Public Institution THE ROMA COMMUNITY CENTER

Public Institution THE ROMA COMMUNITY CENTER
T. Ševčenkos g. 16K, VILNIUS
Phone: (8-5) 2104134
Email: [email protected]
Director: Svetlana Novopolskaja

Public Institution The Roma Community Center is a non-profit organisation established in 2001. Founders: the Department of National Minorities under the Government of the Republic of Lithuania, Vilnius City Municipality, The Lithuanian Children's Foundation and Lithuanian Roma Community Čigonų Laužas.

The objectives of the organisation are to implement measures aimed at the integration of the Roma minority into the life of Lithuanian society; to promote the preservation of Roma national identity, the promotion of culture and intercultural dialogue; and to compile and systematize statistical, historical, and demographic material on the Roma of Lithuania.

It organises pre-school and pre-primary education for Roma children, a day centre called “Laipteliai į viršų” (Steps to the Top), distance learning for adults, courses in the national language, and has a computer classroom. Intercultural mediation services are provided for Roma living in the suburb of Kirtimai.

The Roma Community Center initiates various Roma integration projects and organises cultural events such as concerts, exhibitions and performances by the Roma De Drom ensemble.

The administration of the organisation collects, organises and disseminates materials on Roma national minority, assists researchers and students in their research, prepares press releases and articles, and participates in television and radio programmes, international conferences and projects.