Roma International Day

International Roma Day was celebrated at the Folkestone Academy on 31^st March 2022.

We have a thriving Roma community in Folkestone and this day aimed to improve our pupils’ awareness of Roma culture and heritage.

The Roma community started to migrate to the UK (and other countries) in the late 1990s due to being persecuted in the countries they had been living in. They had been segregated from mainstream life with children being sent to special schools; employers discriminated against Roma people; they were not allowed into restaurants and events; many Roma people had been murdered for their race without trial or court hearing to justify them. Roma people were constantly harassed by Neo Nazis and other racist groups.

By inviting the community to Folkestone Academy we were able to hold talks with Year 7 – 9 pupils so they could understand the persecution Roma people had suffered before they moved to the UK. We were able to celebrate this national day with the community eating cultural food and enjoying live music. At our celebrations we were also joined by Kent Police, FHDC councillors and KCC Youth Hub.

Not only did this day help build relationships with the Roma community in Folkestone but it also helps to create a sense of belonging for Roma pupils attending our schools.