Description
The project addresses the need for equal access of the Roma in the town of Kyustendil to education, healthcare and employment. The project urges the Roma to solve their difficulties by mobilizing themselves and consolidating their effort and voice in a community council in Kyustendil. The community council will be independently elected body, recognized and supported by the Roma, initiating health, education and social inclusion actions and representing the Roma before the authorities. First, the founders and the members of the community council will be selected. After the council is set up, the members will be trained teamwork, advocacy and negotiation skills. Second, 4 focus groups will be set up to identify the key issues of the Roma. Third, a long-term strategy will be developed and a 5-to-6-month advocacy campaign organized. The project will benefit the main target group, i.e. the local Roma community, encouraging them to solve their issues in an organized way.
Summary of project results
The project addressed the need for equal access of the Roma in the town of Kyustendil to education, healthcare and employment. As a result of its activities a Community Council was set up in Iztok neighbourhood of the town of Kyustendil which considerably speeded up the processes of self-organization and improved communication with the local institutions. The members of the Community Council include representatives of the Roma community that enjoy a high level of trust and be supported by the neighbourhood. The Community Council is having a positive impact on the Roma community in Iztok neighbourhood carrying out various initiatives, advocacy and information campaigns, voluntary initiatives, round tables, press conferences, etc. A youth initiative group of volunteers was set up to support the work of the Council. A successful advocacy campaign was carried out to improve the technical infrastructure in Iztok neighbourhood of the town of Kyustendil.
Summary of bilateral results