REMEMBER THE 2ND OF AUGUST

\”We, as part of the Roma minority in Albania and on behalf of Barvalipe School Albania, the first Roma leadership school in Albania and the students of Roma Versitas Albania, are here today to commemorate and honor the victims of the Auschwitz Holocaust – Birkenau of 1944 in Nazi camps.

The persecution of Roma in Germany and throughout Europe began in 1933. It is very important to recall that only on the night of August 2, 1944, 2,897 Roma were killed in the most inhumane forms, including children, women, men, old men, innocent people, just from the fact that they were Roma. But the number of victims goes even higher, up to 500,000 Roma where during their stay in the camps they were tortured and experimented, an action which does not suit human nature, but on the contrary.

On 15 April 2015, the European Parliament recognised and set 2nd of August as \”Rome Holocaust Memorial Day\”. This decision is also supported by a statement issued by the European Commission. European countries are aware of one of the historical events and in the perspective of an integrated Albanian society it is necessary to recognize this painful history of the Roma people.

It has often happened that the information on the genocide, which was committed among the Roma, has been tried to be hidden or not widely discussed, where as a result a large number of society has no knowledge about this dark part of history, so it is very important to learn and say NEVER MORE genocide against any community, minority or individual regardless of what culture or identity it carries.

In memory of the victims and in respect of this very important day, we chose to stage one of the most infamous camps, Auschwitz – Birkenau, through an exhibition where interesting elements are shown, as a way to convey our message and where visitors have the opportunity to express their impressions on the book near the exhibition.

Already, we urge you to join us in recognizing our early and sad history, and to be aware that this history will not be repeated.

With respect,

Leaders of the school \”Barvalipe School Albania\”

http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=TA&language=EN&reference=P8-TA-2015-0095
http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_STATEMENT-16-2708_en.htm
Please go to minute 19:39 https://youtu.be/tYTSHdEJrqU?t=1179

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THE FIRST BARVALIPE \”ViMeSomAkate\” SCHOOL CONFERENCE IS ORGANISED!

The success of this time is this project implemented by Roma Versitas Albania and funded by Roma Initiatives Office from the Open Society Foundation. This project will bring changes to the Roma community in Albania, starting from the name, a school which will form nine Leaderships that will gain the necessary knowledge in three main areas: Community organization, community guidance and analysis of policies. Leaders from the Roma community are: Rogers Lufta, Behije Kodra, Fatma Azemi, Shaban Lufta, Anxhela Arbiti, Dorina Azemi, Raxhi Rakipi, Klaudjo Taho and Albi Veizi. I want to thank the activists who in the \’90s began to defend the rights of the Roma community in Albania, although many activists, teachers of the Roma community have lobbied and advocated to have a dignified life in this Albanian society, the time has come for us youth to do more.

We believe in this new model to change the future of our people, where for years now the situation still remains the same and more the same problems. This model could enable us as the Leader of tomorrow to represent our community in this chain that has many links – said Rogers Lufta In this important conference for Barvalipe School was present the Deputy Mayor of Tirana Mrs. Brunilda Paskali , who welcomed this initiative saying that the Municipality of Tirana will always offer its support to Roma youth who will become community leaders. She stressed that in recent years the Municipality is looking at the Roma issue with great importance by investing in housing projects for this community. Mrs. Paskali. Adem Ademi, who will coordinate the project is another international activist, I would say, after lobbying hard for Roma causes in the Balkans, he explains to us what the Barvalipe School means. \”It is the best system that can contribute to building a nucleus of Roma professionals, intellectuals and leaders, who can grow into individuals who bring about change and promote integrity.

With its activities envisaged over a total period of three years, it offers many opportunitiesdirect and exclusive to develop individually as well as in groups, as in becoming a capable Roma leader, but also for the development of a group that will share common goals. The program consists of trainings, seminars, individual and group mentoring, study visits, internships / internships, merit-based advancement, experimental learning, short internships and a considerable number of other methodological approaches that will support developing leaders individually and in groups. Barvalipe School Albania is filling the most important gap – providing learning about Roma leadership for those graduates who need to further develop data on collective identity for themselves and future generations. In this way he will do to strengthen the common spirit of the selected participants in Barvalipe, building on the principles and values ​​to be respected.

Barvalipe School Albania – \”Vi Me Som Akate\” aims to build a community of proud young Roma professionals and intellectuals – ready to become leaders who will lead people, organizations and policies in Albania. In parallel, the project aims to root leadership behaviors in the Roma community, political leaders and non-profit organizations for collective purposes, gradually “burying” feelings of inferiority and strengthening understanding within the community.

During the Conference, the Leaders presented three awards to activists who have worked hard in three areas: Teacher, Media and Roma Child Care. The awards were given to Mr. Arben Kosturi, who has lobbied and advocated through the media, talking about Roma culture and the problems encountered in this community. The second prize was awarded to Mrs. Selvije Rushiti, who has opened the first association for the rights of Roma women, and the third prize was awarded to Mr. Latif Kazanxhiu, who for a very long time has taught Roma children in Baltëz, Fier, especially Roma language lessons. At the end of the conference it was closed with the signing of the Leaders contracts, which symbolizes the start of their work towards the Leader of their future and of the community.

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It\’s time to say Vi Me Som Akate! – I\’m here too! –when it comes to social policies

The time has come to organize as a community and to seek justice and equality!

The time has come to improve the work of civil society!

The time has come for YOU TO LEAD THIS PROCESS!

Barvalipe School Albania – \”Vi Me Som Akate\” invites you to apply and become part of a prestigious team which will write the history of Roma leadership in Albania!

Barvalipe School Albania \”Vi Me Som Akate\” is providing you with spaces and resources to realize your dream, the family, the community and the society to which you belong!

What is Barvalipe School Albania \”Vi Me Som Akate\”?

It is the best system that can contribute to building a nucleus of Roma professionals, intellectuals and leaders, who can grow into individuals who bring about change and promote integrity. With its activities envisaged over a total period of three years, it offers very direct and exclusive opportunities to develop individually as well as in a group, to become a capable Roma leader, but also to develop a group that will share common goals.

The program consists of trainings, seminars, individual and group mentoring, study visits, internships / internships, merit-based advancement, experimental learning, short internships and a considerable number of other methodological approaches that will support developing leaders individually and in groups.

Barvalipe School Albania is filling the most important gap – providing learning about Roma leadership for those graduates who need to further develop stories of collective identity for themselves and future generations. In this way he will do to strengthen the common spirit of the selected participants in Barvalipe, building on the principles and values ​​to be respected.

Barvalipe School Albania – \”Vi Me Som Akate\” aims to build a community of proud young Roma professionals and intellectuals – ready to become leaders who will lead people, organizations and policies in Albania.
In parallel, the project aims to root leadership behaviours in the Roma community, political leaders and non-profit organisations for collective purposes, gradually “burying” feelings of inferiority and strengthening understanding within the community.

About the organisation
Established in 2016, Roma Versitas Albania aims to be an educational center guiding and supporting Roma students in universities, as well as graduates in their journey during and after studies until the moment when they achieve excellence in their profession and have set a minimum commitment to the Roma community.

Our strategic objective is to gradually increase the number of Roma students in higher education in all state and private universities in Albania. We also aim to build the core of successful Roma professionals, intellectuals and leaders in their careers, as well as capable of understanding and contributing to the empowerment of the Roma community locally, nationally and internationally.

We also aim to build a group or groups of Roma graduates, to proudly promote their identity, and at least 1/2 of the graduates to have a professional commitment to the inclusion of Roma in Albania.

We also aim to support the professional life of graduates after completing the study cycle.

Roma Leadership
In 2016, an infrastructural reconstruction took place in Tirana, in which some areas inhabited mainly by the Roma community were affected by forced evictions. There have been some manipulations in which the right to housing has been violated. This was a test for the leaders of Roma NGOs to protect their rights and show interest in the community, in which many of them failed. Roma leaders remained silent and powerless against injustice.

In 2013 there was an unsuccessful attempt to organize a Roma leadership platform under the name \”Roma Federation of Albania\” established and composed of Roma organizations. Individual interests prevailed over collective ones. Awareness of collective power was markedly lacking.

The Roma electorate is too weak to understand the power of the vote and at the same time manipulated because over the years there has been no organization or effort by the Roma themselves. At the same time, no Albanian Roma have been willing to learn about the power of mobilization to make a difference, despite the fact that their votes were crucial in many areas in the last elections.

Albania is facing a phase of silent work of Roma civil society leaders and a very weak impact on improving living conditions. The political impact is almost unknown. There is a growing dissatisfaction among Roma youth with self-oriented work and many of them comment that Roma organizations lack transparency and direct cooperation with the community, and intergenerational cooperation remains fragile.

In addition, the worrying fact is that the media is not being used appropriately to raise concerns and advocate for current challenges, although it is known to be the most effective means of advocacy in Albanian society. The Roma leadership is MISSING.

Who can apply?
Interested candidates who:

• Have Albanian citizenship;
• Identify as Roma;
• Graduated from one of the state or private universities recognised in Albania or abroad;
• Have, at least intermediate, knowledge of English;
• Have political or other aspirations related to the Roma community in Albania;
• Be willing to learn and broadcast in accordance with the principles and rules of the program;
• Be prepared to face all challenges on the journey to their individual and collective victory.

To apply please submit the following documents to: romaversitasalbania@outlook.com

» Curriculum Vitae Europass: Your CV should clearly identify your ethnicity, capacity, background and academic performance, as well as involvement in various individual capacity building programs / projects;
» Letter of Motivation: It should describe why you are applying, what is your long-term goal, how do you think Barvalipe School Albania \”Vi Me Som Akate\” can help you achieve your goal, what are your expectations, what will be your contribution and commitment;
» Short essay on Roma leadership in Albania: The essay should present your opinion on current leadership and propose guidelines on how to develop Roma leadership in the future. (No more than 500 words).

Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.

Participants will be selected based on:

• Quality of applications (CV + Essay);
• Motivation Letter;
• Interview.

The submission deadline is January 10^th, 2017!!!

Funded by Roma Initiatives Office

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