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Description
The project goal is to create sustainable mechanisms to improve the conditions and opportunities of people living in Roma communities in the municipality by implementing integrated measures, including improving access to social services, education, employment, health care and non-discrimination, as well as empowering the Roma. The project is aimed at Roma living on the territory of the four Roma neighbourhoods in the Municipality of Dupnitsa. Among ethnic minorities and especially among the Roma population, there are various factors that feed poverty - early school leaving, low education, long term unemployment and lack of work habits, limited employment opportunities, poor living conditions, lack of access to health, social and social services. and educational services. The project envisages the implementation of integrated measures, will cover many cases and will make efforts to solve problems related to improving health status, reducing poverty, unfavourable environment and housing, lifestyle and more. The project will provide support and easier access to education and health care and employment for members of the Roma community and will help to overcome the risk of social exclusion and discrimination. A mobile health office equipped with medical equipment will be provided. Infrastructural measures are envisaged to improve the living conditions of the Roma, such as construction of a playground in Kavaklia, construction of sports fields and a fitness ground, purchase of a garbage collection machine. Information campaigns are planned for both the Roma and the majority. Activities for exchange experience with donor countries are also envisaged, which will also contribute to the achievement of the defined goals.
Summary of project results
Among ethnic minorities, and especially among the Roma population, there are various factors that fuel poverty - early school drop outs, low education, long-term unemployment and lack of working habits, limited employment opportunities, poor living conditions, lack of access to health, social and educational services. The project proposal of the Dupnitsa municipality aimed at fighting those vactors by creating sustainable mechanisms to improve the situation and opportunities of people living in Roma communities on the territory of the municipality, through the implementation of integrated measures, including improving access to social services, education, employment, healthcare and non-discrimination, as well as empowering Roma.
During the implementation of the project, opportunities were created to expand the capacity of local institutions through training and workshops, and a sustainable coordination mechanism for cooperation between the various local and national institutions was created. Activities were implemented in the areas of health, education and employment, through appointed specialists who provided personal and group consultations and services.
Services aimed at improving housing conditions in segregated communities were provided - legal consultations on possibilities for legalizing illegal buildings, connecting to public utility services;
Numerous trainings and workshops were implemented to empower and stimulate the participation of Roma in the preparation and implementation of policies and services affecting their life and the development of their community, as well as activities in the area of non-discrimination. Activities were implemented to bring Roma and the majority closer together and campaigns were hold to raise awareness and get to know each other better.
With the partner Pirin Holding (Norway), visits and training were carried out with the aim of exchanging experience and increasing the capacity to overcome energy poverty.
With the implementation of the project, access of Roma and other vulnerable groups to better quality services in the following sectors increased: social assistance, education, employment and healthcare. The opened Community Center, which provided new jobs, became a hub and attractive place for people from the Roma community. Over 570 medical examinations were performed for representatives of the Roma community, medical equipment was delivered. Motivational trainings and trainings for acquiring professional qualifications in various fields were held. Free educational kits and aids, specialized transportation and support were provided for children from Roma neighborhoods.
The cultural calendar of the Dupnitsa Municipality included many inclusive events such as the one-man show "Taste of Life"; sports tournaments, the celebration of the Roma New Year - Vasilitsa, etc. The living environment of Roma and other vulnerable groups improved, increasing their knowledge of their rights in relation to housing conditions, as well as the social, health and educational areas. The trainings have empowered Roma communities, including Roma women and youth, to actively participate in decision-making processes affecting their lives. Processes of mutual recognition and acceptance have been initiated and discrimination and negative attitudes towards the Roma population have been reduced.
Summary of bilateral results
The partner took part in the informational events of the beneficiary. One visit for 6 persons from the Municipality of Dupnitsa and representatives from the two Bulgarian parenters was organized and implemented aiming at exchange of experience and good practices with different organizations from the Kingdom of Norway in the field of energy poverty and methods of combating it.