Mediators supporting child development
UNICEF is advocating for a sufficient number of mediators for health, social and child protection, and education of Roma and Egyptian children
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Podgorica, 15 November 2023 – “Is it time to go to the doctor’s already?” Muhamed Beriša, a single father, asks Milica Vujadinović, smiling. Milica serves as a healthcare mediator for Roma and Egyptian children in Podgorica.
Muhamed’s family is one of many who are eagerly anticipating the arrival of Milica and her colleagues because, in his words, she takes charge of everything, including their documents.
“Milica, while you’re here, could you check the ID cards...?” Muhamed inquires.
Relieved that he’s on track with the document renewals, he explains that Milica is indispensable.
Muhammed is a father of two children requiring regular medical attention. He works, so he often forgets. But Milica is there to remind him about the scheduled appointments and pickups.
I don’t know what I’d do without Milica. Every week she brings therapy for the children. I work, although I have health issues myself. Maybe I forget, but Milica never does.
Milica Vujadinović is one of three outreach workers dedicated to fostering inclusion for the Roma and Egyptian populations in Podgorica. Across Montenegro, there are over 20 such mediators, as initially supported by the German organization Help in late 2020.
A social worker in terms of her professional background, Milica is a certified social inclusion outreach worker, i.e. healthcare mediator.
“I can’t refuse their requests, whether it’s about enrolling a child in school or kindergarten, applying for a job, applying for family cash allowance or resolving their legal status in Montenegro,” explains Milica.
According to Milica, the network of mediators is functioning quite well.
“This was proven by one of my first more challenging tasks. A single father from Bijelo Polje was asking for help for his daughter. The girl needed an examination by a specialist doctor in Podgorica. To everyone’s joy, it was resolved successfully – the girl received all the necessary help. I always stress that good cooperation between institutions and mediators is key, in this case between my peer from Bijelo Polje and myself here in Podgorica,” recounts Milica, adding that the organization Help reimbursed the expenses for the family.
Gaining the trust of Roma and Egyptian parents, especially for people outside of their community, is difficult, but this has not been a problem for Milica.
“Once they realize your genuine intent to help, they open their hearts and homes,” Milica shares.
Dragana attests to Milica’s immense support, particularly during her recent pregnancy.
Milica visits regularly, but she also comes when we call her in case of a problem. She helps with everything – children, doctors, schools... she’s always there when we need her... without Milica, everything would fall apart
Dr. Šućuri Hodžić from the Podgorica Primary Healthcare Centre advocates for more mediators for the Roma and Egyptian populations, especially in healthcare.
“Given the high birthrate among the populations, and the linguistic as well as many other barriers, healthcare mediators are a necessity. Especially when it comes to children. Their parents often forget about appointments, and additional explanations regarding therapy are often needed. Although I explain everything and even write it down, in most cases Milica has to be additionally involved for successful treatments,” Dr. Hodžić notes.
However, Milica’s contract with the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights finishes at the end of December.
“After the project with the organization Help ended, the ministry took over the mediators, extending their contracts until the end of this year,” Milica explains.
The ministry acknowledges the significance of engaging outreach workers for these communities and pledge efforts, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, to secure funding for the programme’s extension into next year. Their aim is to explore permanent employment solutions for these mediators.
Recognizing the critical role of mediators in upholding the rights of Roma and Egyptian children, UNICEF is urging the Government of Montenegro to ensure an adequate number of mediators and to secure sustainable funding for their roles in healthcare, social and child protection, and education systems.
