Our team
Karel Karika
President of the association
I was born in 1960 in Ústí nad Labem and I am a proud father of two grown-up children. My professional journey began before 1989 when I worked as a transport manager. In April 1989, after a period of defiance, I decided to become a small businessman, which was a major change in my life. Until 2014, aquarium keeping was my great hobby and work, which I combined under the brand Aquarium Karika.My values and mission: Throughout my life, I have always tried to focus on things that have meaning and a mission. Instead of accumulating wealth and focusing on personal gain, I have always looked for ways to help those who need it most. I believe that helping others and supporting the community is the most important path a person can take in their life. "Be the change you want to see in the world." Mahatma Gandhi
Petra Gelbart
Vice-President
Dr. Petra Gelbart is a music therapist, musicologist and Romani musician who focuses on the cultural components of interpersonal relationships and the transmission of the Romani language to younger generations. She works as a psychotherapist and university teacher. In her volunteer work, she focuses, among other things, on working with foster families.
Martina Rajzová
Manager
My name is Martina Rajzová, I am 40 years old and I work as a manager at the Czechoslovak Roma Union. In addition to my professional career, I am fully dedicated to volunteering and helping families who are struggling with social problems. I support those who find themselves in difficult life situations and try to provide them with support - whether through counselling, material assistance or organising community activities. I firmly believe that every person has the right to a life of dignity, and my goal is to contribute to giving them that chance.
Viliam Patai
1st Vice-President
Viliam Patai is a 52-year-old Slovak citizen living in Prague who works as a bus driver. He is an active member of the Czechoslovak Roma Union, an organization focused on helping socially excluded Roma and eliminating social and societal inequalities. As part of his membership, Viliam is involved in charitable activities aimed at supporting poor people, thereby contributing to strengthening cohesion between different communities.
Jozef Miker
2nd Vice-President
Jožef "Jožka" Miker (*30. 9. 1965), originally from eastern Slovakia, has been working in northern Bohemia for a long time, where he is mainly engaged in social work in Roma localities. His involvement includes, among other things, the fight for the removal of the pig farm in Lety u Písku, active participation in the commemoration of the Roma and Sinti Holocaust, support for community work and education, and an uncompromising stance against racism and extremism.
Marcel Packert
Chairman of the Ethics Committee
Marcel Packert is a businessman who is fifty-two years old.He is actively involved in charity events and helping the needy. As a member of the Czechoslovak Roma Union, he is involved in supporting people in difficult situations, whether it is social counseling, material assistance or the organization of community projects. With great commitment and empathy, he strives to make the world a better place for all those who need support and understanding.
Marek Pongo
IT consultant
Monika Makunova Milisavljevic
Health nurses of the association
Marcela Mačová
Chairwoman of the Audit Commission
Štefan Pongo
Founder
In memoriam: Founder of ČSRU He was not only an exceptional leader, but above all a man with a big heart and a determination to change the world for the better. This rare man dedicated his life to helping others. He devoted his energy and time to the people in the settlements of Slovakia, where he helped to improve living conditions and restore hope to those who had almost lost it. His kindness and determination did not only stay at home - he also spread his mission abroad, where he helped the homeless in England and tried to improve their living conditions. He was a man who had a unique ability to bring different worlds together. He was able to bring people with different views to the same table who would otherwise never have spoken to each other. His diplomatic skills, empathy and humanity became the basis for many important meetings and projects that had a real impact on the lives of many people. His passing is an irreplaceable loss to all who knew him and had the opportunity to work with him. He was an inspiration to all who believe in justice, equality and mutual aid. Honour his memory.
Mgr. Lucie Fuková
member - community organizing and volunteering
She studied social anthropology and spent a semester at the University of Montpellier. During her studies, she worked as a Roma advisor at the Pardubice City Hall, taught dance, helped with tutoring and involving Roma. She completed an internship at the European Commission, and worked for the Office of the Government of the Czech Republic as a coordinator of the European Equal Opportunities Program. She also has experience working in the non-profit sector in the field of social services and Roma education. She focused on politics, Roma participation, and cooperation between Roma and local governments at the local level for the Council of Europe's Romact program. She was a member of the Government Council for Roma Minority Affairs. In 2016, she became one of the co-founders of the Klub Barvaľipen, z.s. association, which is a club of Roma students and university graduates. In December 2022, she became the first ever government commissioner for Roma minority affairs in the Czech Republic.
Jiří Nežérný
photographer and teacher
Lukáš Horváth
PR Radio
David Pongo
Vlasta Beňák
ministrin of the church
Vlasta is an exceptional woman who has dedicated her life to helping those most in need. With great faith in goodness and human solidarity, she strives every day to change the lives of people who find themselves in difficult life situations. Among her most important activities is the regular Sunday cooking for the poor, where she not only offers a hot meal but also a sense of belonging and humanity. These gatherings are not just about food, but also about supporting, sharing and encouraging those who need it most. Vlasta also actively helps people with their welfare benefits and ensures they are connected to available social services. Through her dedication, patience and empathy, she is able to ease many people's way through the complex bureaucratic process, providing them not only with practical help but also with hope for a better tomorrow. Her work is an example of how faith, determination and selfless help can truly change lives. Vlasta is an inspiration to all who believe that even small acts of kindness can have a huge impact. We thank her for her dedication and tireless efforts to help those who need it most.
Mariána Dancse
education specialist
Marian is a person who has been working at an elementary school in the Janov housing estate in Litvínov for more than 20 years. The Roma teach Roma from the ghetto. He tries to instill in them that every obstacle in life can be overcome. Regardless of origin. Let his story be proof. Marian is the type of person who does not do things for fame, but because he sees meaning in them. Because he believes that each of us has the power to change a piece of the world around us for the better. And it is this authenticity, humility and tireless commitment that make him a true inspiration for all of us.
Karel Karika ml.
IT.