Media Mentoring Program: Meet the young Roma reshaping the narrative

The 2024 – 2025 Media Mentoring Program coordinated by the European Roma Institute for Arts and Culture Serbia (ERIAC Serbia) is paving the way for young Roma media professionals to claim their space in mainstream media. This groundbreaking initiative bridges the gap between Roma talent and leading media outlets, creating opportunities to challenge stereotypes, amplify underrepresented voices, and reshape the narrative around Roma communities.

For two months, eight young Roma mentees will collaborate with accomplished mentors from top regional media houses. Together, they’ll craft compelling, high-quality content that centers on dignified representations of Roma communities and challenges stereotypes. Join us as we introduce these inspiring mentees and mentors, and celebrate the power of inclusive media practices to drive change.

Meet the mentees and their mentors

Ina Majko and her mentor Besar Likmeta – BIRN Albania

In Tirana, Ina Majko and her mentor Besar Likmeta are working towards Investigative Excellence in Action as part of the mentorship goal. With Besar’s guidance, Ina is transitioning from positive to investigative journalism, now focused on exposing the struggles of Roma waste pickers in Tirana—seven years after being banned from their only means of survival. Why does this matter? Investigative journalism isn’t just about reporting—it’s a powerful tool for accountability, justice, and change.

Ina Majko is a journalist and creator of Proud Roma, a podcast celebrating Roma culture and resilience. Now, under Besar’s mentorship, she is honing her investigative skills to tackle issues that affect the rule of law, fight corruption, and promote social justice for all.

Besar Likmeta is a renowned, award-winning investigative journalist and Country Editor for BIRN Albania. He’s now passing on his skills to the next generation, like Ina, ensuring journalism remains a force for justice.

Amra Ahmetović and her mentor Haris Buljubašić – Al Jazeera Balkans

Amra Ahmetović is honing her digital storytelling skills with mentor Haris Buljubašić at the Al Jazeera Balkans in Sarajevo. Amra has reported for platforms like NEWIPE and UDAR, focusing on minority rights and social justice. Now at AlJ azeera Balkans, with Haris’s guidance, she’s mastering short-form video, audience engagement, and the power of digital platforms.

Haris Buljubašić is a leading Digital Content Producer at Al Jazeera Balkans, executive producer of AJB Start, and creator of Kontrasti života, a series amplifying minority voices. Now, he’s sharing his expertise to equip Amra with the tools to thrive in the evolving media world.

Jasmina Beriša and her mentors Željko Vuksanović and Tina Popović  – Vijesti

With a fierce determination to create change, Jasmina Beriša joined ERIAC’s media mentorship at Vijesti, one of Montenegro’s leading news platforms. Guided by her mentors Željko Vuksanović and Tina Popović,  Jasmina is diving into both TV Vijesti and the Vijesti.me portal, where she is learning the art of fast-paced television reporting and in-depth investigative writing. From news writing to story selection, interviewing, and delivering news in both video and print formats, she is gaining a comprehensive understanding of the media world.

Jasmina Beriša, a senior student at the Economic High School in Podgorica, is an activist passionate about Roma rights, education, and intercultural dialogue. She is a volunteer journalist for the RomaNet portal and hosts the podcast Ternengo Avazi. Jasmina is an ambassador against antigypsyism and a member of the Ombudsman’s Network of Golden Advisors, fighting for human rights and equality. Awarded the Za odličan 5 prize by the Ministry of Education of Montenegro, she has also claimed first place at the hackathon Improving Democracy in Local Communities.

Željko Vuksanović is a multiple-award-winning journalist and editor at the news program editorial team at TV Vijesti. With years of experience in investigative journalism, he plays a key role in guiding and shaping the next generation of journalists like Jasmina, encouraging them to ask critical questions and create impactful stories.

Tina Popović is an award-winning journalist and editor of the Society section at ND Vijesti and Vijesti.me. With over 15 years of experience, Tina specializes in education, human rights, and investigative journalism. As a certified EBU Academy trainer, she is helping Jasmina push beyond surface-level reporting, developing her into a journalist who investigates, questions, and tells the stories that need to be heard.

Leon Ali and his mentor Snezana Lupevska Solzen  – TV Telma

A 20-year-old medical student at St. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Leon Ali is also a journalist for Roma Index, where he spotlights the achievements of the Roma community. With a passion for video storytelling and digital content creation, he is learning how to shape impactful narratives that challenge stereotypes and promote Roma visibility in the media.

Snezana Lupevska has spent years at the forefront of investigative journalism, leading major TV programs such as Top Tema, Nokno Studio, and KOD. As an award-winning journalist, she has uncovered powerful stories on human rights, corruption, and minority issues. Her mentorship provides Leon with essential skills in investigative techniques, online media strategy, and ethical reporting in the digital landscape.

Maja Simić and her mentors Jovana Štetin Lakić and Tamara Stojanović – N1 Television

Maja Simić, a student of International Relations at the Faculty of Political Sciences, is a dedicated advocate for Roma women’s rights and social inclusion through her work with the Roma Women’s Network of Serbia. As a journalist at Roma Media Service and a PR professional at the Center New World, she is passionate about increasing the visibility and empowerment of the Roma community.

Jovana Štetin Lakić is a seasoned journalist at N1 with a decade-long career in investigative reporting and field journalism. Jovana began her career at B92 as a reporter, where she covered various political and social issues. After transitioning to N1 in 2014, Jovana honed her expertise in covering political crises, social justice issues, and human rights stories.

Tamara Stojanović, a dedicated reporter at N1, brings a wealth of experience in documentary filmmaking, print journalism, and digital media. She previously worked at Clio Publishing House, where she was responsible for managing media communications, producing cultural content, and organizing events with renowned cultural figures. Tamara is particularly skilled in cross-platform journalism, creating content that resonates with diverse audiences.

Haktan Bulut and his mentor Yağmur Beril Varol – Halk TV

Meet Haktan Bulut, a dedicated Social Media Specialist from Konak, İzmir, Türkiye. Since 2020, Haktan has been leading content strategies at the Roma News Agency, advocating for Roma communities by highlighting their social challenges and rights. His role involves field research, storytelling, and producing engaging audio-visual content to amplify their voices. Haktan has also served as a Press Advisor to İzmir MP Özcan Purçu, enhancing media relations and communication strategies.

Haktan’s mentor, Yağmur Beril Varol, a journalist known for her impactful reporting, provides invaluable guidance. Yağmur has covered significant stories, including exclusive interviews and social issues, and has been recognized for her dedication to ethical journalism. Her mentorship helps Haktan gain insights into national news reporting and media ethics.

Their objectives include publishing written news on halktv.com.tr and producing TV news segments for Halk TV. Through this collaboration, Haktan aims to enhance his skills in conducting street interviews and mastering national TV news language, under Yağmur’s expert guidance.

In addition to his daily work at the HALK TV office in Izmir, with the support of ERIAC Serbia and HALK TV Haktan also visited the HALK TV headquarters in Istanbul. This experience allowed him to explore the inner workings of a major national broadcaster and deepen his understanding of the news production process.

Fatlum Kryeziu and his mentor Dafina Halili – Kosovo 2.0

Fatlum Kryeziu’s work reflects his deep commitment to impactful change, whether through reporting, project management, or advocacy. With years as a Project Manager at Roma OJQ “Rome TEGRA”, Fatlum Kryeziu was deeply engaged in projects centered on youth empowerment, gender equality, media and social inclusion. As a fellow of Deutsche Welle’s Balkan Booster Program, Fatlum has gained experienced in reporting on culture, politics, and economy in the Balkans, with a focus on human rights. During his time as a Social and Legal Officer at Ombudsperson Institution of Kosovo, he collaborated in creating national mechanism for prevention of torture, legal affairs, cooperation reporting and promotion of human rights.

Dafina Halili, an award-winning journalist based in Prishtina, Kosovo, works for Kosovo 2.0. With over a decade of experience, she specializes in human rights journalism. Her reporting covers a range of critical issues, including gender-based violence, women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, minority rights, and the coverage of war crimes.

Medina Ramić and her mentor Maja Fićović – Radio Mitrovica Sever

A law student and budding journalist, Medina Ramić has been involved in media from an early age, helping her father run his radio station. This hands-on experience has shaped her passion for storytelling, and she’s committed to ensuring Roma voices are heard and celebrated.

With over 25 years of experience in journalism and as the Executive Director of Radio Mitrovica Sever, Maja Fićović has dedicated her career to covering stories of marginalized communities and advocating for social justice. A PhD candidate in Media and Communications, she has also worked as a reporter for Radio Free Europe. Maja’s mentorship will be crucial as Medina refines her skills in ethical reporting, content creation, and prioritizing Roma representation in mainstream media.

Disclaimer: This activity is implemented with the financial support of the Roma Integration III Joint Programme of the European Union and the Council of Europe. The views expressed herein can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European Union or the Council of Europe.