Follow-up Initiatives: Second phase of the ‘DIKH HE NA BISTER – Engaging Youth in Remembrance and Action’ project funded by European Youth Foundation

Part of our project, the follow up phase is an important point in making sure that at local level, through our partner organizations and the young people who participated in the DIKH HE NA BISTER 2024 event, local commemorations activities that resonate deeply with them and their communities are organized.

TENET, one of our partner organization that has been part of this stage of the project, developed on of this year’s follow up activity:

TITLE OF THE INITIATIVE: Agents of Remembrance: Roma Youth Movement

This initiative features a diverse series of activities designed to engage and inspire young people to become active participants in the Roma Youth Remembrance Movement. By sparking their curiosity and encouraging them to explore the past, the initiative seeks to raise awareness of historical truths and shed light on the lesser-known chapters of Roma history.

Organizers and Participants of “Agents of Remembrance: Roma Youth Movement”

Throughout history, moments of profound tragedy have often become catalysts for collective action and a deeper exploration of our shared past. These events compel societies to unite, reflect, and search for meaning, illuminating the lessons that history has to offer.

In Ukraine today, as the nation endures the daily horrors of war, our society is engaged in a profound process of reflection and reevaluation, seeking to understand the roots of present struggles through the lens of historical events. This initiative seeks to harness this collective introspection by delving into the rich and often overlooked history of the Roma people.

By fostering a thoughtful exploration of Roma history, this initiative aims to strengthen solidarity, nurture resilience, and inspire a deeper appreciation of the lessons history holds. In doing so, it paves the way for a more inclusive and united future, built on the foundation of shared understanding and mutual respect.

This initiative aspires to create a profound and multifaceted impact across local, national, and international levels, fostering a deeper understanding of Roma history while empowering the next generation to become stewards of cultural memory.

Talking about Dikh He Na Bister

Impact:

  • Local Level: By engaging Roma communities, this initiative actively involves young people in preserving and sharing their cultural heritage, fostering a sense of pride and identity within their local environments.
  • National Level: Across Ukraine, it raises awareness of underexplored aspects of Roma history, encouraging intercultural dialogue and promoting the preservation of collective memory as a foundation for a more inclusive society.
  • International Level: On the global stage, the initiative contributes to discussions on cultural preservation and minority rights, serving as a model for similar efforts worldwide, and showcasing how memory work can strengthen communities.

Outcomes:

  • Creation of unique informational content, including interactive educational materials that will continue to inspire learning and awareness long after the project’s completion.
  • Establishment of a digital archive dedicated to Roma history and culture, ensuring these stories are preserved as a lasting resource for research, education, and community engagement.
  • Formation of a Network of Agents of Remembrance—a group of proactive young leaders committed to studying, preserving, and teaching the history and culture of the Roma people, ensuring the movement’s long-term sustainability.

Follow-Up Actions:

This initiative will serve as a cornerstone for future endeavors, including:

  • Expanding the digital archive to include more materials and stories, making Roma history even more accessible.
  • Training additional Memory Ambassadors to carry forward the mission of remembrance and cultural preservation.
  • Building stronger collaborations with national and international organizations to amplify the initiative’s reach and impact, ensuring the work resonates far beyond the Roma community.

Through these efforts, the initiative ensures that the past not only informs the present but also inspires a future built on understanding, solidarity, and shared cultural pride.

The project DIKH HE NA BISTER – Engaging Youth in Remembrance and Action is supported by the European Youth Foundation;

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Link: https://www.instagram.com/p/DAWFhQ6tq3r/