They want to build trust in Roma communities - Forum for Social Innovation Sweden

For many years, the Roma people have been subjected to harassment and marginalization. This is particularly evident in Romania. Kenosis Design is a social enterprise in Romania that, together with the Swedish Alliance Mission, Erikshjälpen, and Jönköping University, is working to bring about change in Roma communities.

If you visit a trendy café in Romania, or stop by to see a young couple with well-paying jobs, there’s a good chance you’ll come across one of Kenosis Design’s products. Unique tables, shelves, and cutting boards in oak and walnut, with brass and leather accents. Craftsmanship that any Swedish furniture retailer would be proud to carry in their collection.

The reality behind the furniture stands in stark contrast to the exclusivity that the craftsmanship exudes. The furniture is created in a small workshop on the outskirts of the city of Timisoara. The wood used is cracked, diseased, and discarded because it doesn’t fit the mold. Those who transform the wood that no one else wants into exclusive furniture are not trained and experienced cabinetmakers, but a mixed group of Romanians and Roma. Most lack formal education and have lived on the margins of society for a long time. In Romanian society, few show them respect or trust, and the workers have grown accustomed to unemployment and poverty.

Young entrepreneur built up a business

Kenosis was founded in 2019 by Andreas Samuelsson, a young Swedish entrepreneur who works for the Swedish Alliance Mission and lives in Romania. Andreas Samuelsson has both a passion for the Roma people and extensive experience working with them. During his 19 years in Romania, he has learned that integration grows out of practical action and long-term commitment.

“We want to build trust, establish solid structures, and bring about change together with the people of Romania—so that the Roma community can find a sense of belonging, the products they make are in demand, and the Roma people’s value is restored,” says Andreas Samuelsson, CEO of Kenosis Design.

Builds professional skills, a sense of responsibility, and self-esteem

In the woodworking shop, instruction in professional skills is combined with guidance on life skills. The supervisors model not only professional skills but also healthy relationships and lifestyle habits. Duncan Levinsohn, an associate professor of business administration at Jönköping University, mentors and coaches the Roma and the organization Kenosis. The work in Kenosis’s workshop brings together Roma with businesspeople, designers, and economists. Mentoring in the woodworking shop is combined with life coaching.

“Personal development is based on investing in the individual. Our experience at Kenosis is that when an employee is treated with respect and given trust, they eventually show respect and trust to others. And self-esteem comes from creating a product that is in demand and appreciated,” says Duncan Levinsohn.

In his research, Duncan Levinsohn focuses on the factors that contribute to sustainable businesses.

“Kenosis highlights the importance of combating segregation not just through employment, but through meaningful employment. Many initiatives designed to combat unemployment offer individuals tasks that are repetitive and do not develop professional skills. In such an environment, it can be difficult to foster a sense of responsibility and self-esteem,” says Duncan Levinsohn.

School for Roma children

The nonprofit organization Erikshjälpen has supported Kenosis Design and its foundation for many years, enabling the company’s comprehensive commitment to the local Romani community. In addition to furniture manufacturing, the organization has established an after-school program where 60 Romani children come every day after school to receive extra educational support. In this way, the organization takes a holistic approach and looks beyond just the workers’ environment at the workplace. Many of the factory’s workers have children, and their future benefits not only from the work a parent can do close to home, but also from the bridge the village school builds between the Roma community and the public school system.

“In the past, children here grew up with the ambition of, at best, becoming garbage collectors. Now, instead, they get to grow up in a place where there are visions for the future and a healthy relationship with the community. The Roma are accepted, and the community is proud of them and wants more of what they do,” says Andreas Samuelsson.

What social benefits does Kenosis Design create?

When Romanians and Roma work together, they get to know one another and build a sense of community and mutual respect. This helps combat exclusion and segregation.
The long-term commitment to Roma employees leads to both sought-after professional skills and general workplace competencies (accountability, communication, and discipline). Unemployment and part-time work decrease.
A steady income allows workers to save money to invest in housing, education, food, and leisure activities. It also increases an individual’s ability to cope with crises such as illness, accidents, and so on.
By providing jobs close to home, the presence of parents and other adults is increased both within families and in the local community. Steady employment and a greater presence of parents at home reduce the involvement of young people and the unemployed in crime and in short-term or high-risk work.

What social benefits does Kenosis Design create?

Watch the video: "They Want to Build Trust in Roma Communities"