I, Ignat Mykhailovych Tirpak, the chairman of the “Romani Yag” society and a mediator for the “Chirikli” foundation.
Q: Can you tell if it’s difficult for a Roma to become successful in Ukraine or in another country? What does this depend on?
Tirpak: Here’s what I can say. A Roma, if educated and knowledgeable, progresses just like a person of any nationality. So education is the first requirement.
I have an education, I am a construction worker. In our city of Uzhhorod, there are many young people who have graduated from Lviv University, including law school graduates, biologists, and professionals from other fields.
Q: Could we say that your region has successful Roma?
Tirpak: Yes! And I am very pleased with that. With the help of the “Vozrozhdenie” foundation, an education program for Roma in Zakarpattia was launched.
If I continue talking about myself, after technical school, there was military service. Then I got married, have two children, a son and a daughter, and two grandchildren. I also provided education for my children.
Q: When it comes to a person’s success, what is considered success in the Roma community? Is it about money, houses, and so on? Compared to people of other nationalities.
Tirpak: The answer is simple. A Roma is distinguished by being Roma. They don’t have their own Roma state. That’s the only difference.
Q: Tell us about how you help other Roma. Is it easy?
Tirpak: This assistance wouldn’t be possible without close collaboration with local authorities. Helping Roma is our daily work. And the role of the leader is crucial here.
Q: You’re talking about “baro” (leader)?
Tirpak: That’s what they usually say – “baron,” but that’s not correct. “Baro,” to be precise, means an elder or leader. Roma can hardly manage without him. People trust him.
Q: “Baro” is also, in a way, a mediator, a respected person…
Tirpak: If something happens to Roma, they turn first to this elder, who can solve their problems. Leaders exist in all structures. It’s the same for us. Much in the community, in the collective, depends on the leader. If the elder takes care of their camps – everything is in order: children go to school, no stealing, no fighting. Of course, if the elder is in the right place.
Q: And if not?
Tirpak: They either re-elect him or expel him. They choose another one, a young one, who can truly help Roma. Because without him, nothing will happen.
Q: Is “baro” a service, a job?
Tirpak: No, I think it’s a calling. You can’t be taught this.
Q: Are you a “baro”?
Tirpak: Well, to some extent… Otherwise, it’s not possible. If kids won’t go to school – nobody will help them, not even a “baro.” Education comes first, and then everything else.
Q: Does Roma education depend on the Ukrainian government?
Tirpak: No. It depends on the mother and father. If the mother doesn’t understand the importance and doesn’t send her child to school – no government can force her. As they usually say – the government didn’t give this or that. There’s some truth in that. But the most important thing is your child, and mom and dad must protect, feed, and educate them first.
I want to say that Roma have changed a lot recently. Especially in my region.
Q: For the better?
Tirpak: Yes. I lead several camps. Roma here have built houses, brought in water, bought good furniture. They work, educate their children. For example, in the Perechyn district, where I work.
And another very important and positive role in the lives of Roma communities here is played by churches. They’re different, and they help a lot – in every sense. Roma used to drink vodka, smoke, be idle. Now they go to church, don’t drink, don’t smoke. Many work, earn money. Not much, but enough to get by.
Q: I understand that you wish good living conditions for all Roma.
Tirpak: For all, throughout Ukraine.
Q: And what does that depend on?
Tirpak: It’s very important to communicate. We, Roma mediators, meet 2-3 times a year – mostly in Kyiv, thanks to Zemfira Kondur, the vice-president of the “Chirikli” foundation. We participate in training, we learn. Because it’s not easy – maintaining Roma traditions while being integrated into Ukrainian society. But I believe that if we work a lot for the benefit of our Roma community and all of Ukraine, our homeland, we will go far.
