The Association for Culture, Education and Communication (ACEC), Radio and Television of Slovakia and the Office of the Plenipotentiary for Roma Communities announced the 8th annual Roma Spirit 2016 award. Slovak President Andrej Kiska took the patronage over the event.
The main aim of the Roma Spirit is public recognition and presentation of activities that promote the integration of Roma and provide efficient and working solutions to the problems of the Roma community. “I see the award as a co-operation between Roma and non-Roma. It is very important that we make the good examples more visible. Thanks to these examples, we get to know the stories and fates of people. An individual person always has to be in the first place, without any regard to skin color or ethnicity,” expressed the Government Plenipotentiary for Roma Communities, Ábel Ravasz.
European Commission’s evaluation analysis of national strategies for Roma integration in EU Member States highlighted the Roma Spirit project. Among other things, the report says: “ The project also promotes a positive image of Roma, Roma culture and contributes to the elimination of stereotypes and prejudices against Roma. “
Anyone who nominates personalities, organizations, companies, municipalities and other entities that are actively involved in improving the quality of life, social conditions and the situation of the Roma community in our society until October 13, 2016 is helping with the realization of the idea of the Roma Spirit.
Examples of good practice will be awarded in the categories of Non-Governmental Organization, Company & Employer, Municipality, Personality, Media and a special Act of the Year award for an exceptional act which helped to save lives or improved the quality of life of individuals or communities.
The 8th year of the award brings a new category of Culture which will be presented to an individual or organization for a lifetime of active efforts and / or implementation of activities that contribute to a positive presentation, preservation and development of Roma culture and identity. “Culture is a phenomenon – it is an abiding source of inspiration and understanding. We believe that this category will introduce important personalities and achievements, which greatly contribute to challenging stereotypes and prejudices against Roma, “said ACEC Director, Magdaléna Rothová.
The 8th year of Roma Spirit 2016 will culminate during a gala evening by announcement of the laureates of the award on November 27, 2016. The award ceremony will be, traditionally, broadcasted by Dvojka channel of Radio and Television of Slovakia.
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