Pro-active Roma Coordinator in local government Subotica, Serbia

Subotica , 24^th December 2016

Before the New Year holidays, Mr. Stevan Nikolic, the first appointed Roma Coordinator in the city of Subotica, Serbia, animated the local government representatives to visit several kindergartens in the local community attended mostly by Roma children. The children were enthusiastic to have received packets that were crayons, markers, notebooks…

In Subotica, 81 Roma children attend pre-school program, which is mandatory, he said, on this occasion, Nikolić, adding that it is very important for the Roma community to ensure that children were ready to go in the first grade of primary school.

– We are currently working on the preparation of the Local Action Plan within which most of the areas of Roma inclusion will be incorporated – said Stevan Nikolic.

We are witnessing Roma exclusion that has multiple effects on the whole Rome society .. This situation generates resistance that results in self-isolation and indifference to events outside the community. In many ways, their passive attitude towards majority creates a parallel perception in relation with wider social environment and different approaches to life values. As a result negative stereotypes occur about the Roma community, while the discrimination deepens the sense of isolation from the majority. Unfortunately, not many people recognize and accept this fact of life.

This situation can be changed only through realistic reflection and planning activities that will result in sustainable changes in society. Roma NGO community needs to get engaged more in the public discourse and establish more co-operation with civil society and public sector. But, the starting point is in the family as the pillar for encouraging children to education and inclusion in the society. More Roma children in kindergartens means also that we are striving to live “with each other” and not only “side by side”.