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If Only It Were History… Why Roma Holocaust Education Matters?

Despite efforts by scholars and educators in the last two decades, the genocide of the Roma remains underrepresented in commemorative practices, scholarship, and education on the Second World War in Europe. Several EU member states display strong feelings against their Roma populations, while others have made significant steps in the introduction of Roma History and the History of the Roma Holocaust in their school curricula. Institutionalised antigypsyism in these countries is in fact reinforcing these negative societal attitudes and obscuring the genocide of the Roma from practices of Holocaust remembrance.
Building on the Recommendations of the Council of Europe (CM/REC 2020) on the inclusion of the history of Roma and/or Travellers in school curricula and teaching materials, while recognising that Roma and Travellers’ longstanding historical presence in Europe is still not adequately acknowledged in educational systems, the European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture (ERIAC) in collaboration with the Council of Europe, is organizing a training programme for personnel of public authorities from EU Member States, with a special focus on individuals directly involved in curriculum development, Ministries of Education, and others who hold influence over national educational materials. We also welcome the participation of staff from National Roma Contact Points.
The two-day training aims to advance Roma Holocaust remembrance and education, including through promoting teaching on Roma Holocaust and Roma history. With the most outstanding experts, Roma and non-Roma scholars, we plan to exchange good practices and know-how in the field.

Training Dates

REGISTER HERE  BY JULY 11, 2025

Online Training – Preliminary schedule*

10:30-11:00 Welcome & Introduction
Timea Junghaus (ERIAC Executive Director)

 

11:00-12:30 Antigypsyism: The Roots of the Holocaust Explained
Dr. Iulius Rostas
This lecture explores the ideological and systemic roots of antigypsyism in Europe, tracing the path that led to the genocide of Roma and Sinti during the Holocaust.

12:30-13:30 Break

 

13:30-15:00 The Forgotten Holocaust: The Struggle for the Recognition of Roma Victims
This session will highlight the political, scholarly, and community-led fight for the visibility and institutional recognition of the Roma Holocaust.

 

15:00-16:00 Break

 

16:00-17:00 Healing Historical Trauma: Remembrance and Commemoration of the Romani Holocaust
Dr. Ioanida Costache
Through the lens of art, memory work, and community rituals, this lecture explores how Roma communities confront historical trauma and reclaim agency through remembrance.

 

*Note: Session times and final speaker confirmations will be shared by email with selected participants in July. ERIAC reserves the right to make changes to the program

 

In-Person Training – August 1–2, 2025

Location: Krakow, Poland
Format: 1 day of hands-on workshops + 1 day of site visit and memorial engagement

August 1 – Training Day*

This full-day session in Krakow focuses on practical tools, critical pedagogy, and contemporary approaches to teaching about the Roma Holocaust. Delivered in a workshop format, participants will engage with cutting-edge educational resources, case studies, and historical framing.

 

09:30-11:00 Why Should We Teach About the Roma Holocaust?
Dr. Raul Cârstocea
Drawing on findings from the Council of Europe’s report on Roma in European curricula and textbooks, this session explores the implications of absence and misrepresentation—and why history education must center Roma perspectives.
Read the Report

 

11:00-11:30 Coffee Break

 

11:30-13:00 How to Teach About the Roma Holocaust?
Based on materials developed by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), this session introduces accessible pedagogical tools and structured guidance for classroom educators.
Explore IHRA Resources

 

13:00-14:30 Lunch

 

14:30-16:00 “Voices of the Victims”: Working with Roma Testimonies
A deep dive into the RomArchive collection and survivor narratives, with hands-on exercises on using testimonies in the classroom.
RomArchive: Voices of the Victims

 

16:00-16:30 Coffee break

 

16:30-18:00 From Victims to Heroes: The Roma Holocaust Through the Lens of Resistance
Dr. Anna Mirga-Kruszelnicka
Based on ERIAC’s Roma Resistance project, this session reframes Holocaust education through narratives of courage, agency, and resistance among Roma communities.

20:00 Dinner

 

August 2 – Memorial Day: Site Visit & Commemoration*

This day aligns with the European Roma Holocaust Memorial Day and centers lived experience, remembrance, and reflection.

Activities:

*Note: Session times and final speaker confirmations will be shared by email with selected participants in July. ERIAC reserves the right to make changes to the program

Logistical information:

Return bus transfer from Krakow to the Auschwitz Birkenau Memorial Site will be provided by the organizer.

Participants are expected to arrive in the evening of Thursday, July 31st and depart in the morning of Sunday, August 3rd. Travel arrangements will be secured by the organizer for a maximum of 20 participants.

ERIAC will select participants from among staff of Ministries of Education, National Roma Contact Points, or similar public entities with a mandate in education. This includes pedagogical staff involved in curriculum design and textbook content development. Travel and accommodation support will be provided for up to 20 selected on-site participants.

 

Registration deadline: 11 July, 2025 EOB

 

REGISTER HERE