Following the successful First International Training of the RomaRise project in Budapest, we are delighted to share that several participants have now published their personal reflections and experiences from the event.
We are especially pleased that many participants chose to reflect on their experiences in writing. Their reports offer valuable insights into the impact of the training, highlighting both the professional and personal dimensions of the learning process.
Máté Isztojka:
"I had the opportunity to take part in the Roma Rise mobility programme, which brought together Roma youth and professionals working with Roma communities. The experience was truly inspiring and meaningful. It contributed not only to my professional development but also to my personal growth. Throughout the programme, we learned a great deal about the history of Roma people in Hungary and their current social situation. One of the most impactful moments for me was realizing how many Roma intellectuals around the world are actively working to support and represent our community. This filled me with pride and strengthened my belief that we, as Roma youth, also have the ability to create positive change. It was fascinating to see how Roma culture can vary from country to country, yet still carries many shared values and similarities. A particularly memorable moment was being able to speak in the Roma language with Greek Roma participants, which created a stronger and more authentic connection between us. The workshop held at the UtcU Association’s office took place in an excellent atmosphere. The activities were engaging, thought-provoking and emotionally impactful. Under Norbi’s guidance, we also had the chance to reflect on ourselves and better understand our own identities, which I found especially valuable. The Roma historical walk in Budapest shed light on many important aspects – including the richness of our culture and the fact that Roma people are often invisible within society. The time spent in the Roma gallery reinforced my conviction that, as Roma intellectuals, we have every right and responsibility to speak up and represent our community. Overall, although this was the first mobility programme of this kind organised by the Utcu Association, it was exceptionally well-prepared and exceeded my expectations. I gained new knowledge, meaningful connections, and valuable motivation for my future work."
Bodi Inesz Kimberly:
"The trip to Budapest with RomaRise was an exciting and insightful adventure, driven by my curiosity to see, learn and experience what Roma culture looks like in other countries, and how much it resembles the one we live in at home. Although the Budapest team had limited time, they still managed to give us a meaningful introduction to the different shades of racism, and we also gained a glimpse into the diverse world of the 8th district. We learned about the myths, the legends, and the truths behind them. The three days were extremely valuable: deep conversations, shared experiences, and an honest, open atmosphere accompanied us throughout the journey. We had the chance to look into the lives and perspectives of young people from four other countries, and in the end, I found the answer to my question: we are the same. Our languages and homelands may differ, but our traditions, emotions, and temperament share the same roots. This trip strengthened my belief that far more connects us than I had ever imagined."
