The US foreign aid funding freeze is threatening the stability of community-based organizations and their vital work for children and young people worldwide.
Voice of Romni supports Roma children and their families in Ukraine to not only survive the immediate crisis, but also heal from trauma, thrive in school, and pursue their dreams.
Voice of Romni is a team of dedicated activists working daily to improve the living conditions of Roma children and their families across Ukraine.
After experiencing gender-based violence, Anzhelika Bielova founded Voice of Romni in 2020 to create a safer world for women. Voice of Romni has reached more than 106,000 people through educational programs, employment support, leadership training, humanitarian aid, and advocacy programs.
After the Russian invasion in February 2022, the team had to quickly pivot their resources to respond to the immediate needs of their communities. Voice of Romni opened children’s educational spaces in Uzhhorod and two frontline cities—Kryvyi Rih and Zaporizhzhia. These spaces support Roma children, internally displaced children, and other vulnerable groups by addressing educational gaps caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The Roma community in western Ukraine primarily lives in compact settlements with limited social support. The war has made already vulnerable groups even more at risk. That is why we believe it is crucial for civil society organizations and partners to focus more on supporting the Roma community in these regions. The well-being of children should be a top priority in modern society. Providing basic hygiene supplies helps reduce health risks, including infectious diseases. At the same time, it is a step toward social justice and ensuring equal opportunities for all children.
Anzhelika Bielova, Voice of Romni President
Voice of Romni is proud to stand by their community during times of crisis and while they heal and rebuild their lives.
