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Reading with Roma in Serbia
—Across eastern Europe, Roma people have settled and integrated into society, but they are not always widely accepted. Sadly, in Serbia Romachildren at school can encounter the same attitudes, but one project is seeking to address that through teaching Bible stories to Roma children, alongside tutoring and mentoring. By teaching language skills to the children using Bible stories and helping them understand the expectations put on them in school and social environments, the project is also melting away prejudice, and improving the children’s life outcomes, while alsosharing the Bible.
Watch the project video here:
“After quite some time, I notice a much better attitude of teachers in state institutions towards [Roma] children… they appreciate our efforts and inform us about the child’s progress at school.” says Danijela, teacher of the youngest age group (4–6-year-olds). Many Roma families suffer because the parents did not receive education beyond a basic level, if at all, which in turn means the children may not receive assistance. “Therefore, we try, in addition to the Bible lessons that we do simultaneously in Romani and Serbian; to teach them school knowledge, help them with homework, and studying for tests.” Danijela continues, “Since many little ones don’t know Serbian well, I teach them to speak Romani correctly and I also translate into Serbian, which they then gradually learn.” She uses Bible stories in the programme to share hope, to discuss themes of morality and God, and to open them up to a new worldview. Emanuel, age 12, shared that learning about his own language through the Bible has changed his perspective. “We have learned that in Roma language there is no word ‘thanks’. Instead of words of gratitude, we use words of blessing saying, ‘be healthy’ (‘ov sasto’). This is really great!”
Žaklina, age 10, shared how she was affected by the passion of the teachers. “I will always remember the story about David and Goliath. For me this is a lesson of courage, faith and overcoming what seems impossible. Our teacher, Miša, climbed on to the chair and covered himself with a sheet to show us how big and scary Goliath was.”
By improving the children’s communication, educational experience, and social lives, the project is seeing a wonderful change in the Roma families of children involved, encouraging them to communicate more at home, and strengthen the supportive relationships they have. Outreach to the Roma community in Serbia is wide-ranging, and effective, including a growing women’s conference that brings together upwards of 120 women each year, on the theme of victory. The ministry continues, and the community is seeing the benefits, particularly through improving the lives of children, by sharing Bible stories with them as a language medium. Danijela expressed her great joy at being part of working with Roma children in Serbia, adding, “I would like to say how blessed I am to have the privilege of working with these children and I am proud of their hard work, knowledge and good and kind nature.”
