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.
“The goal is to build a new generation, not individuals.” – With Jana Hejkrlíková about We Are On the Long Way
The We Are Walking a Long Path summer school, which Slovo 21 has revived after nearly two decades, offers young Roma the opportunity to spend several summer days together, exploring their own culture and history through informal education and finding ways to actively engage in the fight against antigypsyism.
"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.
Family is the top priority for Roma people. This was shown by a unique study by the organization Slovo 21 for International Roma Day
Family is the top priority for Roma people. This is the finding of a unique study published by the organization Slovo 21 on the occasion of International Roma Day. Last autumn, 100 Roma men and women from five selected locations across the Czech Republic participated in the survey. The data obtained can help the state and NGOs in planning activities aimed at the integration of Roma into Czech society.