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Description
The Project "One approach - many solutions. Model for Integrated Development (MID) in Samokov" aims to ensure opportunities for support the successful realization and social adaptation of the residents of the Roma neighborhood "7" in the town of Samokov. It envisages the implementation of a MID of the individual and the community, which is based on the life cycle of the person and the tasks he must solve at every stage of life: from early childhood to adulthood, developed by the Health and Social Development” Foundation (HESED). The activities will cover over 10% of the population of the Roma neighborhood in the town. The project is based on a needs analysis, which covers 7 areas: access to health care, access to education, access to employment, access to social services, access to rights and anti-discrimination. The project envisages the establishment of a MID center located near the neighborhood, providing functionally related services for Roma empowerment and successful integration in all areas of social life, active field work with the isolated community in order to activate it for change, active work with local institutions and capacity building of the professional community to work in a multiethnic environment. The project also envisages a set of information measures and events to change attitudes towards the Roma community, joint events and various information campaigns.
Summary of project results
Building the capacity of the local Roma community, in order to create sustainable mechanisms to improve the situation and opportunities of people living in neighborhood "Seven". Improving the access of the children from the community to different activities for early childhood development, raising the awareness of parents and changing their attitudes towards education. Increasing the school attendance and prevention of early dropout from the education system. Improving the school achievements of children and young people from the Roma community, enhance their health culture in order to prevent diseases related to risky behavior. Activating young people who are neither in education nor in employment (NEET''s) through activities stimulating youth inclusion. Increasing the access to healthcare services for uninsured persons and changing the attitudes of the population towards vaccines.
Changing the attitudes of the majority population and reducing discriminatory attitudes towards Roma in the municipality.
Through the project activities, the population of the neighborhood "Seven" in Samokov received access to integrated services that improved its social, health and educational status. By implementing the integrated method to service provision, each person received at least two services depending on their needs.
Through the active field work of the employed people and implementation of various programs such as "Play with Me", "Program for developing parenting skills", "School Support Program", "Communication School", "Health and Education Program" the population of the community received quality educational, health and social services. Through joining in different activities like "Group for development of social skills", "Vocational Guidance", "City School" etc., Roma women and youth started to be more active about community issues and the decision-making processes concerning the neighborhood and its residents.
By implementing the "Model for integrated development", "The Financial Literacy Training" and the "Program for young leaders" and especially with the implementation of the youth initiatives, financed by the project''s budget, the opportunities for young people in the neighborhood expanded. Their knowledge, skills and self-esteem improved, thus expanding their opportunities for personal development.
The communication and information campaigns conducted to oppose all forms of discrimination and negative attitudes against the Roma population led to a positive change in the attitudes of the majority population.
Through the project, center for integrated services "MIR Samokov" was established . A total of 1 151 people received integrated services. Over 2 300 people received information and were consulted on health, social, educational and labor issues. 96 children developed their level of Bulgarian language and improved their school readiness. 128 parents participated in trainings and improved their parenting skills, learnt about positive communication and non-violent conflict resolution. 63 children and 59 parents received support through nutritional support program. 59 children went through medical examinations and their parents received consultation on how to better take care of their health. 395 young people received support at school and improved their results, received consultations on different topics like prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies, postpone of early marriages. 30 young people bettered their financial literacy.
Summary of bilateral results
Two visits for exchange of experience and good practices were conducted during the implementation period of the project. In June 2023, ten people from Bulgaria visited Oslo, Norway. During their stay there they participated in a conference "For children with love" and learnt about the Norwegian standards for raising children and their integration in the educational system, the used pedagogical methods for learning and integration in early childhood. In April 2024, representatives of the Project Partner "Bulgarian Norwegian Association (BND)" visited Bulgaria for exchange of experience and good practices. During their stay, they managed to participate in a round table for educational experts from the town of Samokov and the final conference of the project.