Uniting Forces: Sinti and Roma Groups Establish United Front in Hamburg
- Sini and Roma organizations collaborate to establish a fresh association in Hamburg
Hey there! These three Sinti and Roma associations in Hamburg are teaming up to create a powerful umbrella organization. The parties involved include the Landesverein der Sinti, the Bildungsverein der Roma, and the Rom and Cinti Union. They've signed a cooperation agreement with a mission to empower political participation, bolster education, and preserve the cultural heritage of the Sinti and Roma community in Hamburg.
Arnold Weiss, one of the association chairs, spoke out, stressing, "In a world where anti-Gypsyism and social exclusion are still concerns, our union is a crucial leap towards a fairer society." He continued, "United we stand – for remembrance, participation, and a shared future." Diana Sima, as the chair of Bildungsverein der Roma, emphasized, "I'm committed to shaping a better future through education."
International Roma Day
This union of Sinti and Roma groups was established on International Roma Day, a worldwide celebration since the early 2000s. It started with the foundation of the International Romani Union in London on April 8, 1971. Rudko Kawczynski, co-founder of the Rom and Cinti Union in Germany, referred to the dispersed minority throughout Europe, saying, "We are the true Europeans, with a single language everywhere, we flee from war, and where there is peace, we feel at home."
Over 50,000 Sinti and Roma in Hamburg
Weiss expressed, "We're here, we're numerous, and we won't be silenced." He estimated that around 50,000 Sinti and Roma reside in Hamburg. The Landesverein der Sinti boasts approximately 1,700 members in the Hanseatic city. Kawczynski expressed the Rom and Cinti Union represents around 5,000 people in Hamburg.
While Sinti and Roma associations don't specifically focus on education and cultural preservation in the given article, it's worth considering their potential impact on these aspects:
- Working towards greater awareness and inclusivity by weaving the history and contributions of Sinti and Roma into educational curricula and combating prejudice and discrimination against their students.
- Organizing cultural events, exhibitions, and preserving Sinti and Roma languages to celebrate and sustain their unique heritage and ensure a diverse and inclusive educational environment.
In essence, the work of these newly united associations in Hamburg will likely improve the social, cultural, and educational landscape for the Sinti and Roma population in the region.
Community policy should aim to support and strengthen the newly formed united Sinti and Roma associations in Hamburg, particularly in the areas of participation, education, and cultural preservation.
Vocational training programs, focused on skills relevant to the Sinti and Roma community, could be an essential part of the associations' educational initiatives, promoting self-sufficiency and empowerment.
Rudko Kawczynski's pacifistic perspective on the Roma people as the true Europeans underscores the importance of these associations' efforts in fostering a peaceful, accepting, and inclusive society for Sinti and Roma communities in Germany and beyond.