To be an example, to support the community, to be an activist, to be the change… all these words describe Sebastijan, a young Roma activist from Podgorica who has distinguished himself through education, volunteering, and work in the civil sector.
Sebastijan did not conform to stereotypes or behavioural patterns imposed by society and his surroundings. Through his work, conduct, and attitude towards others, he has shown that change is possible.
During his secondary education in laboratory technology, he actively participated in support programmes for Roma students. He was involved with the NGO “Young Roma.” Through internships and volunteering, he contributed to projects promoting education and inclusion for the Roma community.
Today, this young and successful Roma man, through his work in the social protection system, strives to be both the support and inspiration for young people to believe in themselves and their abilities.
Baftijari believes that poverty and a lack of family support are the greatest challenges faced by Roma students in education today, and that the frequent phenomenon of dropping out should not be attributed to a lack of motivation.
“A lack of motivation is not the cause, but a consequence of a system that does not sufficiently recognise or support them. That is why I believe the key lies in continuous support — both through institutions and through fieldwork,” Baftijari concluded.
A society in which members of the Roma and Egyptian communities are visible, empowered, and included in all decision-making processes — a true society of equal opportunities — may still be far off, but young people like Sebastijan are courageously paving the way.