Romani People
Ergo NETWORK
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Strength lies in unity. At the European level, we collaborate with 30 other Roma and pro-Roma organizations working in the field of Roma inclusion. Together, we are united under the ERGO network, which defends the interests of the Roma, organizes public campaigns, supports Roma activists, and communicates with policymakers at both the national and European levels.
How does the ERGO network work?
• ERGO stands for European Roma Grassroots Organisations. It was founded in 2008 and currently brings together more than 30 organizations from across Europe.
• Representatives of member organizations meet regularly twice a year, with a general assembly held once a year.
• The main emphasis is on sharing experiences and information regarding advocacy work in the countries where the individual member organizations operate.
• ERGO facilitates meetings for its members with key stakeholders at the European level (the European Commission and the European Parliament), giving them the opportunity to participate in the creation of policies and strategic documents.
What is Slovo 21 currently doing within ERGO?
We Are Walking a Long Path
ERGO supports the development of methodology and its testing for the "We Are Walking a Long Path" summer school for Roma youth. Through this project, we aim to strengthen pride in Roma identity and motivate Roma youth to actively engage in society and fight against anti-Gypsyism. In this way, we want to support the emergence of a new generation of Roma activists.
The core of the project is a four-day summer school for 15 young Roma (aged 18–26) from the Czech Republic. The program builds on the international summer schools of the same name that Slovo 21 has organized in the past. At the summer school, participants will focus on Roma identity, history, culture, language, and strategies for combating anti-Gypsyism. .
The project focuses on the following four key objectives:
- Deepening the understanding of Roma identity – exploring Roma culture, history, language, and music through interactive workshops. Participants will reflect on their identity and perceive it as a source of personal strength.
- Increasing awareness of anti-Gypsyism – participants will analyze anti-Gypsyism at both personal and systemic levels and explore various ways to combat it, taking into account their individual capabilities.
- Building lasting connections – the program will foster collaboration and lay the foundation for future joint activities.
- Developing organizational know-how – Slovo 21 will create a methodology for engaging Romani youth and a structured approach to their long-term empowerment.
The project consists of three phases: preparation (spring 2025), implementation of the Summer School (summer 2025), and follow-up activities (autumn 2025).
Jekhipe Project
ERGO is coordinating the international Jekhipe project, with CEPS and ERIAC as partners. Slovo 21 is the partner for the Czech Republic. More information is available on the dedicated Jekhipe project page:
Projects within the ERGO Network are funded by the European Union.
"Roma people need role models. I want to be one of them," says summer school participant Marlon Ferenc
When seventeen-year-old Marlon Ferenc from Prague arrived at our "We Are Walking a Long Path" summer school, he expected a few lectures and meeting new people. A few days later, however, he left feeling that he finally understood his identity. And that he knew much more about how to stand up against injustices faced by Roma people.
„Cílem je budovat novou generaci, ne jednotlivce.“ – S Janou Hejkrlíkovou o Jdeme dlouhou cestou
Letní škola Jdeme dlouhou cestou, kterou Slovo 21 po téměř dvou dekádách obnovilo, nabízí mladým Romům a Romkám příležitost strávit několik letních dnů společně a prostřednictvím neformální výuky objevovat vlastní kulturu a historii a hledat cesty, jak se aktivně zapojit do boje proti anticikanismu.
"Nobody tells us Roma who we are." Sebastian describes his experience at the We Are On the Long Way summer school
Jdeme dlouhou cestou is no ordinary summer school. It combines several goals: strengthening Romani pride, learning about one's own history and culture, and motivating young Roma to get involved in the fight against anti-Gypsyism. Sebastian is one of this year's participants.
Největší prioritou Romů je rodina. Ukázal to unikátní výzkum organizace Slovo 21 k Mezinárodnímu dni Romů
Rodina je pro Romy hlavní prioritou. Vyplývá to z unikátního výzkumu, který organizace Slovo 21 zveřejňuje k příležitosti Mezinárodního dne Romů. Do šetření se během loňského podzimu zapojilo 100 Romů a Romek z celkem pěti vybraných lokalit po celém Česku. Získaná data můžou pomoci státu i NNO při plánovaní aktivit zaměřených na integraci Romů do české společnosti.