Description
The integration of Slovak Roma is advancing slowly due to ineffective and non-transparent use of public funds. There is a lack of state control where public funding is used for Roma development projects. Paradoxically, the Roma are blamed for this state in the public debate. The project aims to monitor public funding spending, enhance awareness about the real use of public funding, about the violations of elementary democratic principles, such as equal access to education, and the job market. At the same time the project will give voice to Roma by organizing 3-month journalistic internships for 2 Roma students/graduates. The internship will take place in SME opinion daily and its primary focus will be on reporting about human rights and minorities. The project will: increase pressure on efficient and transparent public spending, contribute to a more positive public image of the Roma, and engage Roma in monitoring public funds that are allocated for Roma projects.
Summary of project results
During the whole year 2015, the project brought 292 news items, 67 reports and 11 videos which increased, to a great deal, the awareness, helped a public supervision and created the environment for elimination of prejudices in majority society. Throughout 2015, 342,223 unique visitors clicked on the project’s website who read the stories on offer totally 643,353 times. Two Roma students had the opportunity to complete a practical training in which professionals tutored and mentored them towards preparing stories – with their help – which were then offered to general public. The integration of Roma communities into majority society has achieved, despite the declared efforts of state bodies, only minor and vague results. The reasons for persisting stagnation of social development of Roma minority in Slovakia are complex. A huge share in this is also the ineffective and non-transparent use of public resources, be it from state budget, or from the European Union’s resources. Ironically, Roma are labelled the ones to be blamed for this situation. It was the findings and outputs of the project which pointed to the true causes of this situation, and also through positive examples initiated a debate in society. Target groups had been involved already when the documents were made, as they were sources of valuable information for wider public which read the stories and documents to a great extent. The trainees were fully involved during the whole trainee-ship, so that they could get as much experience as possible form their mentors, as writing stories is a type of skill. A close cooperation with the Petit press company enabled a wide impact on society, and also rendered the know-how necessary for getting the resulting effect of the stories’ popularity. Without coordination from donor and feedback during the implementing of the project, it would be almost impossible to secure a fluent implementation, partially due to the administrative framework with which we had had no previous experience, after staff changes in our foundation.
Summary of bilateral results