Who are we?

What is our goal?

Romodrom was founded in 2001 as a voluntary non-governmental non-profit organization with the aim of helping primarily people of Roma ethnicity. However, we soon realized that the issue of social exclusion is not only relevant to the Roma population, but is a much broader problem.

Our main goal is to help people find solutions in difficult life situations and strengthen their competencies in managing their own destinies. To this end, we provide social services such as field programs, social rehabilitation, socially activating services for families with children, and expert social counseling. We also manage projects focused on debt counseling, employment support, housing, childcare, and education. We operate not only in Prague, where the association was founded and where our headquarters are located, but also in almost all regions.

Our principles

• Understand the environment in which the family lives well.
• Work with respect to the specific conditions in these families.
• Understand the causes of unfavorable situations.
• Address the social situation comprehensively as a set of related causes and consequences.
• Seek solutions that will lead to the client's independence.

Our work is only possible thanks to the support of the supporters and partners of our organization. Therefore, we thank all those who collaborate with us and contribute to finding a way for people who have found themselves on the margins of society.

History

In the area of Prague 22 in Uhříněves, there was a ghetto where 15 Roma families lived in sheds and garages that belonged to a former brickyard. These families lived and raised their children in appalling conditions: without drinking water, electricity, gas, or sewage. They suffered not only from material poverty but also from a sense of exclusion from normal life. The cause of this situation was the loss of their jobs in the bankrupt brickyard and the associated accommodation. In 2000, Marie Gailová took on the role of a Roma fieldworker in this municipal district and decided to find a solution to this situation. Mrs. Gailová visited the ghetto for several months and primarily spoke with women and children. Gradually, she also gained the trust of the male residents.

In cooperation with the Prague 22 Municipal Office, it was gradually possible to relocate some families to the Integrated Housing House of Prague 22. Residents with Slovak citizenship were paid for their journey to their permanent place of residence and were provided with temporary accommodation in asylum houses in Slovakia.

This marked the beginning of work on a comprehensive solution to the social problems of the families and the search for a way for their return to society.