Stella Kostova is the chairperson of RAKO – the Roma Academy for Culture and Education in Sliven, established in 2008. Prior to that, she headed a Roma youth organization, but decided to create a new structure focused on culture, education, and human rights. Stella is a psychologist by profession and works at a school in Sliven, combining her academic work with active civic engagement.
“I am committed to defending human rights, children’s rights, and youth rights in opposition to hate speech. The people we manage to help fill us with positive energy because we see that there is a need for what we do,” she shares.
RAKO has implemented a number of initiatives, including the publication of a book of stories about successful Roma: professors, lecturers, musicians, and public figures. With this, the organization aims to show a side of the Roma community that is still invisible in the media. The RAKO team has also created a digital photo exhibition entitled “Memories of the Roma” with a look at their history since the end of the 19th century. “The aim is for the public to see that Roma are not criminals and marginalized people, as is often suggested on social media, but people who have made significant contributions in various spheres of public life.”
Stella’s roots are deeply connected to culture. Her grandfather was a composer and conductor and one of the founders of the Nikola Kochev Community Center in the upper neighborhood of Sliven. “I work for my community because I realize the need to lend a helping hand to the people around me.”
As a person of Roma origin, she naturally connects with and influences the people she works with. “When you set a personal example, you get to know the families, the grandmothers, the grandfathers, and they see that you want to and are trying to do something good, then you build trust. Not everyone believes you, of course, but that’s normal,” Stella says with a smile.
Her greatest inspiration is young people who are completing their education and continuing to develop professionally. “For me, it’s important to persevere and succeed despite the difficulties, as well as to have the support of your family, loved ones, and friends.” In difficult times, Stella finds strength in the church and in her spiritual support. Her motto is: “God goes first, and we follow Him.”
Stella Kostova has been part of the REYN network since its inception. She shares that the resources provided by the network are valuable and useful in her daily work. She is particularly impressed by the book published for teachers, as well as the opportunity to participate in various trainings and events. “Such conferences, round tables, meetings, and seminars are great. When people meet in person, exchange contacts, energy, and information, it is of invaluable benefit to the participants. Especially for NGOs and all professionals, including teachers. The network was created for contacts, and they are priceless.”
When asked what advice she would give to young teachers who are about to work with children from the Roma community, Stella sends a clear message:
“Love the children and instill self-confidence in them, because without it they cannot develop personally and professionally and become people who contribute to society. From an early age, they are often bullied at school, which prevents them from growing up. We are the ones who must instill faith in them.”
Her final words are inspiring:
“Be good! When a person loves their profession, their work, and their family, they are a good person. If you are good, everything moves forward; if not, everything moves backward.”
The interview is part of the “Voices of REYN” series, which presents stories from members of the Network.