Courage, perseverance, and humanity unite the finalists of Roma Spirit 2025. During the Day with the Finalists held in Bratislava, individuals and initiatives were introduced whose work, energy, and commitment contribute to positive change in Slovakia. For the seventeenth time, Roma Spirit honours personalities and initiatives that break down barriers and bring people together.
In the Non-Governmental Organisation category, the finalists are Svet ticha, o.z. from Krupina, which supports people with hearing impairments; TENENET, o.z. from Senec, providing social and educational services to families and vulnerable groups; and BAFF sa, o.z. from Moldava nad Bodvou, focused on community development for children from marginalised backgrounds.
“Non-governmental organisations play an irreplaceable role in society—they address issues that the state or business sector often cannot. They do so professionally, with quality and care,” said Laura Dittel, Executive Director of the Carpathian Foundation, partner of the category.
In the Company and Employer category, the finalists are Alma Primary School, which is transforming a segregated school into an open and successful institution; the Institute of Ethnology and Social Anthropology of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, for its outstanding scientific research on Roma communities; and Krivak & Co., which has long demonstrated that legal practice can be an effective tool in building a fairer and more inclusive society.
“Inclusion is not a project, but a daily decision to live together. The finalists in this category demonstrate this through their work,” said Stanislav Daniel, expert on social inclusion and member of the Roma Spirit Steering Committee, when presenting the finalists.
In the Personality category, the nominees are Eugen Bari, a former football player dedicated to youth and community work, and Jarmila Gaálová, a biology teacher who inspires students and parents alike through her approach to equal opportunities.
“Personalities such as Eugen Bari and Jarmila Gaálová show that when people turn their talent into service to others, hope and change are born,” said Ján Hero, member of the Roma Spirit Steering Committee.
In the Media category, the finalists are Róbert Hamburgbadžo from Spišský Hrhov, who brings an authentic voice of the young Roma generation; Mariana Kovačechová from Radio Regina for her long-term reporting on life in Roma communities; and Michal Frank, who connects regional topics with broader social issues.
“The media shape our opinions and give space to diverse voices. It is important that journalists exist who deliver balanced and sensitive reporting,” emphasised Ivett Pavlis, lawyer, lecturer, and member of the Roma Spirit Steering Committee.
In the Culture category, the finalists are Marián Balog, artist and organiser of cultural events; Jana Ambrózová, violinist and educator; and the Gypsy Jazz Festival, which has long supported musical diversity.
“Culture brings people together regardless of differences. It is a voice that enlivens society—an energy that gives it character and direction. When we recognise the importance of culture and support it, we support openness, education, creativity, freedom of thought, and the overall quality and cohesion of society. Culture connects people regardless of differences,” said Ľubomíra Slušná Franz, founder of Roma Spirit and member of the Roma Spirit Steering Committee. “The finalists show that culture lives in people—in their creativity, courage, and ability to connect different worlds,” she added.
In the Municipality and City category, the nominees are Spišské Podhradie, Dunajská Lužná, and Jelka—local governments that bring people together, break down barriers, and demonstrate that trust and cooperation can transform entire communities.
As stated by Ábel Ravasz, advisor to the Minister of Education and member of the Roma Spirit Steering Committee, these municipalities show that inclusion begins at the local level and with the determination of people to address challenges together.
In the Act of the Year category, the finalists are Miroslav Kováč from Zvolen for initiating the re-diagnosis of a child; Františka Ondrašiková from Herľany for selfless assistance to people in need; and Maroš Kováč and colleagues from Bijacovce for restoring access to drinking water for local families. According to Janette Motlová, member of the Roma Spirit Preparatory Committee, the finalists in this category prove that individuals can bring hope and positive change through everyday actions.
Roma Spirit is a public award that, since 2009, has highlighted and honoured individuals, organisations, and initiatives contributing to the improvement of the situation of Roma people and to strengthening understanding and coexistence in Slovakia. Roma Spirit 2025 is organised by the Association for Culture, Education and Communication (ACEC), Radio and Television of Slovakia (STVR), and the Office of the Plenipotentiary of the Government of the Slovak Republic for Roma Communities. Patronage over the 17th edition has been assumed by the Public Defender of Rights Róbert Dobrovodský and the President of the Slovak Republic, Peter Pellegrini.
The laureates of the Roma Spirit 2025 awards will be announced during the ceremonial gala evening, the recording of which will be broadcast by Slovak Television on 10 December, on the occasion of International Human Rights Day.
More information: www.romaspirit.sk.
