SolidarityNow, in collaboration with the REVMA NGO, implemented the “Jaf Anglal! Empowering school participation of Roma children” project as part of the European “BUILD-Building a robust and democratic civic space”* program. The project aimed to strengthen school attendance among Roma children, promoting the right to education and fostering a more inclusive school environment.
Those who experienced it share their stories
Every project gains real value through the experiences and voices of the people who lived it. Their testimonies highlight the impact of “Jaf Anglal!” on their daily lives, their perspectives, and the opportunities that were created. Their stories prove that education, cooperation, and support can bring about meaningful change.
Triantafyllos Deliyannidis | Headmaster, 18th Primary School of Katerini
“You mentioned that Jaf Anglal was a drop. However, it was a very significant drop. You gave us a great opportunity to get closer to the children and their parents. This year, we managed to enrol all children in school meals, obtain Health Cards for them, and ensure their participation in PE and swimming lessons. All Roma children participated in the Christmas celebration of Year 1. All parents – Roma and non-Roma – applauded the children, and I must say it was a very moving moment.
Since you visited us, the school’s dynamic has changed for the better. The handbook you provided has also been a great help to our efforts. I must admit that there were many things I didn’t know, and this programme helped me see them from a different perspective.”
Valentina Haidaroglou | Student, Participant in “Jaf Anglal!”
“Jaf Anglal came to shake me up and change the way I think. Through the programme, I realised that what people say about Roma not loving school isn’t true. Even our people say, ‘Oh, come on, what will the balamos (non-Roma) teach you?’ But in reality, they teach you many important things.
“I feel caught between two worlds. I experience racism from the balamos, who will not accept me because I am a Roma girl, and from the Roma, who think I am crazy for believing that things can change. But I get angry and want to prove to them that it is possible. I want my children to study and make their dreams come true, and maybe one day, I will go to a second-chance school to make my own dream a reality because I have always wanted to finish school.”
Anastasia Koukidou | Educator, Roma Support Centre of Pavlos Melas Municipality
“It is extremely important that when an organisation implements a project, it invites the Roma community. Engaging with the community in any way is crucial because it allows one programme to naturally follow another without losing communication.
I felt that, for the first time, the real protagonists of the project were the parents. No one else spoke on their behalf – only they did. We acted as connecting links, and a meaningful, active dialogue took place. It was an experience that brought us all closer together and provided us with valuable tools for the future.”
Eleni Papadopoulou | Headmistress, 3rd Secondary School with Lyceum Classes “Kostis Palamas,” Dendropotamos, Thessaloniki
“I see this project as a pillar of support. We have already started efforts to make our school more outward-looking, more visible, and legally recognised. We are trying to create a dialogue with parents so they can trust us. Parental involvement in the educational process is crucial if we want to provide children with equal opportunities in education. Because all children have the same rights. And we must create a framework that will offer them equal educational opportunities.
We opened the school to the local community, starting with the celebration of the International Day of the Romani Language. With the teachers, we organise monthly meetings with parents, informing them about their children’s attendance and offering educational activities. Our goal is to support those who wish to attend the Second Chance School. We want Jaf Anglal to continue because you are a support to us.”
Eleni Haidaroglou | Student, Participant in “Jaf Anglal!”
“Jaf Anglal gave me new thoughts, a new mindset, new ideas. It gave me hope and strength to keep going. I would love for it to continue because I feel that we still have much to learn and change. Every day, I discover new ways to grow, to see things from a different perspective, and to become the best version of myself. This experience is not just knowledge; it is a true transformation that will stay with me every step of the way.”
“Jaf Anglal!” was not just a project but a dynamic movement towards change. A small drop that created waves, bringing education and hope to communities that needed it.
Because every child deserves the opportunity to move forward!
The “Jaf Anglal” project is implemented under the BUILD program, implemented by SolidarityNow and in partnership with REVMA NPO.
*The program ‘Building a robust and democratic civic space’ (BUILD) aims to protect, promote and raise awareness of EU fundamental rights & values by supporting civil society organizations (CSOs) in Greece & Cyprus and by increasing their capacity and sustainability. BUILD is co-funded by the European Union (90% of the grant), through the Citizens, Equality, Rights, and Values (CERV*) program, and by the Bodossaki Foundation and NGO Support Centre (10% of the grant), with a total grant amounting to €2.9 million.