The training brought together a diverse group of journalists, editors, and media professionals, comprising both Roma and non-Roma individuals. Facilitated by Teodora Krumova, Maria Cheresheva, Maria Milkova, and Dilyana Giteva, the interactive sessions engaged a total of 13 participants. Topics covered included Understanding Antigypsyism and Racism, Media Ethics, Promoting Positive Narratives, Cultural Sensitivity, and Effective Communication Strategies.

During the training course, participants were introduced to the Council of Europe's HELP online platform, which provided resources and courses on Discrimination against Roma, Fight Against Racism, Xenophobia, Homophobia, and Transphobia, as well as Freedom of Expression, Hate Crime, and Hate Speech. A key focus was the module on Discrimination against Roma, tailored to the specific needs of Bulgarian journalists and featuring relevant legislative information, case-law, reports, analyses, manuals, guidelines, and training materials*.

As a result of the training, participants gained a deeper understanding of the historical and contemporary contexts of antigypsyism and racism. They also acquired essential skills and knowledge to report ethically, objectively, and responsibly on sensitive topics, and to create engaging, positive content about the Roma community. This, in turn, contributes significantly to fostering a more inclusive and respectful media landscape in Bulgaria.

Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing appreciations for the practicality and usefulness of the training in their professional endeavours. Numerous attendees also expressed newfound inspiration to create objective and fair media representations of the Roma community, along with a strong eagerness to further engage with issues of discrimination and hate speech.

* The HELP Module on "Discrimination against Roma" tailored to journalits and media representatives is available in Bulgarian upon request. If you wish to follow the course, please request the connection links by contacting [email protected]