Supporting Roma Families
The Roma are one of the most marginalized groups of people in Serbia and across Europe. Roma children are often born into a cycle of poverty and inequality that can follow them for their whole lives. It’s hard for their families to access services like medical care and education. Legal and systemic obstacles – and the weight of prejudice and stereotype – stand in their way.
Alongside partners in Belgrade, we’re working to give Roma children more opportunities. Children visiting a drop-in shelter can eat a meal, take a shower, change their clothes and have a safe place to relax, play and study. Staff also help parents enroll their children in school and access medical care and other services.
Meanwhile, we're helping Roma women finish school and join the workforce. When a woman learns to read, she accesses a whole new world of possibilities. And when she can start a business, it means valuable income for her family.
With your support, Roma families are breaking the cycle of poverty for good.
Hana’s Story
“I’m living in a settlement without electricity or running water.” Roma children like Hana face a steep, uphill climb out of the poverty that has often claimed their families for generations. With your help, Hana and her friends have a safe place to get the support they need to thrive.
Latest Updates
Going the extra mile so that children don’t fall behind in school during the pandemic
Iljmija and his family live in Belgrade, Serbia. He comes from a big family with six siblings. Like in many marginalized Roma families, Iljmija’s parents support their family by collecting recyclables. They often have their children help, so Illjmija often works on the streets. In addition to participating in the CWS-supported Protection through Education program, Illjmija also visits the CWS-supported …
Walk a Mile
I believe people are good. That kindness is everywhere. That diversity should be celebrated and that change is possible. I believe that one person can make a difference. And when that “one person” is a woman, the difference can be huge. Empowering women is a priority for CWS. That’s why I’m partnering with CWS for the fourth mile of …
Love overcame fear for Haserat’s family
During a recent visit to an informal Roma settlement in Belgrade, we stopped in to see the Beriša family. They’ve invited us to their modest home and want to show us how they’ve cleaned and decorated it to welcome home their son Haserat, who is coming out of the hospital. Everybody’s in a great mood and very excited about his …