Resources for teachers

Roma and Sinti Genocide

A monument to the memory of murdered Roma people, a wooden sculpture of a kneeling woman placed in the middle of a forest.
Monument to the Memory of the Roma genocide, Borzęcin, Poland.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Roma and Sinti Genocide

The genocide of Roma and Sinti represents one of the darkest chapters of World War II. Like the Jewish population, Roma and Sinti suffered severe persecution under the Nazi regime. Subjected to forced displacement, imprisonment in concentration camps, and systematic violence, they became victims of Nazi racial policies whose impact is still felt within Roma communities today.

In this lesson:

  • Interactive map “Marginalized Histories” – Explore Roma and Sinti experiences across five European countries before and during WWII.
  • Two short films – Personal stories of Roma and Sinti victims of Nazi persecution.
  • Recording from the webinar ’How to talk about history of Roma and Sinti in the classroom?’
  • Article ‘The Genocide of the Sinti and Roma: Why Should We Remember It Today?’ by historian prof. Trojański
  • Five classroom exercises – Creative activities using maps and visuals.
  • Photo gallery – Historical images illustrating this often-overlooked genocide.

This lesson helps students understand how racism and pseudoscience led to genocide—and why remembering the Porajmos remains vital today.

Marginalised Histories

Discover case studies and biographies of Roma and Sinti which reveal their discrimination and persecution in the pre-World War II Europe.

‘Marginalised Histories’ is an online tool which aims to introduce Roma and Sinti history into the learning practice of teachers and educators. On the interactive map you will find five countries. By clicking on one of territories, you will read case studies of discrimination and persecution of Roma and Sinti before the Second World War. Additionally you will find information on circumstances of Roma and Sinti genocide during the the Second World War in each of the countries. This map has been designed to be used with students aged 15 years old and over.

In the ‘Activities for students’ section you will find several proposals on how to use this ‘Marginalised Histories’ map with your students. They contain ideas such as writing journal relating to a historical figure  simulating the International Court of Human Rights or sending a letter to the past.

Click below to see the map: 

 

Teaching resources

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Watch on the website

Remember. 23 August: Emílie Machálková

Elina Machálkova (1926 – 2017) was born into a Czech Roma family, faced persecution under Nazi occupation. She was forced to leave school and work in a factory, she narrowly escaped deportation. After the war, she co-founded the first museum in Europe focusing on the history and culture of the Roma and published a book on her family's history, dedicated to preserving Roma culture and history.

Remember. 23 August: Johann “Rukeli” Trollmann

Johann “Rukeli” Trollmann (1907-1944) was a German Sinti boxer. He won the German light heavyweight title, only to have it stripped by the Nazis due to his heritage and "un-German" style. He endured forced sterilization, forced labour, and eventually died in a concentration camp, reportedly beaten to death by a kapo he had once defeated in a boxing match.

’How to talk about history of Roma and Sinti in the classroom?’ | Recording from the webinar

The webinar aims to shed light on the persecution of Roma and Sinti and examine ongoing forms of discrimination that these communities continue to face. By exploring their experiences, we hope to foster a deeper understanding and awareness of the struggles of marginalized groups.

Read on the website

Article
A black and white photo of a group of people laying flowers. In the background - banners.

The Genocide of the Sinti and Roma: Why Should We Remember It Today?

View and download photos

Romani woman standing on the left with her hands folded, Nazi officer in the uniform (in the centre) and Robert Ritter in the suit on the right.
The Berlin Memorial to the Sinti and Roma Victims of National Socialism is a circular black stone basin located in a tranquil garden near the Reichstag. At its center lies a triangular stone platform, symbolizing the badges worn by victims in concentration camps. A single fresh flower floats on the water, replaced daily, signifying remembrance. Surrounding the basin are glass panels etched with text, recounting the persecution and history of the Sinti and Roma.
Blue and green flag with a red wheel in the middle
A woman walks between panels with photos of victims of the Roma genocide
A monument to the memory of murdered Roma people, a wooden sculpture of a kneeling woman placed in the middle of a forest.
A black and white photo of a group of people laying flowers. In the background - banners.
A piece of artwork made using the patchwork technique depicting two Roma women
Two golden paving stones with inscriptions

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