Description
The project addresses the need for the Roma in Dobrich Municipality to be engaged in environment protection and sustainable development (SD) activities. The project aims at engaging the Roma by raising their awareness, presenting them the benefits of SD and involving Roma NGOs. First, a NGO will be selected to train the Roma NGO staff about SD policies and work with the local authorities. Second, 120 children, 80 young people and 100 Roma will be trained in the Sustainable Development School. The trainees will develop environment protection and SD projects (energy efficiency, separate waste collection, organic farming). Finally, a large-scale information campaign will be carried out. The trainees’ projects will be presented; the best will be awarded by proposing them for support to the local authorities. The project will benefit the Roma community and the relevant NGOs. The partner will provide the premises, technical equipment and support for the training and information campaign.
Summary of project results
The project contributed to changing public attitudes and promoting the participation of new inactive citizens (the Roma) by raising their awareness and citizen involvement to take part in the local inclusive policies for sustainable development (SD). The need of the project can be seen from the main outcomes achieved, i.e. involvement of new inactive citizens (children, youth, parents/adults mainly from Roma background) in the local policies for SD via training (The school for Sustainable Development) and an information campaign (The Exchange for Projects and Ideas for SD) to develop their civil activity and skills for entrepreneurship, sustainable production and use of natural resources – organic agriculture on small plots, local crafts, etc. The following methods and instruments were used to achieve the project goals: an integrated and culturological approach for work with the local Roma communities; interactive methods –demonstration projects, "from –door-to-door" projects, "children training children and peers", work in small groups, hand-on activities, etc. The project had an impact on 120 children, 80 young people and 102 parents/adults (Roma) who took part in the practical training sessions in the School for Sustainable Development and in the information campaign entitled The Exchange for Projects and Ideas. The participants delivered to the public in the town of Dobrich 5 presentations, 21 demonstration practices and 108 drawings, posters, stickers, etc. for environment protection and SD (energy saving, separate waste collection, organic agriculture on a small farm, entrepreneurship). The acquired practical skills and the civil initiative developed will be applied in personal plans for development and active behaviour on the labour market.
Summary of bilateral results