There is a sea of cities around us. There are places within those cities — cafés and restaurants — that we enter and leave. But there are also places that bring a smile and a sense of nostalgia the moment we walk out. Such places remain in our memory because of the people, their hospitality, and their kindness. Such was the café we entered to speak with Samson Beriša.
This young Roma man from Nikšić welcomed us with a gentle smile and a tray in his hands — a tray which, he says, was a major challenge on his very first day working at the café “Propaganda”.
He obtained this job through the project “Empower Yourself, Get Employed”, which supports the employment of young Roma and Egyptians. Although he had no prior experience, he quickly mastered the job and became well-liked among colleagues and guests alike.
“My path to my first job was not easy. I had no work experience nor the opportunity to prove myself. For a young Roma person in Nikšić, it is often difficult to get that first chance. However, thanks to the project of the Centre for the Affirmation of the RE Population, I was given the opportunity to find employment,” Beriša said.
“The first working day was very challenging,” Samson recalls, adding, “Honestly, I did not even know how to properly hold a tray or serve guests. Everything was new to me. However, I had a strong desire to learn and to prove to myself and to others that I could do it.”
Now, after two years of work, Samson has fully mastered the job and performs it with confidence and pride.
“I believe my journey can encourage other young Roma people to take that first step and not give up, even when things are difficult or when they lack experience. We all start from zero — what matters is having the will and perseverance,” concludes this successful young man from Nikšić.
Some places live on in our memory — because of the people, their hospitality, and their kindness. As we leave the café “Propaganda”, we find ourselves asking: “Is there a tip large enough for such an example of dedication and hard work that breaks down prejudices about the Roma community?”