Dimitri (28): “I began to understand that there is much more to me than I had initially known.”

The parents and grandfather of Dimitri Lindgren (28) have always emphasized the importance of education. All of his enthusiasm for his work, studies and activism stems from them. “I believe that through education, one can integrate into society. That mindset has been my bridge to everything I do today.”

“When I was younger, I remember that after a year and a half, I couldn’t get up in the morning anymore and bring myself to go to school. But I kept going because there were people like me, who gave me support and security. That mattered to me, especially because I had encountered racism and discrimination during my time in primary and secondary school.”

Making a difference

“Eventually, I decided to go to Ohjaamo, a place in Helsinki where young people receive support and guidance in matters related to education and work. It was there that someone asked me for the first time: ‘What do you want to do, Dimitri?’ At first, I laughed at the question, because I was never asked about my aspirations in such a personal way.”

“I expressed my desire to work and help young Roma people find their own path.”

“But I realized the study counselor was genuinely curious, so I shared that I wanted to make a difference and positively impact my Romani culture in society. I expressed my desire to work and help young Roma people find their own path. Just like I was looking for mine.”

“Then, I contacted the Finnish Romani Association to inquire about the possibility of doing an internship there. It didn’t take long. Just a week or two later, we finalized the paperwork and that’s where it all began.”

“After six months, I continued as a volunteer for another six months. A year later, I was brought onto the payroll through funding. During my apprenticeship contract, I also studied for my first professional degree: a Romani culture counselor.”

Being valuable

It has been ten years since Dimitri started at the Association. Over the years he worked as a project worker, and for the past three years, he has been serving as the association’s youth coordinator, both here in Finland and across Europe.

“Through my work and our association, I’ve learned that the Romani people are capable of achieving great things. There are so many hidden talents within the community, and an immense amount of enthusiasm and willingness.”

“That realization has been one of the positive outcomes of my journey.”

“Unfortunately, from my own experience, we are not always encouraged to study. For example, I wasn’t encouraged by my student counselor in secondary school. Often, they only offer paths or degrees typically expected of Romani people, which limited my view of myself and other young Roma.”

“Fortunately, I later realized that I have valuable skills and talents. I began to understand that there is much more to me than I had initially known. That realization has been one of the positive outcomes of my journey.”

Dimitri is proud to exhibit his culture through his jewelries.

Focus on the good

“Our association works towards better counselling for young Romani people. We’ve had a seven-year-long project called Au Mensa, where we developed an internship program to prepare young Roma for study and work life. One of the most rewarding experiences was with a young trainee who later pursued a career in the youth field and is now working in youth services in their city.”

Dimitri says that Finnish society should let Romani people’s voices be heard by portraying them in a positive light. “Traditional media coverage about Roma focuses on social status, and more often than not, highlights negative aspects.”

“If there are six positive stories about Roma in a year, and then one small negative one, that one negative story often overshadows everything else. It immediately stigmatizes the entire community. The other positive contributions made by Romani people are erased by a single negative narrative that the media chooses to focus on.”