Not Just Participation, but a Step Towards Change
At the annual coordination meeting of experts in Strasbourg, a key Council of Europe platform for discussing policies on Roma youth, Ukrainian activists presented a shared vision and concrete projects. This year, the delegation presented a united front, demonstrating the power of collaboration.
“We were representing not only the NGOs ‘KYRS’ and ‘TENET,’ but also the coalition—the ‘Platform for Roma Youth Development’ which unites youth organizations and independent activists from Ukraine and Europe,” says Artur Ivanenko, head of NGO “KYRS.”
The Digital Front Against Stereotypes
A key theme of the meeting was the implementation of Recommendation CM/Rec(2023)4, which calls on European countries to combat discrimination and create more opportunities for Roma youth. In response to this challenge, coalition co-founder Vira Dranhoy presented an innovative digital project that dismantles prejudice.
“This is not just an information campaign—we are showcasing Roma history and culture and actively fighting against stereotypes,” she emphasized.
The project is implemented in three stages:
- Training youth in high-quality media content creation skills.
- Collaborative development of informational and educational materials.
- Mentorship and financial support for youth initiatives.
Vira gave special attention to the printed publication “ZIN”—a modern story about a young Roma person overcoming social barriers on their path to career growth.
From Research to Implementation: Supporting Initiatives in Ukraine
Tetyana Storozhko, head of NGO “TENET,” spoke about the systematic work to support youth initiatives in Ukraine. She presented the results of a needs assessment study of Roma youth which was supplemented with a series of short videos for broader dissemination.
“We are creating a platform to unite young people, where they can share experiences and bring their ideas to life,” Tetiana noted.
Among the strategic plans announced at the meeting were:
- Creating a strong coalition of Roma organizations based on mutual support.
- Establishing a think tank to research the needs of Roma youth and influence public policy.
“The main thing is not just to generate ideas, but to help implement them. We support young activists in preparing projects to receive funding,” Tetyana Storozhko concluded.
Together We Are Stronger!
The participation of the Ukrainian delegation in Strasbourg is a powerful signal of the maturity and unity of the Roma youth movement. It is proof that joint efforts allow them not only to be heard but to genuinely influence the future.
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