Erikshjälpen's work for Roma rights
Erikshjälpen has been supporting Roma rights in Romania for many years. We have been able to do this with the support of people like you - who have chosen to give generous gifts and bought products from Dece during various events in which Erikshjälpen has participated. Through this support, we have made it possible for more children to go to school without being discriminated against.
- "I wish there was no winter," said Alexandra, 9 years old, emphatically.
She is one of the many children in Pirita who have just survived the winter. In winters, the cold is the most challenging. The tin walls that the houses are made of are thin to say the least. The availability of firewood is limited, so they burn what they can get. The smoke from the fire is as warming as it is full of chemicals and therefore toxic. Around 300 people live in this settlement, and many are cramped. When it is coldest, they are also crowded with animals. It takes its toll on everyone and creates insecurity. Diseases spread easily and the risk of child abuse is high. is high. When it's not snow, it's mud. Dirt and odors get in everywhere. There are hardly any proper roads here and all the children here know that if you have muddy shoes you are not allowed to go to school.
During the winter months, the cold makes it particularly hard for families living in Pirita.
During the winter months, the cold makes it particularly hard for families living in Pirita.
Give a gift to the children of Romania!
Join us in supporting children in Romania by swishing a gift to 900 92 83 and mark it with ROMANIA
Change over time
But thanks to the long-term and confidence-building work that Erikshjälpen, with the help of partners, has done in Pirita in recent years, there is hope. All the children in the settlement are now attending school and preschool. All children are helped to get to school and to rinse off their shoes before entering. Local authorities have finally started to take responsibility for Roma children, who are now increasingly included in activities and health programs. However, even though all children now formally enjoy the right to go to school - there is still much work to be done. The needs are great and long-term change takes time.
Alexandra is now supported to get to school during the muddy winter months.
Alexandra is now supported to get to school during the muddy winter months.
Erikshjälpen's work in Romania
Romania has the highest level of child poverty in the EU, and Roma inclusion is one of the country's biggest challenges. The proportion of Roma families living in insecure and segregated neighborhoods is significant. Given that Roma adults have limited opportunities to enter the labor market, children's access to education and health care is affected. In Romania, fewer Roma children start and complete school than non-Roma children.
In Romania, Erikshjälpen works with a focus on Roma children's rights and inclusion in society, where the combination of education, health and safety and protection provides greater opportunities for a rewarding life.
Erikshjälpen contributes to, among other things:
- ensuring the possibility for Roma children to start and complete their education
- mothers and babies receive medical care to reduce infant mortality
- children feel safe in contact with local authorities
- adaptations are made in schools to enable an inclusive school environment for all children's right to education.
Did you know that...
At many of Erikshjälpen's events and concerts, we sell products created by Roma who, through help to work, now have the opportunity to provide for their families and can give their children a safer upbringing.
Listening 