family), to joining the team effort on projects helping adults with professional training courses and finding a job. Gabriel values his work, appreciates the leaders & team and believes in the say ‘we live and learn’, part of his life wisdom.
He also feels that he must give back to the community what the community gave him— a chance to do what he always wanted.
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