I am Roma

Population and Housing Census 2021 in Slovakia is based on a new concept. For the first time in Slovakia´s history, the way the data will be collected has changed. Instead of traditional self-enumeration method, an integrated census will take place which, from the point of view of the methods used, represents a combined way of collecting the data. Integrated census combines the data from administrative data sources and the data from field enumeration. Administrative data sources are the databases under the administration of ministries or other government departments (Register of natural persons under the administration of Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic). Integrated census, as a method of obtaining data, is viewed around the world as a certain bridge from the traditional census to a fully integrated census. Population and Housing Census 2021 is modern and fully electronical. It will be implemented in two rounds – housing census and population census.

A special animated videospot for Roma speaking population was created by Lukáš Matejka/TRAKT (animation), Marián Balog (voice), Dávid Tišer (text).

“Som Rom u som (upre) pro’da barikano. Pro Slovačiko uľiľom, adaj bariľom, peršival man adaj čumidľom, iľom vera, kerav adaj buťi u jekhvar adaj the merava. Na ladžav man vaš oda, hoj som Rom, na ladžav man vaš peskeri daj the dad the vaš miri čhib. Vaš oda andro dživesa 15 dži 31. marciste tele činava miri romaňi nacija.

Som Rom, dikhav anglal, kerav oda (vaš) anglal amende.

“I am Roma and I am duly proud. I was born in Slovakia, I grew up here, I had my first kiss here, got married, I work here and I am going to die here. I am not ashamed of being Roma, I am not ashamed of my parents or my mother tongue. And that is the reason why I am going to register with the Roma nationality at the population census between the 15^th and 31^st March.

I am Roma, I am looking into the future, I am doing this for us. (English translation)

Translation: Karin Mikossiová