Months ago in search for people who help the Romani (Gypsies) of Eastern Europe, Daniela discovered Global Partners and the work we are doing in Slovakia with the Romani people. Recently she started Yoy Dally, a non-profit organization, to raise awareness and funds to help the Romani people.
Her compassion for the Romani began in her childhood as she watched the discrimination of her Romani friend.
Last Night she hosted a Benefit in New York, New York where proceeds were given to help us, Global Partners in Peace and Development, help the Romani. This charity event included live Romani music by Vadim Kolpakov (who was the lead guitarist on tour with Madonna) , distinguished Romani speaker Dr. Petra Gelbart, the photography of Yan Yoors, a Roma-inspired fashion show introduced by Lotte Verbeek of “The Borgias” , the background spins of DJ Joro Boro and my favorite speaker and the most handsome man in the world, my hubby, Jonathan D. Grooms.
It was a huge success with around 250 guests. See our facebook page for more pic of the event.
The Romani have very difficult lives, many are discriminated against, most do not get an education and do not have job skills. In Slovakia more than 80% of them are unemployed. The Romani children are many times put in special ed classes simply because they are Romani.
Our desire for some time is to start a Romani Center in the Hore Hronie region of Slovakia. We believe that this project will not only help meet the basic needs the Romani people have today, but will truly help them in the years to come.
The purpose of the center would be to enable this new generation of Romani people to get out of the poverty cycle and build a life with meaning and true hope that comes from God.
This community center would be open daily, as a safe place for children to come, have fun, play sports, play music and learn. Classes would be given to meet the needs of adults and young adults to prepare them for life. Such as “How to manage finances”, “How to improve their health” (nutrition, hygiene - many Romani people are sick year after year due to lack of basic nutrition), “How to read.” (many are illiterate), basic work skills to get a job, and world view classes. The center would advise students and help keep them in school as well as teaching them practical vocational skills.
We praise God for what He is doing to show love to the Romani and i feel so humbled that we can be a part of humongous plan.
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