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Description
The project “Actions for Business Empowerment of Women and Youth Roma – FRAGRANCE of Entrepreneurship”, is implemented in the framework of the Active citizens fund programme, by the Lighthouse of the World, having as main target group the Roma residents of Dendropotamos in Thessaloniki. The aim of the project is to highlight the needs, problems and potential of young people, in order to break the vicious cycle of delinquency and to highlight examples of young Roma who have managed to get educated and take up business. The achievement of the objective will be carried out through seminars/info session with different subjects: to choose the appropriate training, the search of work up to the procedures for setting up different businesses. A key point of the project is the fact that the briefings and outreach will be carried out by people from the community who have been successful educationally and entrepreneurially and will be an example to follow, while transferring know-how and experience.
Summary of project results
The project addressed the deep-rooted social and economic exclusion experienced by the Roma community, particularly women and young people, residing in Dendropotamos, Thessaloniki. This population faces significant barriers to education and employment, often resulting in cycles of poverty and delinquency. The project sought to address these challenges by fostering opportunities for skill development and entrepreneurship, aiming to break the cycle of marginalization and unlock the potential of Roma youth.
The project delivered six targeted information and training sessions, attended by 128 participants, including 112 young people aged 18-29 and 57 women. These sessions covered topics ranging from the importance of education and employment counseling to practical guidance on business start-up. The engagement of experienced mediators and community outreach activities played a crucial role in encouraging participation and mobilizing the Roma population. Furthermore, two Roma mentors were trained to provide guidance and support within their community. As part of the initiative, five scholarships were awarded to vulnerable individuals seeking to further develop their skills through specialized training.
The project successfully empowered Roma women and youth by providing them with vital skills and knowledge to pursue education, employment, and entrepreneurship. Many participants attended multiple training sessions, reflecting strong engagement and a desire for further development. The two Roma mentors gained valuable experience in mentorship, enabling them to continue supporting their community beyond the project. Additionally, five scholarships were awarded, providing beneficiaries with the opportunity to pursue further specialized education. Overall, the project made significant strides toward breaking the cycle of social exclusion and enhancing the long-term prospects of Roma youth and women in Dendropotamos.The project successfully empowered Roma women and youth by providing them with vital skills and knowledge to pursue education, employment, and entrepreneurship. Many participants attended multiple training sessions, reflecting strong engagement and a desire for further development. The two Roma mentors gained valuable experience in mentorship, enabling them to continue supporting their community beyond the project. Additionally, five scholarships were awarded, providing beneficiaries with the opportunity to pursue further specialized education. Overall, the project made significant strides toward breaking the cycle of social exclusion and enhancing the long-term prospects of Roma youth and women in Dendropotamos.