Sultan Beća, executive director of the NGO “Association for the Support of Roma and Egyptians,” stated that the employment rate among the RE population in Berane needs improvement, and solutions must be developed for the residents of the Riverside settlement.

He expressed optimism about the Municipality’s efforts, noting that they have identified a location and are taking steps to address this issue, reflecting the state’s commitment to resolve it promptly. Beća also conveyed gratitude towards the Mayor of Berane, Đolo Lutovac, for his support and expressed hope for assistance from the Government and the Ministry of Finance.

In his statement, he mentioned that the Municipality of Berane is organizing an event to celebrate Roma Day, expressing appreciation for local government’s organization and funding of this year’s event. The celebration is scheduled to take place at the Berane Cultural Center on Monday, April 7, at 12 noon.

According to Beća, the latest census indicates that nearly 800 individuals from the RE population reside in the city, with 542 identified as Roma. He observed that due to intercity migrations and individuals lacking proper documentation, the actual number is likely higher.

Previously, there were only six employed individuals from the RE population in Berane; this number has now increased to nine.

“New job opportunities have emerged at the ‘Radomir Mitrović’ school, which has welcomed two new mediators and one additional mediator at the ‘Radmila Nedić’ Primary Educational Institution. The continuation of Public Work programs through the Employment Service at these schools is a positive development, enabling training and skill acquisition for individuals from the RE community,” he noted.

Regarding education in Berane, Beća reported that there are 153 children from the RE population enrolled at “Radomir Mitrović” school, labeling it a “positive example in our country.”

“The second elementary school, ‘Vuk Karadžić,’ has 46 students from the RE population, and approximately 10 students in secondary schools. This year, six individuals have graduated from secondary school, a significant improvement from previous years when only four completed their education in Berane. Three years ago, we initiated collaborative efforts with the Public Educational Service ‘Radmila Nedić’ to facilitate the integration of RE children into kindergartens and ensure their enrollment. Our project, ‘Active measures for social inclusion of Roma and Egyptians in Berane,’ received financial backing from the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights, aimed at enrolling a specific number of children in kindergarten,” Beća elaborated.

In collaboration with former kindergarten director Marina Gojković, Beća highlighted their NGO’s efforts to align with the kindergarten’s initiatives, successfully enrolling 38 children from the RE population into the Berane kindergarten.

“That number grew to 58 last year, and this year, 70 children are enrolled. This initiative significantly benefits the children, aiding their socialization and alleviating language barriers. We are grateful for the late director of the kindergarten, who made remarkable contributions to the integration of RE children, establishing the kindergarten as a unique example in Montenegro for including children from the RE population,” stated Beća.

Last year, in cooperation with the kindergarten and its director Slađana Arsović, they advanced a campaign to enroll children that was also financially supported by the Ministry of Education, Science, and Innovation.

Beća underscored that his organization has undertaken numerous projects aimed at the social inclusion of Roma and Egyptians in Berane, with support from organizations like Fakt, Juventas, and the Civic Alliance during 2023. They have bolstered their organizational capabilities and continued to implement projects funded by the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights.

He highlighted the importance of education for all members of the RE population, indicating that Berane serves as a commendable model in this regard. Beća emphasized the significant support they receive in education from the Ministry of Education, Science, and Innovation, particularly from Minister Anđela Jakšić Stojanović and Raba Hodžić, the Director of the Institute for Education.

In closing, he extended congratulations to all members of the Roma community on Roma Day, expressing gratitude to everyone contributing to improving the situation of Roma in the country and local community.

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