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Description
In the last 20 years the situation of the Roma in Bulgaria considerably deteriorated. As a result of inconsistent state policies and stigmatization, the Roma are much less integrated in the society than the other national and ethnic minorities. Approximately 325 000 identify themselves as Roma or 4.9% of the total population. Even though the education status of the Roma has slightly improved in the last 20 years, the gap between Roma and non-Roma population at the end of secondary and higher education has increased. Only 9% of the Roma in Bulgaria graduate from secondary education. Fewer than 1% of Bulgarian Roma aged between 26 and 32 have completed higher education. As a result of low scholastic performance and the changes in the macro-economic situation in the country, the employment rate among Roma in Bulgaria has decreased. Approximately 60% of Roma youth fall within the scope of the NEET group, i.e. neither in employment, nor in education, that is outside of the system of employment, education or training. The project aims at supporting social inclusion and creating opportunities for sustainable employability of young Roma in the public and private sector in Bulgaria. The project plans to provide career orientation and motivation, develop and improve personal, social and organizational skills, facilitate access to quality jobs and improve the skills and ability to look for jobs/internships of Roma youth. The project contributes to the development of a Roma professional network including educated and socially engaged new-generation practitioners and leaders of Roma background, role models who support each other. The main target groups are young Roma aged 18-29, who study or have completed higher education. Additional target groups are local Roma communities, businesses and socially engaged partners.
Summary of project results
The Roma Professional Network Project aimed at upgrading the experience of Arete Youth Foundation-Bulgaria in the implementation of career guidance programs and creating opportunities for access to professional realization of young people of Roma origin. Direct participants in the project activities were 162 young Roma aged 18-29, studying or graduating. Additional target groups were local Roma communities and socially engaged partners.
The participants received soft-skills trainings and gained knowledge about the selection processes in different companies, acquired skills in applying and proper conduct in the workplace, and learned how to prepare their own CV and cover letter. In addition, the participating young people were encouraged to be proactive and independent, to have realistic expectations for their knowledge and skills when applying to an employer for internships and jobs.
Also noteworthy is that through the implementation of the regional information campaigns and the public event to launch the project Arete was able to engage the attention of large numbers of participants and stakeholders across the country – Roma students, young people with higher education, representatives of university administration and university professors, professionals and business representatives, and the civil sector.