We maintain large children’s home what is located in the Southern part of Finland in Hämeenkoski.
Romano Missio
is a national child welfare and social service organization. It also produces Christian and educational services for the Romany (Gipsy) people. Romano Missio cooperates with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, united Christians, municipalities, state and Romany organizations. Romano Missio is the oldest national Romany organization, established in the year 1906.
118
years old organization
44
employees
6800+
customers annually
10+
different work and activity forms
The Roma – An Unknown Finnish Minority
Mertsi MEDI Ärling
The Roma are still a relatively unknown minority in Finland. Understanding the history of the Roma is crucial for understanding the Roma people and their culture. The most important thing is to always see the person first. Gradually, the Roma population is transitioning from being the target of various actions to becoming active participants.
The Roma have for centuries been an oppressed and discriminated group excluded from society in European countries, including Finland. It was not until after the Second World War that Finland recognised the Roma as an ethnic group whose living conditions should be improved. Afterwards, the Roma have been recognised as a national minority. It has been estimated that there are approximately 10,000 Romanis in Finland. Around 3,000 Finnish Romanis live in Sweden.
The Roma have preserved their own language and culture for centuries, although each era has posed different challenges. The position of the Roma in present-day Finland has improved during the past few decades thanks to common efforts of the authorities and the Roma. Furthermore, participation of the Roma in social activities has increased interaction between the majority population and the Roma. It is important to support spontaneous participation of the Roma population and help them find alternative ways of influencing society. The Roma have invested in educating themselves, which gives hope for a better future and is an effective way of preventing their marginalisation.
