Official estimates put Brazil's Romani population between 800,000 and a million, but community leaders believe the number is higher. Many Romani live in the outskirts of Greater São Paulo in camps and poor housing. In Itaim Paulista about 250 people live in one of the main camps. Magda Santos says she became Romani by marriage and that not all Romani follow the same customs.
Most Romani in the outskirts belong to the Calon group; other groups include the Roma and the Sinti. People living under tents have trouble getting health care and school places. Romani activists want the census to include Romani ethnicity and support Bill 3547 of 2015 to teach Romani culture in schools.
Difficult words
- identity — who someone is or their character.identities
- tradition — customs passed down in a culture.traditions
- discrimination — unfair treatment of a group.
- access — the ability to approach or use.
- visibility — being seen or recognized in society.
- prejudice — unreasonable dislike or judgment.
- challenge — a difficult task or situation.challenges
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think tradition is important for cultural identity?
- What can be done to reduce prejudice against Romani people?
- How does discrimination affect communities?
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