I was born around Targu Jiu into a family of three. My mother left my father when she was 25 and pregnant with me. She and my grandmother raised me, working tirelessly to make ends meet. My mother collected firewood with a horse and carriage to sell, while my grandmother handled the household chores. Their struggle became mine.
I studied until the 10th grade, but in the third trimester, I got married and dropped out. Looking back, I can’t even recall what I was thinking at the time. School was tough; I was bullied frequently. Teachers often beat us with rulers and shouted racist insults like «dirty gypsy.» One classmate’s insult drove me to a breaking point, leading to a fight. Being called dirty made me very angry, as I prided myself on being one of the cleanest in class. Another bully targeted both me and my Roma desk mate. We reported him to the principal, fearing further violence, but somehow, the issue was solved.
Despite these harsh experiences, I’m upset that my children didn’t get an education. One has a disability, likely due to Chernobyl’s aftermath, and the other didn’t study because my sister, who cared for them when I left Romania, couldn’t manage. This is my deepest regret, as I believe education broadens your mind.
I worked in an agricultural cooperative during the communist era, making bricks. But two years after the regime had fallen in 1989, I had to leave the country. I went to Germany, where life was terrifying. Punks and Nazis threw Molotov cocktails and attacked us, shouting «Raus, Romania raus.» Fearing for my life, I eventually returned to Romania and then I started coming to Norway in 2012.
Norway feels safer, but incidents still occur.
Recently, a man harassed me while I was begging, demanding I slept with him. Another person tried to kick my cup, nearly hitting my face. People spit, yell and sometimes hit us for no reason.
Begging is especially dangerous for women, who face constant threats like prostitutes. I remember a Romanian woman was once found dead in Sweden after falling asleep on the streets; the early morning hours are particularly risky.
I wish for a better life. I have struggled to build a house but didn’t manage to install a shower. I’m torn between paying bills, sending money for my children’s food or fixing the fence. Begging is not something I enjoy, but it’s my only option to solve my problems. We need help to maintain basic living conditions, which cost money we don’t have, forcing us back to the streets.
We are truly grateful for any help we receive.
