International Rromani Day celebrated in Diosig with PAPI support
08.06.2011
| A local feast was organised in Diosig, Bihor County, in order to celebrate the International Rromani Day. The local PAPI was involved as it helped promote the event in the local rromani community. |
There are 1,720 people of Rroma ethnicity in Diosig, so celebrating their day has become a tradition in the past three years. Events took place at the local Cultural Centre. “Among the guests were representatives of the City Hall, the local school and the Ruhama foundation, which is our partner in several project for social development targeted at the Rroma”, Diosig RECL manager Diana Corbuţiu says.
PAPI organised the entire event. The show was promoted by handing out fliers and invitations printed at PAPI, and during the show itself PAPI equipment was used. RECL personnel was involved in helping people who went on stage in preparing their performances.
Artistic programme created by children
Pupils of the local secondary school offered a diverse show, much to the taste of the large audience. They recited poems, sang songs and performed a traditional gypsy dance. Small plays with scenes from Rroma life were performed and there was also a beauty pageant. “Besides promoting the event, we were involved with the Diosig City Hall and the Secondary School in deciding the schedule. It was a great feast, showing that in Diosig there is respect for the local Rromani community which needs to be integrated in society”, Diana Corbuţiu says. Rroma account for 25% of the total population.
“We never discriminated among citizens. They all have the same rights and the full support of local authorities. We congratulated the Rroma community on their international day and ensured all present we will meet again in the following years”, mayor Bacso Laszlo Endre.
The Ruhama Foundation is an NGO active in the field of social protection, developing programmes and services which cater to the social needs of vulnerable groups and communities in the area. It aims to increase their quality of life, regardless of ethnicity, religion and gender. “The Ruhama Foundation has various social development programmes in our commune, including an after school for children and a programme for the development of life abilities for the Rroma communities”, Diosig RECL manager says.
Online resources:
Bilingual Day Center – First Step in the Development of Sarulesti
Keywords: DiosigBihorInternational Rromani Dayfeast