Description
The project addresses the challenges faced by the municipalities in Ruse District related to the Roma integration due to insufficient representatives of the Roma community in municipal councils, few civil servants and lack of experience. The project aims at involving the Roma in the integration policy implementation and establishing good partnerships between NGOs and the municipality. First, 8 discussion forums will be held in Ruse District with all the stakeholders to discuss the Roma integration, progress made and measures for 2014-2020. Second, a report will be drafted and presented to 25 of the stakeholders at a round table. Finally, an information campaign will be held to actively involve NGOs, community centres and the Roma in local integration policy-making. The project will benefit the Roma in Ruse District, the municipal authorities and the community in general. The partner will help with the planning, coordination, implementation and supervision of the activities.
Summary of project results
The main issue addressed by the project was that the local Roma communities in Ruse District are excluded from the formulation of the new integration policy for the period 2014–2020 and the overall process of local development policy and decision-making. The project was expected to boost civil involvement in the implementation of Roma integration policies in the region. The goal was achieved to a great extent. The target groups are NGOs, Roma leaders, the District Council for Cooperation on Ethnic and Integration Affairs and the administration. During the project implementation specific measures were proposed to be included in the municipal plans for Roma integration at the 8 information meetings (one per each municipality in Ruse District) held with the participation of 100 people. At the same time effort was made to boost the capacity of the local administration in the 8 municipalities in Ruse District to work with the Roma communities. A report was drafted on the status of the Roma community and the level of civic participation in Ruse District with specific proposals to be included in the municipal strategic documents and in the District Integration Strategy. The document was submitted to the National Council for Cooperation on Ethnic and Integration Affairs. For more information, please, visit:
www.oscrousse.org
Summary of bilateral results