Tag: roma
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Faith of the Romani in Slovakia
Faith in Slovakia is multifaceted with layers of historical influence and shifting tradition. Over 60 percent of the country describes themselves as Catholic. While living here, I’ve been to a Slovak and Romani congregation, one Romani Pentecostal church, a Slovak Baptist service, an in-home Romani Bible study, a Romani Epistolic church, and I’ve visited with…
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Music of the Romani people
A common element of Romani culture is music. Whether singing and performing on street corners, playing cellos and violins in orchestras, or winning first place at local school competitions, the Romani people often showcase a talent for harmony and rhythm. “You can say it’s in their genes,” one Romani mother told me. “No one teaches…
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Romani in Slovakia: Cooking Class
After spending the weekend at the nonprofit Hope for Roma in the little village of Rankovce, I hustled back to Košice to meet Kristen’s friends Kathy and Rebecca. They were going to visit the small village of Vitkovce about an hour away by train.I loaded up with Kathy, pregnant Rebecca and her two young daughters. They’re…
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Who are the Romani people
The identity of the Romani people(s) is complex with differences not only ranging from continent to continent and country to country but as magnified and particular as village to village. Some villages have kept to themselves and don’t associate with outsiders while other places are more open to strangers and the wider world. As with…
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Romani in Slovakia: Issues in Education
“Education is the most powerful weapon to change the world.” Issues in education are widespread throughout Slovakia, but they especially affect Romani communities. I’ve spoken with Romani parents as well as leaders from Slovak, Romani and U.S. groups who have cited a lack of care for Romani students in schools. Others have acknowledged that teachers…