Slovak Romani and U.S. Students Learn Community Building from Each Other

July 11, 2008

A group of 12 University of Wisconsin-Green Bay students and community members, led by Professors Angela Bauer-Dantoin and Sarah Meredith, spent 11 days during May and June on a service-learning travel course in four different Roma communities throughout eastern Slovakia. The course, entitled “Social Justice Issues in Slovakia,” took the professors and their group to Roma communities in Strane pod Tatrami, Spissky Stiavnik, Hranovnica, and Vydrnik, where they organized healthcare education programs and community-building activities. With help from the Embassy and donations from community members in the Green Bay area, the Americans were able to share valuable information related to health and hygiene on such topics as dental hygiene, child development and first aid with Roma women and children. The highlight of their community-building activities with the Roma was the painting of several colorful murals on the exterior walls of buildings within the settlements, for which painting supplies were generously donated by Johnson Controls, and much-needed musical instruments were also provided for a Roma children’s music education program. During the Americans’ time in eastern Slovakia, they were fortunate to have the opportunity to experience the country’s rich culture and natural beauty, learn more about its history, and above all, become familiar with the unique culture and experiences of members of the Slovak Roma community.