Gypsy Winner from Europe
Elmas Arus, despite coming from a background where her primary school principal told her not to be dirty because of her identity, became one of the first Roma girls to graduate from university. Now, after making a splash with her documentary "Half" about Gypsies (Roma) in Turkey, she will receive the first award given in memory of Raoul Wallenberg from the Council of Europe.
Award Background
The application for the award was not made by Sıfır Ayrımcılık Derneği. The Olof Palme Foundation, which funds the association's "Public-NGO Dialogue Group" project, presented the award.
Elmas Arus's story, the story of "Buçuk" and Sıfır Ayrımcılık Derneği, were followed by the foundation.
The application process surprised Elmas Arus.
The Story of "Buçuk"
Before going to university, Elmas Arus faced the questioning of the community she was in: "Who are you, what are you?"
Living in a closed community, Elmas struggled with her family and community to attend primary school.
The discriminatory words of the primary school principal ("Don't be so dirty") deeply affected Elmas.
She faced similar pressures in high school, but continued her education with the support of a principal.
When her dream of going to England did not come true, she enrolled in Trakya University (1998).
During her university years, the idea of traveling around all the Gypsies in Turkey emerged, and the shooting of the documentary "Buçuk" began (2001).
38 cities, over 400 neighborhoods were visited, and the shootings lasted until 2009.
Sıfır Ayrımcılık Derneği (Zero Discrimination Association)
The association, established in 2009, aims to solve the problems of the Roman community.
Projects include "İstanbul Roman Merkezi", "Romanların Vatandaşlık Hakkına Erişim Projesi" and "Kamu-STK Diyalog Grubu Projesi".
The last project is a joint work of 6 ministries, İŞ-KUR, and 24 Roman NGOs.
Problems of the Roman Community
Education: The rate of illiteracy among Romans is high.
Employment: Traditional professions (electricity, tinning, basket making, etc.) are disappearing.
Housing: Roman neighborhoods are in a difficult situation with urban transformation.
Health and Security: Increased crime, drug use, and trafficking are problems in Roman neighborhoods.
Future Steps
The European Council award was donated to Sıfır Ayrımcılık Derneği and will be used for the education of children.
The writing of the "Roman Strategy" and the preparation of the action plan are ongoing.
Interview with Elmas Arus
Turkey's Gypsies for the First Time... Elmas Arus, who was told by her primary school principal "don't be so dirty" due to her identity, became one of the first Roman girls to graduate from university. Now, she will receive the first award given by the Council of Europe in memory of Raoul Wallenberg for her documentary "Buçuk", which made a name for itself by highlighting the situation of Gypsies in Turkey.
The Path to the Award
The application for the award was not made by Sıfır Ayrımcılık Derneği. The Olof Palme Foundation, which funds the association's "Public-NGO Dialogue Group" project, presented the award.
Elmas Arus's story, the story of "Buçuk", and the story of Sıfır Ayrımcılık Derneği were followed by the foundation.
The application process surprised Elmas Arus.
