WHY ROMA 

Roma people have been in the Czech lands since the early 15th century and now make up 2% - 3% of our population. Unfortunately, they have not been given the same opportunities as other citizens. By integrating all social groups including Roma people into society, everyone will benefit including our school community, the Roma community and the Czech community. By not integrating Roma people we are breaking bridges, creating stigmas and ignoring the valuable knowledge and experience they can offer. When projects like the Vaclav Havel Scholarship Concert provide the opportunity to a Roma child who otherwise would not have been able to attend this school, we are not only providing an opportunity for that child but also the entire Roma community. We can inspire an entire community.

This interview with a survivor from the Lety Holocaust camp sheds light on the reasons why it is so vital to integrate Roma people into our communities and why we must give them the same opportunities in all areas of life.