ternYpe - International Roma Youth Network

For the “Amen Sam Terne” exhibition, we present the work of multidisciplinary artist Oktavio Kazanxhiu, whose creative world brings together painting, set design, and costume design. Oktavio’s connection to art began early, shaped by a curiosity for colour, line, and expression. He later studied at the Artistic High School, where he deepened his interest in the visual and theatrical arts. After graduating from the University of Arts in Tirana with a degree in Set and Costume Design, he continued to refine his understanding of space, narrative, and atmosphere. These experiences now come together in an artistic practice that feels both personal and visually rich.

For the “Amen Sam Terne” exhibition, we are proud to showcase artworks created by young artists who explore identity and resilience through contemporary forms. The third artist is Anna Rabko, a graphic designer and illustrator based in Poland. She works with vivid colours and surreal imagery, drawing inspiration from the rich tradition of Polish poster design. Anna studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Cracow, where she developed a deep appreciation for visual storytelling. She later continued her artistic education in Kathmandu, Nepal, where she learned the traditional Thangka painting technique, followed by studies in New Delhi, India that broadened her understanding of diverse artistic forms. Her practice reflects a commitment to exploring emotion, symbolism, and cultural depth through both contemporary and traditional approaches.

For the “Amen Sam Terne” exhibition, we are proud to showcase artworks created by young artists who explore identity and resilience through contemporary forms. The second artist is Emanuel Barica, a Romanian Roma self-taught artist who lives and works in Berlin. His artistic practice explores new narratives and visual storytelling that challenge the boundaries of traditional art. With a background in street art and performative drawing, he merges visual creation with rhythm and intuition, often guided by music. Although his art is not directly political, it reflects a deep social awareness and a commitment to confronting discrimination against Roma and Sinti communities. Themes of persecution, resistance, and dignity are central to his work. Emanuel is affiliated with institutions such as ERIAC, Gallery Kai Dikhas, Amaro Drom e.V., and Amaro Foro e.V., and his recent projects include Romani Gallery, a series of portraits of leading Roma figures exhibited in the Barvalo exhibition at the Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean in Marseille.

For the “Amen Sam Terne” exhibition, we are proud to showcase artworks created by young artists who explore identity and resilience through contemporary forms. The first one is Denis Nanciu, a Roma multidisciplinary artist specialised in contemporary jewelry, sculpture, drawing, and object design. He graduated from the National University of Arts, specializing in metal sculpture, and holds a master’s degree in artistic metal furniture. He works with materials such as brass, copper, iron, silver, and glass, exploring expressive and symbolic forms. His artistic practice reflects a constant interest in memory, fragility, balance, and the tension between the material and the immaterial, combining traditional techniques with a contemporary aesthetic. His works range from small pieces, such as brooches and accessories, to large sculptures and installations.

𝐖𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲.

It translates the Council of Europe 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐌/𝐑𝐞𝐜(𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑)𝟒 into clear terms and practical steps, so young Roma and youth organisations can use their voice where decisions are made.

Co-created with Roma and non-Roma youth leaders, group leaders, and organisations representatives, the dictionary turns policy language into tools for schools, youth groups and community meetings.

This document was produced by ternYpe – International Roma Youth Network with the financial support of the Council of Europe.The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the official position of the Council of Europe.

Full article and access to the Dictionary here: https://ternype.org/news/launching-the-roma-youth-participation-dictionary/

Our future should reflect our needs. If you’re Roma and 15-35 years, add your voice to our Europe-wide check-in.

Your answers will help us fine-tune policies, advocacy, and programmes with and for Roma youth.

Takes a few minutes,multiple languages and anonymous!

Take the survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdgzf0SAfmo1b_dJX1UMcPO2xIsYq1ohe5TRDDHHk3JVl3FDA/viewform

On 28 October in Warsaw, 𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐘𝐩𝐞 joined the third meeting of the 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐔-𝐂𝐨𝐄 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐞, 𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐎𝐃𝐈𝐇𝐑.

Our intervention centred Roma youth. We centred co-created learning resources, remembrance with dignity, and youth-led advocacy against antigypsyism. We also centred ethical and safe use of survivors’ testimonies, and practical cooperation between schools, museums and youth groups.

This builds on Dikh He Na Bister - Roma Genocide Remembrance (DHNB), our Europe-wide youth remembrance initiative. Each year,since 2010, roma and non-roma young people beside honouring the victims and learning about the history, return home as peer educators who strengthen local communities and classrooms.

Together with partners from the EU Justice and Consumers, Council of Europe, OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture - ERIAC, Central Council of German Sinti and Roma, and IHRA, we share a commitment to memory, education, and combating antigypsyism.

More information about the Roma Memory Program here: shorturl.at/NU56R

From September 21 to 28, the European Youth Center in Budapest hosted our study session dedicated to preparing a new generation of ambassadors to counter antigypsyism. The event was organized by ERGO Network and ternYpe, with support from the Council of Europe.

Twenty-two participants from Hungary, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Belgium, Romania, North Macedonia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, United Kingdom, Czechia, Sweden and Ireland took part in a week of focused learning, reflection, and planning.

Read the full article in the first comment.

What happens when young Roma and pro-Roma activists come together to learn, share, and reflect?

Powerful stories are born, stories of courage, identity, and resistance. 💪✨

During our study session “Youth Ambassadors of the Decade Against Antigypsyism – From Passion to Action”, participants turned their experiences into moving articles:

🟣 Nestian Bianca Florina – Passing: A Roma Girl Living on the Borders of Belonging - A reflection on privilege, belonging, and reclaiming Roma identity.

🟣 Chelsea Mac Donnchadha – Solidarity in Struggle- A call for unity between Irish Travellers and Roma in the shared fight against antigypsyism.

🟣 Sefer Shaqir – From Shame to Pride - A journey from hiding his Roma identity as a child to embracing it with pride as an activist.

🟣 Lenutsa Moldavchuk – Don’t Be Afraid to Say Who You Are- A story of allyship and learning about Roma history in Ukraine.

Read their full articles: https://ergonetwork.org/2025/10/voices-of-change-stories-from-our-study-session/

ternYpe - International Roma Youth Network