THE PROBLEM OF THE “ROM” HAS DEEP CULTURAL ROOTS. A RADICAL LACK OF ALTERNATIVES, MARGINALIZATION, DOORS TO A DIFFERENT FUTURE SHUT TIGHT. THE INESCAPABILITY OF THIS CONDITION IS AT THE CORE OF THIS PROJECT. IN THE ROM CULTURE, ETHNIC IDENTIFICATION THROUGH SELF-PERCEPTION IS QUITE STRONG AND THE WOMEN RAISE THEIR CHILDREN TO THE SAME DESTINY. RETURNING FROM A VILLAGE, SPEAKING TO HELENA — A 12-YEAR-OLD CHILD — MY RUMANIAN INTERPRETER COMMENTED: “SHE SAYS SHE WANTS TO BE A NURSE WHEN SHE GROWS UP, BUT SHE WILL NEVER BECOME ONE”. IT IS DIFFICULT TO CHANGE THE ORDER OF THINGS. BORN A ROM, DIE A ROM.
