This is a place where Roma youth and internally displaced people can learn, grow, find inspiration, and receive timely and meaningful support.

This initiative became possible through our collaboration with the Embassy of Canada to Ukraine under the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) program.

The project presentation took place last week. During the event, we shared with participants what awaits them in the coming six months, as the project will run from October 2025 through March 2026.

Throughout this time, participants will attend educational and practical sessions in the following areas:

  • Individual and group sessions with psychologists
  • Leadership
  • Advocacy and lobbying
  • Public speaking
  • Media literacy
  • Project management and fundraising
  • Gender equality and prevention of gender-based violence
  • Reproductive health
  • History
  • Culture
  • Traditional dance

Our team carefully selected each activity to ensure that all of them contribute to the comprehensive development of everyone who joins our space. At the core of this initiative lies psychological support, as we believe the first step is to help young people overcome internal barriers, build self-confidence, cope with war-related and other stressors, and regain the strength to move forward.

During the presentation, the youth learned about the destigmatization of psychological support, aiming to challenge prejudices surrounding seeking help from psychologists. We emphasized that talking to a psychologist is a normal and beneficial practice for everyone. Only by working through inner struggles can people start to believe in themselves, grow, and shape their own path.

Workshops on leadership, public speaking, media literacy, and gender equality will empower participants not to stay silent, to be active, aware, and capable of defending their rights while supporting themselves and their communities.

History, culture, and dance are also a deeply meaningful and valuable part of the project. We aim to nurture in the younger generation a love and respect for their traditions, an understanding of their identity, and pride in their roots.

We are also happy to announce that an initiative group made up of the most active participants will receive a grant of 3,000 Canadian dollars and mentorship support to implement their youth project idea.

The Voice of Romni team strives to expand opportunities for Roma youth, helping them express themselves and their communities, improve communication skills, and gain access to quality education so they can become leaders and activists within their communities.

We are sincerely grateful to the Embassy of Canada to Ukraine for listening to the voices of Roma women and creating opportunities for the Roma community to speak up confidently. Supporting youth means investing in the future of our country, its development, and success.