‘WAY OF LOVE’
The work among the gypsy community in Odessa, Ukraine is led by Pastor Maxim Dzhum. Maxim, works in many gypsy villages in the Odessa region. There is a population of approximately 12,000 gypsy families in Odessa. The gypsy villages are over crowded. In many places the houses do not have sewage or a water supply. Although all families have a right to attend hospital, medication has to be paid for. The nationals themselves have to pay. Sadly, the gypsy community generally cannot afford medication, so will rely on herbal remedies.
The main drive and purpose of the work is to bring education to the gypsy families, also to enable them to be registered by the local government, this will allow them access to work and make their home a more secure place without the risk of them being evicted.
Max works in extremely poor areas where the children are sent out to beg by their parents. One of the main problems is that the parents are illiterate. They do not always understand the need for education; they also require the girls to help with the house work. The living conditions are dreadful, which is not conducive for the student doing homework. Many of the people live in small houses.
TEACHING RIGHT FROM WRONG
The school in Palermo is based on Christian principles, teaching the children right from wrong. Sadly, many nationals think that the gypsy community will steal from them. Inevitably, they are immediately accused. In the past these accusations have probably been correct. With education and respect for themselves, the educators believe that their mindset will change.
THE ONGOING NEEDS ARE….
(1) The supply of education material.
(2). Salaries for the teachers.
(3). Covering the cost of transport to go to the villages and summer camps.
(4). Any urgent medical supplies.(5). Payment for the school buildings which are usually rented places.
NIKOLAY BURLUTSKY
Nikolay Burlutsky who also works in the Southern Region of the Ukraine. He communicates regularly with Maxim Dzhum and through his secular organisation, also covers the Gypsy Community. Nikolay helps the community with Humanitarian aid and the making of Legal Documents. Nikolay works with the officials in how to deal with the Roma Culture and discussing their needs. In this region the government have a law to integrate these people into Ukraine social life.