At present The Social Inclusion Schemes include:
Sport and Art activities, as well as Youth Media Project.
Sport
These schemes enable Roma children to explore opportunities, develop new skills and integrate with the host society while combating poverty and marginalisation. During the past year the Roma Support Group has run sport, leisure, art and educational activities, which aimed at developing children’s self-esteem, confidence and empowered them to make positive choices in life.
Our weekly service delivery includes:
- football training for Roma boys, age 8-21 years old;
- indoor sport activities in East and West London;
- art workshops for children and youth from 4-16 years old;
- music and dance sessions for children and youth in East London. Over the past year various activities of the project involved approx. 90 Roma children and youth in London.
In April - May 2006 Roma United participated in the “Your Game” event organized by BBC Sport. The event involved 7 cities, 150 teams, 1200 players and community groups competing in the spirit of fair play to take part in the Final stage at St. James’ Park Stadium in Newcastle. Roma United took part in the National Final as the Men’s Fairplay Winners for London.
BBC Sport – “Your Game”
“Roma play fast, incisive, football with lots of flair and are very like Real Madrid in their desire to both entertain and attack teams.”
(BBC Sport, Your Game)
Art
Romani Rad ready to conquer the stage
Passion for music and dance, as well as exceptional instrumental and vocal skills amongst young Roma are passed down by elder generations as an important part of Roma cultural identity. The experience of playing and sharing music gives the Roma community a sense of belonging and togetherness while at the same time communicating their individual memories and collective history.
Milan recording a number one hit!
Music has also played a crucial role in forming the Roma Support Group and it became a channel of communication between Roma refugees and mainstream British society. The Roma Support Group has been implementing a wide range of grass root art activities achieving some spectacular successes, such as organising 2 Roma Culture Festivals; staging a musical, “The Wedding – between Past and Present”; producing a CD Journey; performing in major high profile events (Womad, Celebrating Sanctuary, the Respect Festival, Romfest, etc).
Night of Roma Music in the Hub, Canning Town 06
We have recently started a new 3-year project, which was brought about through consultation with Roma children and youth. The project is a response to their interest in taking their skills and passion further by exploring and learning other avenues of music and dance styles.
Girls enjoying Flamenco class in East London
The project also creates a space for young Roma to integrate and socialise with their non-Roma friends through creativity and fun. Young people are given the opportunity to gain skills in recording their own music, learning how to use the equipment, learn modern and traditional forms of dance and improve instrumental skills.
Romani Rad at Lovebox Weekender 06
Some of the project’s after school activities include classes of flamenco, street dance, Irish and Roma dance, instrumental lessons and studio recording sessions. To showcase the talent of young people there are events held in schools, local community halls, concerts and festivals.
Gypsy Voices at Gypsy Arts Festival in Suffolk 06
If you think that you can contribute to the project as a volunteer or a dance/ music tutor, please contact Sylvia Ingmire on 07949 089 778.