We want young Roma to be heard more. Not from the audience, but from the position of those behind major cultural events. We already have experience with this. Over the past 10 years, thanks to the "Khamoro Shares Experience" program, we have trained dozens of young Roma from the Czech Republic in cultural management and taught them how to organize Khamoro, the largest Roma festival in the world. Now it's time to share our know-how further—with all the countries of the Visegrad Group. It's not just about new knowledge. It's about young Roma gaining self-confidence, being proud of their origins, and becoming true leaders.
- We will involve young Roma women and men aged 15-30 from Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, and Poland in cultural management training.
- Across the Visegrad countries, we will train a new generation of Roma leaders who will gain a very good foundation for organizing cultural events at a professional level.
- Thanks to their experience in cultural management, we will strengthen their chances of finding employment on the labor market – and not only in the field of culture.
- It is not just about new skills. We want to boost the self-confidence of young Roma and remind them that they can be rightly proud of their Roma origins.
- Culture has the power to change people's perspectives. And young Roma who learn to organize cultural events professionally will become the agents of this change.
What exactly do we want?
To involve Roma youth from Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, and Poland in intensive cultural management training. Young Roma from the Visegrad Four countries will gain knowledge about how to prepare a professional cultural event. From program planning to financial security to promotion. We emphasize the practical part so that everyone can try out their new skills firsthand—right at the largest Roma festival in the world. The program is designed to give young people a solid foundation for their future careers and their own cultural projects. We want to see a new generation of young Roma emerge who are able to professionally organize cultural events in their regions.
Why is this important?
We believe that culture is a powerful tool in the fight against Antiypsyism and, at the same time, a way to strengthen the self-confidence and identity of Roma people. An estimated 1.5 million Roma live in the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia, where they continue to face Antigypsyism. The statistics speak for themselves: 41% of Roma have experienced discrimination in the last five years. In such an environment, it is difficult to strengthen self-confidence and be proud of one's roots. One way to change this is through culture. Moreover, if young Roma are given the opportunity to organize and present their culture themselves, they bring not only art but also positive change in the perception of the Roma community. It is not just about gaining new knowledge, but also about making a concrete contribution to the fight against Antigypsyism.
What is the plan?
The entire project will start in January 2026 and last until the end of June 2027. We will begin with introductory workshops in Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia, where participants will gain their first experience with cultural management. Then everyone will meet in Prague during the Khamoro festival, where they will undergo intensive training and work directly with the festival's organizational team. They will learn what production, media communication, and fundraising mean—and try everything out on a real project. And that's just the beginning. After returning home, each participant will organize their own cultural event in their community, with the support of mentors and funding from the project. They will gain experience and confidence that no one can take away from them.
Who are our partners?
- Uccu Roma Informális Oktatási Alapítvány (Hungary)
The foundation was established in 2010. It organizes educational activities throughout Hungary that strengthen dialogue between Roma and the majority society, break down prejudices, and promote tolerance through intercultural dialogue and informal education. Their thematic workshops, led by Roma youth, introduce Roma culture, identity, and history, thereby developing more open and inclusive attitudes. The organization also educates a new generation of Roma leaders and emphasizes the development of their skills and self-confidence. www.uccualapitvany.hu
- Stowarzyszenie Jududoro (Poland)
Jududoro supports the Roma community and other marginalized groups, primarily in the areas of education and employment. They organize educational and artistic projects, such as celebrations of International Roma Day, workshops on Roma cuisine, and Roma dances. They also provide professional training aimed at empowering individuals, promoting social inclusion, and developing job skills. They regularly involve volunteers in their activities. https://www.facebook.com/people/Stowarzyszenie-Jududoro/100090676381796/
- In Minorita (Slovakia)
The civic association In Minorita was founded in 1999 and focuses on minority issues, particularly in relation to the Roma. It has been monitoring the situation of the Roma in Slovakia for a long time, influencing public opinion and engaging in publishing activities. Since 2005, it has been implementing the Ma bisteren! project, which commemorates the Roma Holocaust and combines memorial events with informal education in the field of human rights. In Minorita is also behind a number of cultural and educational activities, from the Minority Cultural Summer festival to the discussion series With Minorities About Minorities. www.romaholocaust.sk
Our goals:
- To support Roma youth in the field of cultural leadership in the V4 countries
- To provide participants with training, practical experience, and mentoring in the field of cultural management so that young Roma can learn to organize cultural events at a professional level
- Support the creation of participants' own cultural events in their localities under the guidance of experienced mentors and with financial support from the project.
- Increase self-confidence and strengthen Roma identity through pride, visibility, and a sense of belonging.
- Combat Antigypsyism in society through culture, which changes the stereotypical views of the majority and shows the diversity and quality of Roma traditions and contemporary art.
- Improve the employability of Roma youth in the labor market thanks to the knowledge and experience gained in the field of cultural management.
- Expand the Khamoro Shares Experiences program from the national to the international level and share best practices among the V4 countries.
- Ensure the long-term impact of the project so that participants continue to organize high-quality cultural events even after the project ends.
Main project coordinator: Jana Hejkrlíková: jana.hejkrlikova@slovo21.cz
The project is co-financed by the governments of Czechia, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia through Visegrad Grants from the International Visegrad Fund. The mission of the fund is to advance ideas for sustainable regional cooperation in Central Europe.
