Almir Beganaj: Education and Employment are the keys to progress

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Wednesday, 03 June 2020 12:39

Almir Beganaj from Ulcinj, a founder of a young NGO Romano Drom and a security guard of life and property at the Utilities Sector in Ulcinj, stands for commitment when it comes to contributing to the community and improving the position of RE population in Ulcinj. Almir has been engaged as an associate of the programme ROMACTED, which is a joint initiative between the European Union and the European Council. As an associate, he represents a mediator, a bridge, in communication between the Roma community and Municipality representatives. 

The duty imposed on him by a sense of belonging to the people of his community is what motivates him to work hard. This realization of responsibility encourages him to continue to help those to whom help is always welcome. Beganaj participated in the REspect campaign when he urged citizens to stay at home, stay healthy, and show respect for others. The Roma community was one of the most endangered ones amid the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, Beganaj, among the other volunteers of the Roma community, has participated in the action of the settlement disinfection, and food and hygiene products delivery. 

We talked with Almir regarding the problems he is facing, obstacles in achieving improvement, and equalization of the Roma community with the majority population in Montenegro. If you continue reading the lines that follow, you will find out that Almir also has a dream that may not be so difficult to realize. We hope that he will fulfill it soon, and judging by his dedicated work, we have no doubt!

ROMACTED, a joint Programme between the European Union, Council of Europe, and a partner organization NGO Young Roma, is in its final phase. What was your part in the project?

BEGANAJ: I have good cooperation with NGO Young Roma and I was also a member of the CAG (Community Action Group). I was encouraged by this organization to join to the ROMACTED programme as a facilitator. I think the reason for that is that I am well aware of the problems and needs of the Roma community in Ulcinj.

How did you get in touch with NGO Young Roma?

BEGANAJ: I met Mr. Jaha, executive director of the NGO Young Roma while attending my first seminar, 14 or 15 years ago, and we stayed in touch.

Describe your job? What is the role of the facilitator? 

BEGANAJ: My job is to be in-between the Roma community and members of the municipality, so I'm the bridge in the communication. I'm trying to help that community to resolve the problems they face. I was a part of the Programme since March and I believe that I'm capable to give my contribution.

You were distributing food and hygiene items during the Coronavirus pandemic. You've also taken part in the disinfection process of the urban settlements in Ulcinj. Can you tell us more about that experience? 

BEGANAJ: Yes, I was a part of that effort. It feels so good when you see that you can help your people. I called the NGO Young Roma and we talked about further steps and ideas about helping the Roma community. With their and the help of the Council of Europe, the food and hygiene items for 83 families were provided. Volunteers from the Roma community were helping in supplies sharing and they did a great job.

About the disinfection of the settlement, it occurred to me to write a letter to Utilities Sector in Ulcinj with my ROMACTED colleague Marko Junković. We referred to the cooperation with NGO Young Roma and the Council of Europe and they were glad to help.

Have you been recognized in the local community after this engagement?

BEGANAJ:  Yes, I'm recognized in the Roma community, but now they expect me to do so much more, as they think I have a big influence.

What challenges did you face and did you ever think that you won't be able to complete the task?

BEGANAJ: My biggest challenge so far was to help the Roma community during the crises amid the Coronavirus outbreak. I think I succeeded in considering a lack of experience. There are always dissatisfied people, but I guess I made it all right, I fulfilled the assignment. Another challenge the facilitator is facing is the big expectations the Roma community has. I fear I'm not going to be able to give them all they want.

How do you see the future of the Roma community? Is there any progress?

BEGANAJ: Roma empowerment and the improvement of their position are influenced by the increment of the number of educated people. Every child of the Roma community has the right to go to school. Education and employment are the keys to progress. It is the only way to be treated as an equal by the majority population. 

You work as a security guard of life and property at the Utilities Sector in Ulcinj. Would you like to see yourself in another position within the company?

BEGANAJ: That's right; I work as a security guard of life and property at the Utilities Sector in Ulcinj. I'd like to see myself in a better position, but I think that would be hard to achieve because I have obtained only the third degree of qualification when I graduated from high school. However, I will work hard to become a better version of myself, as well as better at the job I do, so maybe one day that dream will become a reality. 

The views expressed herein can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European Union and the Council of Europe