The path to the economic prosperity of the Roma people goes through cultural legitimacy, says Ognyan Isaev, director of the Educational Opportunities and Achievements Program at the Trust for Social Achievement, on the occasion of International Romani Day – April 8. According to him, the important conversation about the place of Roma children and Roma professionals, not only in the labor market but also in Bulgarian culture and politics, has yet to take place in the country.

According to Ognyan Isaev, when discussions are held about the Roma, the main focus is on their employment and economic well-being. "Beyond these priorities, which concern state officials, there are people living with their own values and culture, but over time, these important elements on which the Roma build their lives have been left off the state agenda", emphasized Ognyan Isaev.

Over the past 15 years, the message has been that the Roma are a huge untapped economic potential, the expert added. Ognyan Isaev believes that investment should be made in modernizing the Roma community, ensuring that all Roma children have an equal chance for success.

Currently, Roma people work in sectors that do not require high qualifications. Unemployment among the community is 5%-10%, and between 40% and 50% of them already work in Western Europe, where their economic well-being has improved significantly, Ognyan Isaev said further.