An online radio station designed for the Roma community appeared in Moldova. Radio Patrin will broadcast one hour a week, on Saturdays, and forms part of the international Radio Patrin Network, which was founded by the Netherlands’ Roma Awareness Foundation.

In a news conference at IPN, the network’s director Orhan Galjus said the live broadcasts could be seen on radiopatrin.md. These will be accompanied by video images from the radio station’s studio. “The intention is to make sure that the radio is in the hands of the local community,” stated Orhan Galjus.

Radio Patrin manager Victorina Luca noted that the goal is to promote the rights of the community and the language, culture and traditions of the Romanies in Moldova. “We will inform the population about the integrity of the Roma in society. Another goal is to build a dialogue between the Roma people and people of other ethnic groups,” said Victorina Luca.

The stations’ editor-in-chief of Elena Sarbu said Radio Patrin will be a media instrument for developing the Roma community. “Radio Patrin will be a media platform that will enable the Romanies in Moldova to come in touch and communicate directly with Romanies from different countries. We want the voice of the Roma to be heard,” stated Elena Sarbu.

Roma community manager (baron) Artur Cerari said he welcomed the news of the appearance of Radio Patrin. “I will do my best to bring about changes in society so that our Romanies have access to this source of information, which is Radio Patrin,” noted the baron.

Radio Patrin will broadcast recreational and social programs that will center on different problems faced by the Roma community and will provide information about employment opportunities, security, health and legal aid through new media technology so as to promote the emancipation of the Romani people. The programs will be in the Romanian, Romani and English.