Proud to be a Roma-Albanian and working in our community

Nowadays, most social workers who work with the Roma communities dive deep into their history as they seek to better understand what it means to be of ‘Roma’ heritage. In recent years, organizations across the Balkans have implemented projects aimed at improving the life and welfare of Roma communities in Albania, yet they still face significant and multifaceted struggles with poverty. These minorities continue to struggle economically, socially, and experience high rates of unemployment and exclusion from education.

Any of us who go and visit the Roma communities, especially in the rural areas [of Albania], soon notice that they speak their native language (Romani). This is particularly common for younger children, who can often struggle to communicate with other Albanian children of the same age. This is one of the root causes of poverty amongst Roma people, poor due to the lack of education. Lots of teenagers choose to miss out on school to work, supporting their families to earn money by any means possible.

I find it such a joy to work with people from Roma communities. Despite the challenges so many people face, challenges with housing or even just to put food on the table, there is so often a warm greeting and offer of hospitality, a friendly smile.

But more needs to be done to ensure that their rich heritage is protected, and there is an equality of rights and access to public services. I am proud of my Roma heritage, and to be working for ‘Tek Ura’ as a social worker promoting inclusion for all in our community. My dream is for this generation and the next, to grow up celebrating the richness of diversity, and for an equal chance for children to get a fair chance of an education, a job and a positive future in Albania.

Roxhers Lufta,

Social Worker & Recovery Programme Leader at ‘Tek Ura’ supporting people out of poverty into employment and education. He also advises Tek Ura’s Trustees on equality issues and is one of the founders of ‘Pandezohu’.