January 2025 Group of the Month: Compas and the Paul Polansky Archive Project (BARIPEN)

Compas is a charity dedicated to promoting social inclusion, education, and cultural understanding. One of its key initiatives is the Paul Polansky Archive Project (BARIPEN), which focuses on preserving and sharing the history, heritage, and struggles of the Roma community. The term Baripen means "freedom" in Romani, reflecting the project's mission to highlight Roma culture and advocate for social justice.

CAHG asked Compas about the communities that they work with?

We work primarily with Roma communities, as well as other marginalized and vulnerable groups. These communities often face discrimination, social exclusion, and a lack of recognition of their cultural heritage. We engage with these communities through a variety of initiatives aimed at promoting cultural preservation, social inclusion, and advocacy for their rights.

The panel asked how Compas’ work has contributed to preserving community heritage and/or broadened the appeal of community archives to a wider group of people?

We’re deeply committed to preserving the heritage of Roma communities and broadening the appeal of community archives to a wider audience. Our work with the Paul Polansky Archive Project (BARIPEN) has played a vital role in documenting and sharing the rich cultural heritage of the Roma people, especially their experiences during the Holocaust, which is a key area of focus for our archive. Through this initiative, we have helped ensure that the histories of Roma people are not forgotten and are shared with future generations, allowing the community to reconnect with its roots.

We asked if Compas could provide us with examples of running activities that have beneficial impacts on the physical, mental and social wellbeing of individuals and communities?

We have been involved in several activities that have had a positive impact on the physical, mental, and social wellbeing of individuals and communities, particularly focusing on Roma and other marginalized groups. These activities foster inclusion, cultural understanding, and personal empowerment while addressing key health and social challenges. Here are some examples:

• Cultural Events and Festivals
• Educational Workshops
• Community Building and Social Integration Programs
• Advice provision
• ROGA project for children

CAHG asked Compas to share something that they think makes their work special. They told us:

What makes Compas Charity special is our unique and deep-rooted focus on preserving and promoting the heritage of Roma communities while also addressing pressing issues of social inclusion, cultural understanding, and social justice. Our Paul Polansky Archive Project (BARIPEN) is a standout example of how we approach our work differently, integrating cultural preservation with active engagement and community empowerment. Breaking barriers between Roma and Non-Roma communities. Compas Charity holds a valuable collection of Holocaust survivor testimonies, postcards, photographs, and 18th and 19th-century newspapers and books, which are vital for preserving Roma history and culture. These materials offer unique insights into the Roma experience during the Holocaust, showcase traditional Roma life, and provide historical context on Roma communities over centuries. By preserving and sharing these items, Compas helps raise awareness, combat stereotypes, and empower Roma individuals to reconnect with their heritage. This collection also serves as an important resource for education, research, and advocacy, ensuring Roma history is acknowledged and respected.

You can find out more about Compas and their work online at:

Website: https://compas.org.uk/compas

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CompasCharityUK

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeSMv2ymaYaCUYGxMsgxBJA/videos