First Roma Barrister in England

My name is Brigitta Balogh, I have completed my BA at the University of South Wales, in the UK,  originally from Hungary, currently residing in London. 

 
I have been accepted to study at City University in London to complete the Bar course, I aim  become the first Roma woman to be qualified as a barrister in England and Wales.  Classes begin next week. I have fulfilled all the criteria and I have been granted government funding but I am short with the registration fee to start my studies on the 12th September. 

I have reached out to family  and friends who have helped as much as they could.  I also contacted organisations as well as the Inn  I joined, asking for bursary or a loan and I have been rejected by all of them this week.   


I have been advocating for the Gypsy Roma and Traveller communities for a long time and there is a great need to be able to challenge our situation, as a person from the communities, and a barrister. I am a hard-working, dedicated passionate young woman who is determined to live as her best self and set an example for not only the Roma community but for all young women who may have been told that they or their communities do not count. 


I am desperately concerned that my short term financial circumstances, down to a simple registration fee,  will ultimately dictate whether I can continue my studies. At the moment I truly fear I am so close to the end of my beginning as a pioneer for Roma women to become Barristers in England and Wales. 

I appreciate all the support and I promise I will not forget how an international community supported my education. Thank you so much for your consideration and contribution.