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Description
The Roma community represents 10% of the local population in Panciu, located in Vrancea county, living in conditions of extreme poverty and marginalization. These conditions were greatly aggravated by the COVID-19 health emergency, which also became a social and economic emergency.
The project "Vulnerability: from challenges to opportunities" has been created to meet the need to work for the social inclusion of minors, young people and Roma families in the city of Panciu.
The project it is implemented for a period of 18 months and has as objectives:
- To increase the capacities of 48 disadvantaged minors (3-16 years old) of Panciu in terms of resilience and digitalization;
- To promote awareness and information actions for 150 vulnerable children, families and young people disadvantaged or belonging to the Roma minority in Panciu regarding health issues, prevention, training opportunities and access to the world of work;
- To promote multicultural dialogue through cultural and training proposals in Panciu, open to the local Roma community, young people, representatives of local institutions and the general public.
In addition to the management and communication activities, the following actions are planned:
1. Resilience and digitalization: improving daily socio-educational services at the Pinocchio Center, to ensure the support of 48 disadvantaged children in terms of access to education to the challenges of distance learning and the general use of technology.
2.Awareness campaign for children, young people and vulnerable families focused on prevention, hygiene and health, and promoting training opportunities for young people and improving employability, for easier access to the world of work.
3.Initiatives to promote multicultural dialogue and Roma culture, through workshops in schools and a theatre show.
4.Training course for an inclusive and community school addressed to the representatives of the socio-educational sector.
Summary of project results
Inside the Roma community in Panciu there are people that face extreme poverty and poor living conditions. Children in these communities struggle with low school attendance, high dropout rates, and discrimination. Many lack the conditions for effective home learning, particularly those with special educational needs.
The project, running from September 1, 2021, to February 28, 2023, aimed to improve access to socio-cultural, educational, and training activities for the disadvantaged population in Panciu. During the project, the Pinocchio Center provided daily support to 48 disadvantaged children, helping with homework, digital literacy, and school preparation. The center also offered meals, hygiene products, and counseling. In the awareness and information campaigns on health, hygiene, and prevention, and also on training and employment opportunities, 161 beneficiaries, including children, youth, and families, participated. In addition, 12 workshops promoting Roma culture were conducted with a Forum Theater workshop included a total of 287 children and young people. Additionally, training courses that were conducted for 20 educators promoting inclusive education and cultural awareness.
The project resulted in significant improvements for the disadvantaged communities in Panciu, particularly for Roma children and youth. Through the enhancement of socio-educational services, 48 children benefited from better school attendance, digital skills, and personal development, while receiving essential tools like hygiene products and educational materials. Awareness workshops reached 161 individuals, providing valuable knowledge on health, hygiene, and job opportunities, with 37 young participants gaining job-seeking and computer literacy skills. Cultural awareness activities engaged 287 children and young people, promoting empathy, reducing discrimination, and fostering social inclusion.