Niš hosted a workshop dedicated to remembrance culture, human rights, and the role of young people in building a society free from prejudice. As part of the project “Remembering for Peace – Remembrance of the Porajmos and Education on Antigypsyism”, more than 20 young participants gathered to engage in dialogue, learning, and creative activities focused on the history of Roma people, the Porajmos, and contemporary forms of antigypsyism.
The workshop was led by Milovan Pisari and Dragan Stanojević, who facilitated interactive lectures, group work, and reflective exercises that encouraged participants to explore important topics connecting the past and the present. Participants had the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of Roma communities, discuss the genocide of Roma during the Second World War, and examine the ways in which stereotypes, discrimination, and social invisibility continue to manifest today.
Particular attention was given to understanding contemporary forms of antigypsyism and their impact on the daily lives of Roma communities. Through open discussion, participants analyzed how prejudice is created, transmitted, and sustained within society, while also exploring ways to overcome it through education, dialogue, and active civic engagement.
One of the central themes of the workshop was the role of art and remembrance culture in preserving historical memory and promoting human rights. Young people discussed how creative expression, public dialogue, and joint initiatives can contribute to greater understanding, empathy, and solidarity among people of different backgrounds and experiences.
The workshop highlighted the importance of involving young people in processes of social change, emphasizing that they can be key drivers of initiatives that contribute to building a more just and inclusive society. Through the exchange of ideas and experiences, participants reflected on concrete ways in which they can contribute to their communities and actively challenge discrimination.
The activity was implemented within the project “Remembering for Peace – Remembrance of the Porajmos and Education on Antigypsyism”, jointly carried out by Forum Roma Serbia and SODI, with the support of the ZIVIK/ifa programme. The project aims to strengthen remembrance culture, raise awareness about the Porajmos, and empower young people to contribute, through education, dialogue, and collective action, to a society based on equality, respect for human rights, and social cohesion.