Romani language course for children

Two local elementary schools, OŠ Janko Padežnik and OŠ Borcev za severno mejo have been hosting a Romani language course from 26 March to 20 June 2012. We noticed that the decrease in the active knowledge and use of the Romani language between young Roms has become a problem with negative effects on the development and preservation of the rich Romani culture. Such a project then offers to young Roms the opportunity for an informal language and general education, which is not available to them through formal educational institutions or their families, but is nevertheless the basis for maintaining their cultural and language identity.

The course introduced the children to the Romani alphabet, its number system and basic mathematic concepts, as well as seasons of the year, the names of months and days of the week, weather expressions, objects and notions from the everyday life, and Romani customs and holidays. We have also introduced them to the Romani culture (their music, anthem, ethnic costumes, flags) and manners (such as their attitude towards elders, etc.). The course was attended by 15 children. The posters they created during the course are on display in KIT, Maribor, Glavni trg 14.