Who are Roma?

“Roma”, “Tsigini” or “Gypsy” are labels given to a minority group dispersed throughout Europe. Although they have no suggested written history, it is believed that they are descended from modern day India and Pakistan. Historians believe that the first Roma groups began migrating out of India and Pakistan as early as the 10th century. Over the next three or four centuries, for various reasons still unknown, several more groups left India heading west. Over the next several hundred years, the migration of the Roma became a lifestyle and their traveling took them through the Middle East and throughout much of Europe.  Throughout the centuries, many European countries have passed laws to restrict, settle, or integrate the Roma, often without success.

Unfortunately, throughout Europe and especially in Eastern Europe, Roma are often viewed in a negative light. Over hundreds of years, they have been persecuted and banned from general society.  Often, they have been forced to live on the margin in their newly adopted countries.

One continuing issue in the community is lack of education.  Many Roma  students do not even reach high school and drop out before 8th grade. The reasons for this vary but nevertheless it is an enormous problem. Throughout Bulgaria, there are segregated Roma schools that are literally in shambles. Students work without textbooks and proper school materials. Fortunately, due to EU requirements in regards to minorities, many East European countries have shifted their attention toward the integration of Roma in society. These efforts have not only improved living conditions for the Roma, they have helped strengthen Eastern Europe as a whole.

Stats and Facts

• Roma comprise 800,000 to 1.2 million of Bulgaria's population (This figure is not known precisely - other sources claim that for people under 25, the percent is closer to 15-20%.

• Hundreds of thousands of Roma were murdered during the Holocaust

• The label “Roma” is often given to any person of color, regardless of actual ethnicity

• Roma often are aware of social discrimination when in public places, and many have experienced related abuses.

• Many Roma do not speak Bulgarian upon entering the 1st grade