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Description
The project aims to increase the level of education by providing educational services, increase the level of information and training, increase the level of qualification and increase the level of awareness of discriminatory attitudes and prejudices in Răchita and Loman, Săsciori commune, Alba county. The target group consists mainly of residents of Roma communities in Răchita and Loman, but also of the majority population, of which 600 disadvantaged Roma, 20 specialists / volunteers, 45 Roma experts and leaders and 10 members of the community belonging majority population. The project envisages the arrangement of an educational center for children in which educational services will be offered, the organization of professional training courses offered by the Procivitas Association, as well as courses and workshops aimed at combating discrimination and prejudice.
Summary of project results
The project was designed to address several socio-economic and educational challenges within the Roma communities of Săsciori commune:
- School Dropout – many Roma children, due to a lack of parental education and interest, gradually lost motivation to complete their studies, leading to a high dropout rate before finishing eighth grade, and very few pursuing further education;
- Unqualified Workforce – many adults lacked professional qualifications, relying on social aid or low-income day labor, which perpetuated poverty and vulnerability;
- Housing and Legal Issues – Several families lived in poor housing conditions and lacked proper documentation for property ownership.
To tackle these issues, the project implemented the following activities:
- Educational Center for Children – a center was established to provide modern educational resources and support for preschoolers and school-age children to encourage early and continued education; 226 children participated in educational activities to improve school performance;
- Workshops on Anti-Discrimination and Social Awareness – Sessions were organized to promote awareness of discrimination and prejudice, aiming to foster social acceptance and equal rights for Roma individuals;
- Professional Training for Adults – 150 people benefited of qualification courses and post-training development were provided to help Roma adults access better job opportunities;
- Housing Assistance – 225 families received assistance, support and accompaniment in order to regulate the housing situation, for 225 houses topographic measurements were carried out and the necessary documents were submitted to the Real Estate Cadastre and Advertising Office (OCPI); furniture and other specific equipment were purchased for 5 people with disabilities.
The project successfully impacted multiple stakeholders:
- Roma Community Members – roma individuals benefited from educational services, professional training, and awareness programs;
- Children and Youth – increased school attendance and engagement due to the educational center and awareness campaigns, reducing dropout rates;
- Adults Seeking Employment – more Roma adults obtained professional qualifications, improving their chances of stable employment and economic independence;
- Local Community and Authorities – Improved social cohesion and reduced discrimination, fostering a more inclusive environment for Roma individuals.
Long-term, the project aimed to sustain interest in education among Roma individuals, enhance employability, and reduce discrimination, contributing to a more integrated and socially active Roma community.