Scholars, during their semester studying abroad, identified a great need on the outskirts of Rome called Monachina Camp. After meeting one of the faculty members of St. John's in Rome campus and hearing his stories about the children in this Roma (aka "gypsies") community, the scholars wanted to visit the camp. For years, Professor Ferro has been involved with this community. He got to know them, gained their trust, and learned how their community function. He relayed to the scholars the discrimination the community endures, especially the children. They have very few opportunities to progress and integrate themselves into the culture outside of their camp. Their teachers do not spend the necessary time with them. They do not have any intellectual support at home. They are marginalized by non gypsies, especially by older children in their schools. So, these children do not see a reason to study because they see themselves as part of this margin created by society to keep Roma individuals ostracized. Therefore, they do not see education as a social ladder. Instead, they remain behind, hardly learning to read and write, and constrained to either get married or work through some mechanical means. This has been the inspiration of Project Monachina.
By Annysa Rodriguez,Cohort 2014
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