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Description
Through the implementation of the project " will be created comprehensive integrated measures aimed at improving access to education, health and development of social skills for children from vulnerable groups, focusing on roma.The project envisages the creation of a complex of functionally connected services (hubs) in three socially isolated communities on the territory of the towns of Tvarditsa and Shivachevo and the village of Sborishte.The actions of the hubs will be reflected in the needs of local communities and will offer services for the establishment of education,health and social activities.The target group in the complexes will include children aged 0 to 6 in isolated and poor areas with a concentration of problems creating a risk of poverty and social exclusion, as well as their parents. The implementation of planned activities is a prerequisite for improving the well-being of children of Roma origin and their families. For successful implementation of the project it is planned to implement key activities,reflecting the needs of the target groups, which will contribute to achieving the set goals and results.The partnership with a local NGO from Bulgaria,which works in the field of Roma social inclusion, will contribute to this. In addition, the implementation of the main objective of the project will contribute to achieving the general objectives of the Regulation on the implementation of the EEA FM 2014-2021, namely to contribute to reducing economic and social disparities in the European Economic Area and to strengthen bilateral relations between donor countries and beneficiary countries.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to solve the problems of children and their families regarding their access to kindergarten, improving readiness for school, solving health, social, educational, legal, psychological problems.
Еquipment and furnishing was delivered and commissioned for the 3 hubs established in the 3 socially isolated communities in Tvarditsa, Shivachevo, and Sborishte village. Introductory training for the mediators and pedagogical staff of the hubs was organized and conducted. Educational trips in/around the city were organized and held for children and parents. Support for improved readiness for effective inclusion in the educational process of 330 children from the three target communities was provided. Regular specialized prophylactic examinations were provided by a pediatrician and obstetrician-gynecologist of health-uninsured and health-insured residents and their children, on the territory of the Tvarditsa, Shivachevo and Sborishte village. Group social and health discussions were carried out. Regular access to dental services was provided for children. Consultations of future and current parents were carried out for the formation and development of parenting skills. Regular research of the health and social needs of the target groups was carried out. Weekly consultations with a social worker in the target communities was held. Support to 50 newborns was provided by providing first aid kits. 158 parents, guardians, future parents from Tverditsa were engaged. Parenting skills were formed in 158 parents, guardians, future parents from Tverditsa, Shivachevo and Sborishte village. 12 thematic parent meetings were held. Regular psychological support was provided to the target groups. Free legal advice and services were provided for the target groups. Weekly field work was done to assess the target groups. 3 stakeholders’ round tables were held. 6 voluntary local activities were carried out by the representatives of the local communities. The target communities were actively included in the public life of the settlements. Local Roma leaders were nominated in the three target communities. 14 new jobs were opened in the Complex of functionally related services and employment was guaranteed for a period of at least 20 months. One visit to exchange experience and good practices in Norway was implemented. One visit to Bulgaria was organized and a conference was held to share experience and good practices. A long-term partnership was established aimed at solving problems of children and parents, encouraging their participation in similar initiatives, intercultural exchange.
330 children and their families were covered by the project activities offered in the established three hubs for early childhood development in Tvarditsa, Shivachevo and Sborishte. Fifty new-born babies and their families received diapers and other hygiene materials. 158 parent, guardians and future parents went through different trainings thus improving their parental skills. The target communities were actively included in the public life of the settlements. 14 new jobs were opened in the Complex of functionally related services
Summary of bilateral results
Three bilateral initiatives were conducted. In September 2023 a group of 15 people visited Norway for exchange of experience and good practices with their colleagues from Rodna rech (NO). They visited the school and were presented with the educational program. Both entities shared their experience in working in a multicultural environment, the challenges and the achieved results. In June, 2022 and in January, 2024 a total of 10 people from Rodna rech traveled to Bulgaria. During the first stay, they managed to participate in the launch conference of the project with a presentation of their platform for remote learning. In January 2024 the representatives of the partner organization, conducted a training for their Bulgarian partners aimed to increase their capacity to organize and hold educational activities, attracting and retaining children and parents for a continuous and positive change.