International Roma Day marked in Brčko with educational workshops led by representatives of the SEI Center

On the occasion of International Roma Day, which is observed worldwide on April 8th, the Youth Center “Vermont,” with support from the Center for Socio-Economic Inclusion (SEI Center), organized several activities in the Brčko District. Workshops for children were held at the Day Center, focusing on Roma history, language, and way of life, while adults participated in discussions about the lives of Roma in the District and employment opportunities.

The workshops were led by SEI Center staff members Miloš Stanković, Sabina Ahmičić-Gušo, and Ljiljana Ostojić. Meanwhile, volunteers from “Vermont” visited eight local communities and distributed humanitarian aid packages to the most vulnerable Roma citizens.

Photo: SEI Center

“Today we are marking International Roma Day at our Day Center, which has been actively working for ten years with the goal of economically and socially empowering the Roma population. Over the years, more than 500 children, youth, and their parents have been part of our programs, while we currently have around 150 active users and 80 parents who regularly use our services.

The support we provide includes comprehensive socio-economic assistance, as well as continuous help with schoolwork. I would especially like to highlight the excellent cooperation we have with the Government of the Brčko District, as well as with the SEI Center, whose support truly gives us a strong push forward.”
– Almir Husić, Coordinator of the Day Center for Children Living and Working on the Streets.

Photo: SEI Center

“In cooperation with the international organization Save the Children, the Youth Center ‘Vermont’ established the Day Center for children found wandering or working on the streets. Since then, the number of beneficiaries has been steadily increasing, which speaks to the need for and importance of such a space within the community. The Center employs a teacher, a pedagogue, a social worker, a psychologist, and an educator, who together provide support to children—either by helping them with their school obligations for those who attend school, or through literacy programs for those not included in the education system. In addition, our mediator plays a key role in connecting with the community. Although Roma are the primary target group, support is available to all vulnerable categories. Since the establishment of the Day Center, the number of children spending time on the streets has significantly decreased, which gives us additional motivation to continue this work.”
– Ferida Mešković, employee at the Youth Center “Vermont”.

Photo: SEI Center

“Through the project Socio-Economic Inclusion in the Brčko District of BiH, the SEI Center recognizes the Roma population as one of the most marginalized groups in society. Today, we had the opportunity to present the work of the SEI Center, the goals and results of the project, as well as our upcoming activities. I would particularly highlight our Public Calls for self-employment, internships, and programs for retraining, additional qualifications, and professional development.

In conversations with members of the Roma community, we once again confirmed how important the existence and work of such a Center truly is. We are especially pleased that many participants expressed interest in our services and Public Calls. We invited them to visit us so we can support them in the application process and help them access the services we offer.

Our ultimate goal is to contribute, through concrete measures and support, to the creation of equal opportunities for all citizens of the Brčko District, regardless of their ethnic, social, or economic background. Through joint efforts with institutions, the non-governmental sector, and the community itself, we are working on building a more inclusive and fair society for everyone. We encourage all interested individuals to take advantage of the opportunities we offer, because change begins with the first step – and we are here to support them along the way.”
– Miloš Stanković, Expert for Socio-Economic Inclusion at the SEI Center.