Perception: Roma do not value education and do not prioritize it for their children.

Reality: One important aspect concerning educational systems and Roma across Europe is the lack of cultural diversity in the educational system. Textbooks often spread a negative image of Roma or completely ignore their role in history, and Roma history, in particular, is not included in the schools’ curricula. Elements such as Romani language, history and culture should be present in order to promote and support individual respect for cultural differences and an inclusive and intercultural society.

Alija Krasnići (66),
Author, Playwright and Poet

“I am a collector of Roma folk creations and I designed, arranged, and published the first Romani language dictionary. I have always felt it was my mission to collect the rich heritage of the Roma culture. I am also the author of the first two Romani language plays, “Bloody Roma Wedding” and “A Little Bit You, A Little Bit Me”, and have published several books, including a book of prose called “Čergarska vatra” / ”Čergaređe jaga” which comes in both Romani and Serbo-Croatian languages. In one edition from my collection of prose works, I published a book called “Coming Back to Life”. I also published an Albanian language poetry collection called “Tired Night”. I once wrote a children’s book called “God, Turn Me into an Ant”. My works have been translated into Albanian, English, Macedonian, Turkish, and Arabic. I think that in my lifetime I have written over 70 books, which include my prose and poetry collections and what I consider to be one of my most serious accomplishments, the Romani language Dictionary. The dictionary is a major project that I am most proud of, as it demanded countless hours of fieldwork and travel. I went to different Roma settlements and chose people who spoke different dialects of Romani. I went to the settlements where the Gurbeti, Arlije, and Burgudžije live and I wrote as they spoke to me, diligently collecting words for the dictionary. Thousands of copies of the dictionary, which contained more than 800 pages and over 6,000 new words, were published. I’m proud of my work and of my Roma community. The rich language and culture of the Roma people demonstrate that we have our own special heritage and that we are not just nomads who wander the world without any purpose or goals.”