Gallery: Sutka & Topaana Kids
Suto Orizari and Topaana are two Roma communities, situated in the suburbs of Skopje. Suto Orizari, often called “Sutka”, is the biggest of the two. Both have a Roma population of over 70%. Their culture and lifestyle is clearly represented in these two neighbourhoods. Both places are vibrant and full of ordinary daily life. They also show the social situation of Roma people, which although it is relatively better than in other areas of that part of Europe, it is far from being perfect.
The photographs are dedicated to the Roma kids of Sutka and Topaana, who impressed me with their friendliness, wisdom, imagination, liveliness , beauty and their approach to life which is full of joy. All of this, despite often difficult living conditions and an unsure future. Fortunately, this can be changed with the help provided by organizations like Sumnal, Defense of Children’s Rights International (DCI), which are where the photographs were partly taken in 2008, and others working in the name of justice, tolerance and non discrimination.
Click on the thumbnails to see a bigger version of each photo.
All content © Marcin Sojka