The Ukrainian Center for Roma Studies at KSU held the Summer School “Roma in the urban space of Ukraine”
In June, the Ukrainian Roma Studies Center of Kherson State University, with the support of the Kherson Regional Branch of the Sociological Association of Ukraine and the Expert-Consulting Center for Community and Territory Development of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, held the Summer School «Roma in the Urban Space of Ukraine».
The participants of the event were urbanists, geographers, and community activists. The school had an international format thanks to the participation of Eda Emirdag, director of the Montag Residency art residency (Turkey). The main trainers were Mykola Homaniuk, an expert from the Ukrainian Roma Studies Center and associate professor at Kherson State University, and Natalia Zinevich, an independent researcher and specialist in the field of Roma studies.
As Mykola Homaniuk noted, the theme of the school was chosen not by chance. According to him, the stereotype of Roma as a nomadic people is still widespread in Ukrainian society. One of the goals of the event was to reflect on and overcome such perceptions.
"For urbanists, the emphasis on urban space is also related to involving Roma communities in city development and implementing planning initiatives in an inclusive format. Particular attention was paid to understanding inclusivity as ensuring the accessibility of services and resources, and the realization of the rights of national minorities, particularly the Roma community," noted Mykola Homaniuk.
The school program combined lectures, workshops, and practical activities. Participants visited the "Romance" Gypsy Theater and the Babyn Yar National Memorial Park, where they explored the memorial dedicated to the victims of the Roma Genocide, watched and discussed documentaries, viewed an exhibition of Roma studies literature, and attended a lecture-concert dedicated to Roma music.
Additionally, participants had the opportunity to speak with representatives of the Roma community—People's Artist of Ukraine Leonid Sandulenko and Merited Artist of<0xC2><0xA0>Ukraine Mila Krykunova.
"For the USRC, this was the first educational event. And it was successful. Participants said that the School clarified many things for them. And not just about the Roma. We plan to make such a school an annual event," noted Mykola Homaniuk.
The summer school was held with the support of the Otto and Fran Walters Rotary Peace Center at Bahçeşehir University (Istanbul). To hold the next school, the Ukrainian Roma Studies Center plans to involve new partners and sponsors.
KSU Press Center