Workshops of the key concepts of the EU rights and values, discrimination and anti-Gypsism

Central to the rights of minorities are the promotion and protection of their identity. Promoting and protecting minorities` identity prevents forced assimilation and the loss of cultures, religions, and languages, which are the foundation of the world’s richness and thus part of its heritage. Furthermore, minorities have highlighted their right to have their existence as individuals and group protected including protection against any forms of discrimination, hate speech and hate crimes; advocate recognition of their right for self-determination and being part of decision-making in matters that affect them, to equal opportunities in education and employment, and to full participation in public life.
Through workshops at schools Arete Youth Foundation – Bulgaria enhances knowledge and educates young Roma of key concepts of human right and anti-discrimination.
In April and May, four more workshops that aim to educate Roma youth of key concepts of the EU rights and values, discrimination and anti-Gypsism were implemented at Vocational high school of hairdressing and restaurant management in Pazardzhik, ‘Hristo Boyadzhiev’ Vocational  high school of clothing and textiles in Pleven, ‘Trayko Simeonov’ High School in Shumen and Vocational high school of light industry, ecology and food technologies in Yambol.
The workshops were attended by 114 Roma high school students, who also had the opportunity to explore the fundamental principles of EU rights—human dignity, freedom, equality, and solidarity—as well as the boundaries of each person’s rights. The Roma students were also given instances of various forms of discrimination that have occurred in Bulgaria over the past 15 years. A discussion followed each illustration.
Some of the young Roma people shared their own personal accounts of experiencing prejudice from Bulgaria’s other minorities and majorities as a result of their Roma background, including being denied access to cafeterias and/or swimming pools due to their skin tone or mother tongue, or being denied the same opportunities as others. The AYF team believes that participants have acknowledged that cultivating pride in their Roma identity, seeking higher education, and entering the workforce are the best ways to fight discrimination and combat prejudice and stereotypes.

Arete Youth Foundation will organize at least 5 more workshops at schools that aim to educate Roma youth of the key concepts of the EU rights and values, discrimination and anti-Gypsism in the forthcoming months.
The workshops are part of the Youth RIGHTS – Romani Identity, Grass-root Humanity, Tolerance and Social strength project which is funded by Minority Rights Group Europе (MRGE) within the MARIO project and with the financial support of “Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values” programme (2021-2027) of the European Union (ref: 101091387). The statements and opinions expressed herein belong solely to Arete Youth Foundation- Bulgaria and do not necessarily reflect the views of Minority Rights Group Europe (MRGE) or their partners.