Last Thursday, I attended an event and open discussion that was particularly enlightening for me as a social worker. The event welcomed aspiring youth workers and anyone interested in learning more about the barriers and opportunities to enhance understanding, inclusion, and mental well-being among young Roma and refugees.
During the discussions on the vulnerabilities faced by these communities, particularly the Roma, I found myself deeply moved by their stories. The inequality, gender stereotypes, and reliance on violence as a means of resolving problems are so deeply embedded in their daily lives that professionals often seem unable to break the vicious cycle of these structural issues. Perhaps, in the end, such an expectation is unrealistic and impossible.
However, there were inspiring exceptions: members of the Roma community, specifically two women, who carved a different path. They resisted the trend of school dropout among Roma girls, early marriage, confinement to household duties, and, above all, the stigma and rejection projected onto them by those who believed they would never succeed.
And yet, the more resources and effort that are dedicated to the inclusion of these groups, the more such shining examples will emerge: individuals who can serve as role models and inspire others to follow. And that’s how us, youth workers, are able to support these marginalized groups and build resilience: by recognizing our small victories with the hope that one day we will have come much closer to achieving equality.
More information about the event titled “Building Bridges for Integration, Social Support and Mental Health” is provided below :
Τhe open discussion was held with mental health professionals, social workers, rehabilitation specialists and members of the Roma community. More specifically :
Psychologist and Community Organizer, Ourania Rapti, Scientific Manager of the project
Mrs. Georgia Thomoglou, Psychologist at the Kentro Koinotitas
Mrs. Eleni Karafyllidou, Nurse and Accredited Mediator at the Parartima Roma
Mrs. Katerina Bebe, Mediator at the Kentro Koinotitas with Parartima Roma of the Municipality of Delta
Mr. Theologos Vlachos, Social Worker
Mrs. Semina Spanopoulou, Clinical Psychologist at Argo
The event was organized by United Societies of Balkans (USB) with the support of the Municipality of Ampelokipon-Menemeni and took place in the framework of the European programme “When Scars (!) Become Art”, co-funded by the European Union.
