On November 28-29, the Department of National Minorities organized training for Roma mediators. The mediators were introduced to the “Metaphorical Question Cards” method, created by Nomeda Jerochova (www.patirtysiridejos.lt), based on the motivational interviewing method, systemic theory, and supervision practices. This method helps individuals view situations and people in a broader context, step out of preconceived notions about clients and themselves, and begin working with curiosity. The second part of the training focused on patient rights and awareness in the healthcare sector.
Interestingly, exactly ten years ago, in collaboration with the Roma Community Center (Director Svetlana Novopolskaja), the first training sessions for Roma mediators were organized under the ROMED1 program. The ROMED1 program was launched in July 2011 as a joint action between the Council of Europe and the European Commission, and over the course of five years, it was implemented in more than 20 countries. The primary aim of ROMED1 was to improve the quality and effectiveness of the work of school, health, employment, and community mediators, with the goal of fostering better communication and cooperation between Roma communities and public institutions (such as schools, healthcare providers, employment offices, and local authorities).
During two training sessions held in 2014, 17 mediators were trained, the majority of whom worked in the ESF-funded project “Let’s Work Together with Roma” (2016-2023), implemented by the Roma Community Center. Currently, five mediators work in the EU-funded project “Lithuanian Local Platforms – Going Local,” which has been implemented by the Department since 2016.
I would also like to share the good news that, since September of this year, the Vilnius City Municipality (where the largest Roma community resides) has employed three teacher assistants to work with Roma students and one health mediator. I hope this initiative will improve the chances of Roma children succeeding in school and serve as a positive example for other municipalities.
