Matthäus Weiß was born in Kiel and found his voice early on: in 1979, at a seminar at Hans-Geiger-Gymnasium, he rejected derogatory terms used by others and stood up for the self-designation Sinti. Today, as state chairman in Schleswig-Holstein, he leads the work for Sinti and Roma. In his office in Kiel, people come together with questions about work, authorities, school and social issues - here they are listened to, translated, accompanied and given practical help.
His commitment is shaped by his family history: his mother survived the concentration camp and many of her relatives were murdered. This memory has driven him to build structures that protect and strengthen since 1979. Together with partners, projects such as the Maro Temm settlement were created and in 2012 the recognition of Sinti and Roma was included in the state constitution. Much has been achieved, but the work continues.
Deutsch 
Dansk 
English