Roma Spirit Czech Republic: Deadline for nominations THIS FRIDAY 30 SEPTEMBER
The final opportunity to nominate individuals and organizations for the 2016
Roma Spirit awards in the Czech Republic will be this Friday, 30 September. The
mission of Roma Spirit, which is held by the Michael Kocáb Foundation in
collaboration with the Open Society NGO (Otevřená společnost, o.p.s.) and the
Museum of Romani Culture, is to appreciate and popularize the work of
individuals and organizations who contribute to improving the situation of
Romani people in the Czech Republic.
Nominations for any category can be sent by any resident of the Czech
Republic
through the simple online form. The nominated actions or activity must
have occurred between December 2015 and the end of September 2016.
The deadline for nominations is 30 September 2016. Laureates of the Roma
Spirit awards will be announced on the occasion of International Human Rights
Day, 10 December 2016, at the Prague Crossroads.
Pope Francis has sent his apostolic blessing to the 2016 Roma Spirit awards
in the Czech Republic and has assured them a place in his prayers. Auspices are
being provided this year by Czech Culture Minister Daniel Herman, Auxiliary
Bishop of Prague Monsignor Václav Malý, and Czech MP Karel Schwarzenberg.
The idea of the Roma Spirit project is that of Ms Lubomíra Slušná-Franz,
preszident of the Association for Culture, Education and Communication (ACEC),
which implements it in Slovakia. Financial support has been provided by Bader
Philanthropies.
The main media partner is Czech Television and news server Romea.cz is also a
media partner of the awards. The Roma Spirit 2016 awards in the Czech Republic
will be given for the following categories:
- Non-state, non-profit organization – for implementing a specific project
aimed at developing and supporting the Romani minority and the results
achieved, and for implementing a project aimed at after-school educational
activities for Romani children and youth - Company/firm/employer – for supporting projects aimed at social aid and
support to the Romani community - Muncipality/city – for programs focused on integrating members of the
Romani minority into society and activities benefiting the Romani community - Individaul – appreciation of an individual for long-term work that has
contributed to improving the position of Romani people - Media – appreciation of a journalist for reporting objective or positive
information about Romani issues and contributing to a positive legacy of
mutual tolerance and understanding in society - Good Deed of the Year – for an action that contributed to saving a human
life - Romani culture – special category – appreciation for contributing to
Romani culture in the area of language, oral literature, art (such as
theater, film, photography, music, literature, dance, visual arts, song, etc.)
and other creative activities by various communities and groups of Roma and
Sinti in the Czech Republic. Activities that lead to the preservation,
reproduction and further development of Roma and Sinti culture may also be
appreciated (such as benefavtors, organizers of cultural events, etc.).
Extraordinary cultural achievements may also be appreciated. The expert
guarantor of this seventh category, Romani Culture, will once again be the
Museum of Romani Culture.
