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Description
The project responds to the need for social and cultural inclusion of Roma people, starting from the following problems: difficulties in employment, discrimination against Roma children from marginalized communities, strong negative perception of Roma accompanied by numerous hate speech towards them, the high level of distrust of the majority population towards the Roma. The target group include 400 people from Neamț County who will participate in theatrical performances, of which 200 people from 36 marginalized localities; 75 Roma and non-Roma children participating in art club events; 70 people of Roma ethnicity who are subject to occupation measures and come from vulnerable localities; 5 Roma people who will get a job. The project aims to increase the level of awareness and valorification of the Roma culture through integrative actions with cultural-artistic and professional content involving the Roma people from Neamț County.
Summary of project results
The project addressed the pressing need for social and cultural inclusion of Roma people, focusing on several key challenges: difficulties in securing employment, discrimination faced by Roma children from marginalized communities, widespread negative perceptions of Roma, frequent hate speech directed toward them, and the high level of distrust from the majority population.
To tackle these issues, the project aimed to raise awareness and promote the value of Roma culture through integrative actions that combined cultural, artistic, and professional activities. These initiatives actively involved Roma individuals from Neamt County, fostering inclusion and empowerment within the community.
The project enriched cultural references by conducting integrated research on the history and evolution of the Roma ethnic group, translating its key elements into a drama play. It promoted social inclusion through activities dedicated to children, such as an artistic creation club focused on performing arts and crafts, while also providing access to cultural and artistic knowledge. Training activities were organized, offering vocational and non-formal education programs to enhance skills and knowledge within the cultural and creative sectors.
To raise public awareness and improve the perception of Roma culture, the project developed a virtual platform and facilitated the exchange of experiences and know-how. It supported seven Roma contemporary art activities, provided on-the-job training for five Roma individuals, and backed three Roma cultural entrepreneurship initiatives, contributing to the overall cultural and professional development of the community.
The project delivered significant benefits to all participants involved in its activities. It resulted in the creation of 2 new jobs and offered free access to project activities for diverse groups. Roma individuals participating in the entrepreneurial training program acquired essential knowledge for engaging in formal entrepreneurship activities within the cultural and creative sectors, improving their competitiveness in the labor market.
Seventy Roma participants benefitted from information and professional counseling sessions, which facilitated their integration into society. A key outcome of the project was the development of a new cultural product—a theater play titled Kalida—inspired by the defining elements of the research report on Roma cultural history. This play was staged free of charge, broadening cultural access.
Additionally, the project involved Roma children and children from the majority population in joint activities within artistic clubs. These initiatives aimed to reduce stereotypes and foster mutual acceptance, furthering social cohesion and cultural understanding. In total, the project engaged 750 people in cultural activities, creating meaningful impacts across various communities.
Summary of bilateral results
The exchange of experiences fostered strong bilateral cooperation among the stakeholders involved. Ten members of the project implementation team, along with five Roma individuals from the project’s target group, had the opportunity to engage with representatives of cultural institutions and other organizations active in Norway.Knowledge transfer from Romania to Norway was facilitated through the distribution of eight copies of the book Formation and Evolution of the Roma Ethnic Group and the Roma Cultural Identity from the Neamț Region during the project team’s visit to Norway. Discussions during this visit allowed Norwegian participants to gain new insights into Roma culture, hear firsthand perspectives from members of an ethnic minority about the impact of social inclusion initiatives through culture, and learn about the organizational structures of cultural institutions in Romania. This exchange deepened mutual understanding and broadened cultural awareness on both sides.