Lungo Drom: From History to Action

History can be an inspiration for the future. The international project Lungo Drom: From History to Action connects young Roma from the Czech Republic, Germany, and Poland who want to better understand their history, strengthen their identity, and turn their ideas into real activities. Through international meetings, experiential learning, and their own mini-projects, they will gain experience, new skills, and inspiration for active civic engagement.

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What exactly are our goals?

We want to support young Roma aged 18 to 35 in becoming confident and active members of society. We believe that knowledge of one's own history, culture, and identity is an important foundation for civic engagement and personal development.

The project creates a safe space for young people from different countries to meet, share experiences, and collectively find ways to respond to prejudice, discrimination, and anti-Gypsyism. Participants will also acquire practical skills in project management, teamwork, communication, and leadership.

A major part of the project is supporting the participants' own ideas. Through mentoring and financial support, they will have the opportunity to prepare and implement their own mini-projects aimed at bringing about positive change in their communities.

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Why is this important?

Young Roma today grow up in a society where they still encounter prejudice and stereotypes. Yet, they are the ones who can be the drivers of positive change in their communities and society as a whole.

The project is based on the belief that learning about Roma history, commemorating the Roma Holocaust, and strengthening Roma identity helps build young people's self-confidence and motivates them to actively participate in public life. Furthermore, international cooperation allows for sharing experiences, mutual inspiration, and building partnerships across Europe.

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What lies ahead?

The project connects several consecutive international activities.

The first is the "Lungo Drom" summer school, which will take place in the Czech Republic. During this time, participants will focus on Roma history, culture, language, and identity issues. The program will include workshops, discussions, experiential activities, and space for developing their own project ideas.

The next part of the project will take place in Germany and will focus on commemorating the Roma Holocaust and the importance of historical memory. The final part will be held in Poland and will offer further space for sharing experiences and cooperation among young Roma from the partner countries.

Throughout the project, participants will be guided by experienced mentors. The program will culminate in the implementation of their own mini-projects, which participants will prepare either individually or in international teams.

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Our goals at a glance

• strengthen Roma identity and pride in their own culture
• deepen knowledge of Roma history and commemorate the Roma Holocaust
• support active civic engagement among young Roma
• develop skills in leadership, communication, and project management
• foster international cooperation and mutual understanding among young people
• help participants implement their own community initiatives and contribute to positive changes in society

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Our partners

We are implementing the project together with our partner organizations, Amaro Drom from Germany and Fundacja Jaw Dikh from Poland. International cooperation allows us to connect the experiences of young Roma from different countries, build new partnerships, and work together to find paths toward greater understanding and equal opportunities.

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The Lungo Drom: From History to Action project is supported by the EVZ Foundation (Remembrance, Responsibility and Future).