On Saturday, April 16, there was the first event in the campaign „Take a look at those next to us”, started by the Organization of Refugee Women in Romania. The meeting took place in Bucharest at „Turkish Cafe”. Those who attended were African immigrants, journalists, associations and involved, interested organizations in the refugees’ situation in Romania.

Through this campaign the organizer set out to promote the African culture and traditions and to draw the public opinion’s attention to the situation in which the African immigrants to Romania are. This meeting is part of a series of events which will take place regularly. „The topic of today’s meeting is getting to know each other and enjoy ourselves. You will find out more about immigrants, refugee women, disabled people, associations which activate in the humanitarian field. Each event will have a certain topic and we hope to organize such meetings weekly. We hope everyone turns into an ambassador of immigrants and diversity”, said Mbela Nzuzi, the president of the Organization for Refugee Women in Romania.

During the first meeting, the guests listened to African music played by the Gloria band from which Mbela (vocals) is a part of. The drummer is a refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo, the same country where the president of the Organization of Refugee Women is from. Aime Lema, another Gloria band member, a Congolese himself, is doing business in Romania and helps his co nationals. Mbela, whom Romanians know from the small screen (presenter), sang a song which sends a message about Africa, along with the desire for unity and love. „It’s a positive message and I believe in unity. If we gathered here today, we surpassed barriers and stereotypes”, confessed the Congolese artist. Those who attended saw and could learn African dances, taste dished cooked by Mbela herself, and lovers of African culture could purchase a souvenir at the art objects and accessories exhibition.