Description
Verguleasa Commune consists of seven villages, forming a community of 3,130 inhabitants, out of which 300 are Roma. In this area, there are factors which contribute to the acceleration of poverty: the high rate of illiteracy and of school drop-out among young Roma families, poor living conditions, and a lack of jobs. The project's main objective is to establish a multifunctional social center that will provide integrated support for both children and young people at risk. The project will establish a social center, providing integrated educational measures for 69 children and 27 youths at risk, as well as support social services for 163 parents and tutors.
Summary of project results
Verguleasa Commune, Olt County, includes the Poganu village, in which a significant Roma population lives. The approx 300 Roma persons make up relative young families, sharing 2-3 of them the same house, with many children and facing multiple challenges, such as lack of family support, illiteracy, school abandonment, lack of water and sanitation, family conflicts etc. The project aimed to contribute to reducing inequalities and promote social inclusion of children and youth in Verguleasa Commune. In the Multifunctional Centre, rehabilitated and equipped through the project, a number of 81 children of primary school and gymnasium age, out of which 76 Roma, and 27 youth, all of them Roma, have benefitted from integrated support measures. Children have participated in educational support activities, counselling for prevention of school abandonment (on topics such as self-awareness, creativity development, conflict management, healthy lifestyle), sport and leisure activities (games, excursions). The youth have attended vocational training courses in ITC, English language, entrepreneurship and vocational guidance. A number of 188 parents, out of which 179 Roma, have benefitted from counselling regarding the involvement in supporting children in the educational and preventon of family violence process. A number of 16 specialists/employees, out of which 5 Roma, have benefitted from training on how to provide support to the target group. A methodology on anti-discrimination measures for promoting equal opportunities in Verguleasa Commune has been developed, document which has been debated in a public conference, at the end of the project. The project contributed to facilitation of access and participation of children in school, development of competencies and increased chances of integration on labour market for the youth and increased parents and community involvement in prevention of school abandonment of children and youth from Verguleasa.
Summary of bilateral results