In this interview, we will meet Arso Ganev, deputy mayor of the Iztok neighborhood in Kyustendil, a place with a rich history and a strong community. Arso is also an educational mediator in two schools, as well as a housing mediator—a position related to the process of legalizing illegal buildings. Arso is also an educational mediator in two schools, as well as a housing mediator—a position related to the process of legalizing illegal buildings, which is being implemented for the first time in Bulgaria in this very neighborhood.
“I try to help the Roma community. The expression I use most often is not ‘integrate’, but ‘develop’. The Roma in Kyustendil now earn more money and are better off socially, but this is not necessarily reflected in better quality education. My desire is for people to live more comfortably, to have sewage systems, water, legal homes. But also to realize that a good life starts with the responsibility to pay your bills, participate in society, and follow the rules,” he believes.
Arso organizes a citizens’ council in the neighborhood—a space for dialogue and active participation in public life. “I want Roma to become good citizens. Let’s get rid of the gray, the illegal, and start building the right way.”
What motivates you to work for the community?
“Helping others satisfies my inner needs. I’ve tried doing business, I’ve made money, but when I’m not working for the community, I don’t feel fulfilled. It’s like a personal mission for me to give while also providing for my family.”
What inspires you in your professional life?
“I want to see young people studying, seeking prestigious professions—lawyers, doctors, teachers. I’m tired of the stereotype that Roma can only be cleaners or general laborers. The community is improving socially, but I want the next step to be education and intellectual development.”
How do you cope when things get tough?
“Very often, when you do something good for the neighborhood, there is always someone who belittles it. That hurts. But then the elderly people come and start blessing me: ‘May God bless you and your family.’ That gives me strength. I know that my work has meaning.”
How did you learn about the REYN Network?
Rosen learned about the REYN Network through a conference at the Know-How Center for Alternative Care at NBU.
“REYN works for early childhood development, which is extremely important. I know that any investment in the formative years pays off many times over later on. This is exactly the way forward. If we want a future, we have to start with the youngest.”
He believes that it is time for a new approach to working with young people.
“We need community centers that bring children and young people together, set a good example for them, and demonstrate that education, honesty, and development are values. When there is no suitable role model at home, society must provide one. Years ago, we had a youth organization called Nevodrom. Children came there willingly because there was soccer, table tennis, and computer lessons. We need to restore these places.”
What advice would you give to young professionals?
“To anyone who is just starting to work with the Roma community, I would say: it makes sense. There is enormous potential in this sea of problems. Bulgaria cannot develop if the Roma community does not develop with it. Every day I see talented children, they just need someone to support them.”
Rosen believes that Roma non-governmental organizations are an important driver of change:
“Most of the good things I’ve seen happen have been done by Roma organizations. If they are given the chance to work steadily, it will be a huge step forward.”
The interview is part of the “Voices of REYN” series, which presents stories from members of the Network.