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[font=Courier New]I wanted to ask the group if someone could point me in the direction of some Roma/Gypsy cultural information. I ask because I fear that because to Bulgarian society, my little one (to be) will not be considered "Bulgarian"...I want to be able to give her a well rounded picture of her identity and where she comes from...to be proud of her Roma heritage. Also, does anyone have any input on how they have been gradually discussing the reality of the situation to their adopted children? Thank you, KWien[/font]
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I have been doing some research and thank someone who replied to my inquirey via the Yahoo group. I wanted to post a couple of things that I found very interesting: This is an article from the Smithsonian documenting some of the groups of Rom/Roma that have been documented here in the United States.[url="http://www.smithsonianeducation.org/migrations/gyp/gypstart.html"]http://www.smithsonianeducation.org/migrations/gyp/gypstart.html[/url] I have also read two articles in a magazine that were by Roma people. They were very interesting and positive and I learned from the one experience, that his family travelled between Canada and Mexico. Both of these experiences dated to the early 1970's. I am continueing my research on the Roma culture. If anyone has anything further, please post it. --KW
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I appologize for not getting this link in the last update. This site was sent to me from a reply off of the Yahoo forum. This site is The Patrin Web Journal: Romani Culture and History.[url="http://www.geocities.com/Paris/5121/patrin.htm"]http://www.geocities.com/Paris/5121/patrin.htm[/url] It is very interesting to learn the generally accepted background and history of the Roma people. Please note that there are many Romani activists which are contributing to the journal, so one must use their own discretion while reading it and be aware that there is some agenda involved. I did find it very interesting and informative and was pleased to find a distinctly Romani point of view. ...again, if you have any resources, especially topics that will relate directly to children (i.e. children's readers for Romani/English and Roma children's stories) I would appreciate the tip(s)!! --KWien
There is a book called "Bury me standing". I have not read it. Check out some of the reviews by doing a google search on the title name. You can buy it used for less than 10 dollars on the web.The book sounds depressing. Since Bulgarian adoptions have basically shut down, I am hesitant to read the book. I ask myself, "Why should I get all worked up over something I can not change or even fix in a small child's world by adoption her?" Tammy
Ok, I have a list of promising looking books and will go ahead and post those. ...Tammy, thank you for your response. Yes, it is a hard situation and many have waiting so long. Things have some promising vibes though...if Bulgaria wants to join the EU, they are going to have to get the number of kids in their orphanages down. This has been mandated by the EU and another related counsel. They have thus far tried to comply with the related counsel's recommendation about HOW they do this to no avail...therefore, their best chance of meeting the demand is to get the international adoptions moving. As to the books: Please note that I have not had a chance to check these out as yet, but they are ones, out of the plethora, that sound promising. Non-fiction: Gypsies: The Hidden AmericansAuthor: Anne SutherlandISBN: 0881332356 The Rom: Walking the Paths of the GypsiesAuthor: Roger MoreauISBN: 155263423X Fiction: Gypsy GirlAuthor: Rumor Godden Gypsy FolktalesAuthor: Diane TongISBN: 0156379899 The Gypsies' TaleAuthor: Ethel Pockoki; Laura KellyISBN: 0671799347 Gypsy SummerAuthor: Wilma Yeo ISBN: 0590412175NOTE: not the one by Beth Barclift The Fish Bride and Other Gypsy TalesAuthor: Jean Russell Larson; Michael LarsonISBN: 0208024743 Gypsies' Fiddle and Other Gypsy TalesAuthor: Moritz JagendorfISBN: 0814903398 I hope these help someone. Regards, KWien
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kwien
Things have some promising vibes though...if Bulgaria wants to join the EU, they are going to have to get the number of kids in their orphanages down. This has been mandated by the EU and another related counsel. They have thus far tried to comply with the related counsel's recommendation about HOW they do this to no avail...therefore, their best chance of meeting the demand is to get the international adoptions moving.
KWien
I was digging around the internet for information pertaining to the adoption of Roma children and came across a news article that discussed the above mentioned. I thought it was on the Sofia News site but am having trouble finding it. I am worried now, because I found an article that was about ROMANIA that talked about this same so am hoping that I did not go and kick up some dust!! Either way, there are some good "vibes" coming. Both I and another lady that are looking to adopt from Bulgaria heard reports from our agencies that were complimentary (we asked them after hearing some particularily discouraging news). My agency is in Bulgaria and she gave a very nice explanation. Please PM me if you would like me to send you a copy of what she said. Again, I will keep my eyes open for that article and if I find it, I will be sure and post the site. --KWien
My daughter is of Roma heritage. She was born in Russia. I have been spending some time to become more education on the Roma heritage. One website that my be helpful to you is [url]www.radoc.net[/url].
There is a section that speaks to adoption of Roma children, although it speaks of the Romanian children.
Thought that this may help. I also have a name of a book, that I haven't read yet, that I was told about which I will post later when I can find the title again.