Our work with Roma children takes place primarily in the Kolonia neighborhood, located in the periphery of Gjakova city. The Roma people, or Romani, as they’re also called, have long been known as Gypsies, and with that title, have been subjected to discrimination.

In Kosovo, I would describe the Roma as people who face an uncertain future. Personally, I think the Roma are sweet, hospitable, and in need of God’s presence in their lives, just as we all are. From what I have studied of their origins and the conversations I have had with them, I’ve concluded that they believe they don’t belong anywhere. This mindset often hinders their desire for advanced education and integration into society. They believe they are doomed and that God has forsaken them. This is why some put their trust in the occult and practice witchcraft, and this hardens their hearts toward God.

A lot of Albanians think the Roma people were involved in many killings during the Kosovo war. Media reports have stated that the Roma were often forced to collaborate with the Serbs against Albanian people, which could be true for both sides.

I think poverty pushes people of all kinds to make wrong choices, and because of God’s absence in their lives, many times they make wrong choices and suffer the consequences. But this is not a reason for anyone to oppress someone else. I think people on both sides should forgive and help one another.

Our staff members have been praying for 10 Roma students between the ages of 12 and 15 to be accepted into school. There are many reasons why Roma children have difficulties being accepted into the public schools—their economic status, their skin color, their parents’ educational background, and not being able to appear clean. The other children at school often tease them.

Children also miss school often because of their duties at home and can’t keep up with the material. Many end up dropping out. Girls have an even more difficult time accessing education since parents frequently arrange marriages after their 12th birthday.

We have often felt overwhelmed and discouraged by these things. For five months, the staff has been visiting parents, trying to convince them to send their children to school. Many have chosen not to allow their children to attend for a variety of reasons. Some parents are sick, and others want their children to work. Many of these children end up searching for cans at the city garbage dump to make money to buy bread.

One day, I decided to go to the garbage dump to see what actually happens there. As I got closer, I could see how difficult it was to walk up there because of the mud and too much garbage. There were lots of children at the top of the garbage pile with their half-filled bags. Inside were dirty clothes, cans, metal, and whatever else they could find that was worth a penny. You could see how desperate they were in finding anything worth something because these children were totally drenched in dirt and mud. It broke my heart to see this.

I recognized Zekeria, a 9-year-old boy who used to attend our literacy classes. He was not able to register this year. We asked Zekeria’s father why he didn’t let his son attend school. “With what to buy the books?” he said. “We have nothing to eat how can I send him naked to school with an empty stomach”?

The health of children like Zekeria is also at risk. They are exposed to so many things when spending hours and hours in the garbage pile. I stood at the dump less than 10 minutes and was about to faint from the odor. I can’t imagine how it must be for these children, who arrive at 5 a.m. and stay until late evening.

The experience was absolutely devastating. I realized how much I take for granted and how I often forget to thank God for my daily bread. These people need food, clothes, shoes, and to know a Savior who loves them. Samaritan’s Purse is helping the Roma people by providing educational services, school supplies, basic necessities, and follow-up family visits. We want these children and their families to know that there is a God who loves and cares for them.

Please pray for the Roma people. God loves them just as they are, whether they are dirty or clean, educated or illiterate. Please also pray that parents will see how working in the city dump is hurting their children.