WREATHS IN THE WATER, WISHES IN THE HEARTS

The Roma community in Bijeljina marked the holiday of Đurđevdan with a traditional gathering at the Dašnica canal, where willow wreaths were cast into the water along with wishes for the winter and hard days to be carried away, and for spring to bring only joy and beautiful moments.

PHOTO: Info Bijeljina

Those gathered in front of the "Otaharin" Day Center received small gift packages filled with sweets and red-dyed eggs, symbols of festive joy.

Dragana Petrović, Program Director of the Association for Integrative Inclusion of Roma "Otaharin", told reporters that their work is focused on improving the lives of Roma and supporting their integration into society.

"We are also working on Roma employment through the company ‘Agroplan’ and other programs, in order to enable their economic independence," she said.

According to Fatima Đanić from the Roma Women's Association "Romkinja", there are between 800 and 1,000 Roma living in Bijeljina, although this number fluctuates due to the frequent migration of families.

She emphasized the importance of education for Roma children, noting that currently 130 are enrolled in primary schools, seven attend secondary schools, and three are studying at the university level.