Budapest / Hungary (RNN Correspondent) 10.02.1998

Hungarian-born US financier George Soros’ foundation is to give 260 million forints (1.3 million dollars) to fund programs for Roma in eastern Europe.

‘‘It is important that Roma become equal citizens in society and keep their identity and their culture,’’ said Soros Foundation Budapest head Eva Bakonyi.

More than half the money will be spent on improving general educational facilities available to Roma, while the foundation will give 40 million forints specifically for higher education programs.

For the 1997/98 academic year some 360 gypsies have received a 12,000 forints (60 dollars) per month stipend from the Foundation, she said.

See the Homepage of the Roma Participation Program: http://www.osi.hu/roma/