To everyone who supported the Garza family campaign

I thought you might like to know how they are getting on.

I went to visit them In November, 3 weeks after they were deported. My main reason for going was to take cash as they had none and toys for Vanesa. They had managed to pack clothes when they were arrested, the two older children had some of their belongings but they had nothing for Vanesa. We speak to them very regularly and send books and magazines. Agata is very keen that none of them forget their English.

The situation for Roma in Slovakia does not appear to have improved much although the family seem not to have suffered any physical attacks since they returned however the mental stress of waiting for it to happen must be appalling. There appears to be no way they can come back to the UK or seek asylum anywhere else in Europe. They did try to apply for work permits, we would have helped finding accommodation etc, but were told as failed asylum seekers it was not worth them spending the £40 each they would have to pay just to apply as they would not be granted permits. They have talked about going elsewhere but again money will be the problem. It cost a great deal for them to get to England - they were both working and they also sold possessions to raise the cash. Now they have few possessions and no work.

The last time we spoke, weekend of the 7th March, both Agata and Dusan sounded very depressed. They had thought Vanesa was going to get medical care - and in a way she is, but nowhere near the standard she would have received here. Essentially there is little that will be done in the way of remedial treatment, - she has been given glasses but no suggestion about surgery for the squint - she has got surgical shoes but again they do not help her stand - and they have been told if she is still the same when 7 she will be placed in some sort of institution.

Nikki and Adrian have now been placed in the correct group at school, originally they were put back in the class they were in when they left. Much to the surprise of the school (not us) they passed tests and so were moved up two age groups. We have not spoken to them for a while but we did get a letter from Nikki not too long ago.

Dusan is still trying to find work. He went to the Czech Republic to work for Skoda for a short time. He was promised 12,000 koruna a month (approx £200) but was only given 8000 and as accommodation was in the region of 5000 koruna he said it wasn't worth it. Their original idea was for Agata and Vanesa to join him, but the two older children would stay with their grandparents.

Jeff and I are planning to visit them later this year, possibly late May, early June.

I think they would appreciate letters or cards just so they know they have not been forgotten - you may remember Agata's last words on UK soil were - "Please don't forget me and my family". It is Nikki's birthday on April 2nd and Adrian's on April 24th. Letters can take up to a fortnight to arrive.

Their address is

Vysny Lanec 56
04474
Slovakia
( village name, house number, and district). The village they live in only has 120 houses, a shop, pub and two churches.

Photos taken in Slovakia

Best wishes

Joan Moon

Background:

"please don't forget me and my family"
Garzova Family Must Stay 1
Garzova Family Must Stay 2

Source for this page: Garza family campaign

The contents of this page are the sole responsibility of the author/s.

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