Due to discrimination against the Roma people in Slovakia, life was incredibly hard for Aneta and her daughter, Darina. 

They lived in a Roma settlement under the worst conditions. There was no running water or sewage system and the electricity was unreliable. They were frequently under attack, with stones and petrol bombs being thrown at them by various groups of people and there were days and weeks when Aneta and Darina would go to sleep with their shoes on so that they could escape quickly. Neither women received a primary education because the Slovakian government was, and in many cases remains to be, opposed to granting Romani people equal access to schools, healthcare, employment and housing. 

After their encounter with Christ, their lives began to change for the better. They were introduced to The Salvation Army, where they received educational support and became worshipping members at a Salvation Army corps (church). Despite her early struggles, with God’s help, Darina completed her studies at the training college and became a Salvation Army officer (minister). She and her husband are a light and hope for others through their ministry. 

Today, both women serve and work in The Salvation Army in Slovakia, where 50 per cent of the workforce – at various levels – is Roma. 

 

The Roma people have been and still are discriminated against in almost all areas of life in Slovakia. Even today, more than 30 years since Aneta and Darina left the settlement, there is only one outlet from which drinking water flows. This water supply serves approximately 800 people.