Bozidar Nikolić

An inspiring story comes today from Serbia, specifically from Kragujevac. We spoke with Božidar Nikolić, president of the Educational and Cultural Community of Roma "Rromanipen". With 24 years of active work in the civil sector and educational system, he has contributed to significant changes within the Roma community. He has led and coordinated numerous projects that have delivered excellent results and positively impacted many lives. His work remains a strong example of perseverance and dedication in the ongoing path toward equality and social inclusion.

Can you briefly share your life journey?

My activism in the field of Roma social inclusion in Serbia began unexpectedly in the year 2000. As a young activist and second-year university student, I joined the "Equal Opportunities" project by the Open Society Foundation. I started working as a Roma teaching assistant in a primary school, where I supported the education of Roma children. I committed myself wholeheartedly to the work and my professional development, which allowed me to progress quickly.

In 2002, I became a trainer for the inclusive education program "Neither Black nor White," aimed at sensitizing teaching staff to work with Roma students. Since then, my work has expanded across multiple areas of Roma social inclusion, both nationally and internationally.

What inspired you to become an advocate for Roma rights?

It was my direct experience working to improve Roma children's education within the formal education system. I recognized many systemic shortcomings and discriminatory practices, which motivated me to engage more deeply in advocacy and seek solutions to these problems. I actively contributed to developing both local and national inclusive policies supporting marginalized groups.

What challenges have you faced, and how have they influenced your work in the community?

One of the biggest challenges was the widespread discrimination I encountered—both personally and collectively. It gave me extra motivation and strength to persist in my work. Another key challenge was creating a supportive environment for the initiatives I was implementing within the broader community. It was crucial to inspire the general population to support national and international efforts aimed at empowering the Roma community and to build alliances in the broader movement for equality.

Which projects or initiatives have you led to improve the situation of the Roma community?

Over the past 24 years, I’ve led and coordinated numerous impactful projects, including:

• PGF Project – Expanded access to EU funds for Roma (2012–2015)

• Education – The Key to a Better Future for Roma Children

• Wider Access to Preschool Education for Roma Children in Serbia

• Mother and Child Education

• Strong from the Start

• Toy Library – A Space for the Development of Roma Children and Families

• Put a Full Stop to Discrimination

• I Am Roma – A program promoting the Roma language and cultural heritage

• Mothers Know Best – A program supporting mother and child education

In addition, I’ve led many other project initiatives as part of my long-standing activism in the Roma community.

Can you share an experience that especially motivated or inspired your work?

One of the most unpleasant yet motivating experiences happened at the very beginning of my journey as a Roma teaching assistant. When my colleagues and I started working, the school principal told us not to come in for a week because some teachers had complained about Roma being involved in education. Later, in the teachers’ lounge, a teacher asked me to get up from a chair she had sat on for over 20 years.

These two incidents deeply affected me but ultimately strengthened my resolve to continue the fight for Roma minority rights. They pushed me to become one of the more recognized and proactive Roma leaders.

What changes or improvements have you seen in the Roma community as a result of your work?

Parents have become allies and have recognized the importance of education for their children. There has been an increase in the number of Roma children successfully completing primary school, a decrease in dropout rates, and a rise in Roma students receiving state scholarships. Some of the children we worked with from preschool age have now graduated from university. Our organization has become a recognized Roma resource center both locally and nationally.

What advice would you give to young Roma who want to contribute to their community?

My advice to young Roma is to stay committed to their dreams and goals, invest in their professional development and education, show empathy toward the problems their community faces, and give back through active involvement—especially those who have benefited from affirmative measures for Roma at the national level.

What are your plans for the future, and how do you plan to continue supporting the Roma community?

I still feel I have the energy to actively contribute to the development of the Roma community. Our organization’s development strategy is focused on investing in young leaders who will eventually take responsibility and lead the organization successfully. I plan to develop mentoring programs for young Roma leaders and support them with my experience and knowledge to help create a new generation of Roma who will continue supporting and uplifting their community.