Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University (BEUN) continues to contribute its academic expertise to the monitoring and development of social policies aimed at Romani citizens. Representing BEUN, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Erdem Dirimeşe, Director of the Romani Culture Application and Research Center, attended the “Monitoring and Evaluation Board Meeting of the Strategy Document for Romani Citizens (2023–2030) and the Phase I Action Plan (2023–2025),” organized by the Ministry of Family and Social Services at the Ankara Judges’ House.
During the meeting held with the participation of The Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, national policies carried out for the Romani citizens, results of the phase I action plan, monitoring and evaluation process and the road map to phase II were discussed. Academic and field-based initiatives carried out at Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University for Romani citizens were also discussed and collaboration opportunities for the future were evaluated.
Minister Göktaş: “Our Action Plan is a strong practice framework that is directly related to the field”
Speaking in the meeting, Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş stated that the first phase of the Strategy Document for Romani Citizens has been successfully completed and added:
“We have completed the first phase of the Strategy Document for Romani Citizens of the 2023-2030 term. We aim to increase the achievements attained in this process through a strong coordination vision in the local regions. The Romani Initiative started by the President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in 2009 is a historical turning point in public policies for Romani citizens.”
Speaking on the details of the Phase II of the Action Plan, Minister Göktaş continued:
“Our Second Phase Action Plan represents a process of continuation, strengthening, and expansion built upon the infrastructure established during the first phase. Consisting of 41 actions and 90 activities across six policy areas, this plan provides a strong implementation framework that directly engages with the field. At the core of this framework are education and employment. Our goal in education is to increase school retention and academic success among Romani children. By expanding vocational courses and on-the-job training programs, we support our young people in acquiring professions.”
Rector Özölçer: “Our Qualified Efforts for Roma Citizens Are a Strong Reflection of Our Social Sensitivity”
In his evaluation of the matter, Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer expressed his gratitude to the Minister of Family and Social Services, Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, for her support of the national initiatives carried out for Romani citizens, stating:
“As Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University, we embrace a vision of being a pioneering university not only through academic achievements, but also through projects that integrate with society, prioritize social awareness, and aim to preserve and sustain our cultural richness. The initiatives we carry out together with our Romani citizens are a concrete reflection of the importance our University places on social sensitivity and cultural diversity. Identifying the living conditions, as well as the social and cultural values of our Romani citizens on site, and developing solutions accordingly, are of great importance to us. In this process, universities stand out as the strongest stakeholders through their academic expertise, research capacities, and missions of service to society. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to our esteemed Minister, Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, and to the Ministry for their invaluable support, as they lead the development of inclusive and sustainable policies for Romani citizens. Under the leadership of our Romani Culture Application and Research Center, operating within our University, we carry out high-quality initiatives with our Romani citizens in social, cultural, and societal fields. In this context, I would like to thank our Center Director, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Erdem Dirimeşe, who successfully represented our University at the meeting hosted by the Ministry, as well as all the academic and administrative staff of the Center for their devoted efforts, and I wish them continued and increasing success.”
