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Description
The ”IRIS” project aims to reduce the social marginalization among vulnerable persons / families by providing integrated services adapted to their immediate needs in order to increase their capacity. The general objective will be achieved by the Municipality of Alba Iulia in partnership with the Association of Local Action Group Alba Iulia Inclusive and the Barnas Musikkteater Association, organizations with experience in implementing projects with vulnerable groups. Over the course of 18 months, the project will develop new basic services focused on the needs of the target group for 530 people, belonging to vulnerable groups. Educational, medical, housing and vocational training services will be provided through an integrated system of activities aimed to reduce the social exclusion of vulnerable groups at SDL-ZUM community level. At the same time, awareness campaigns will be carried out in order to combat any form of discrimination of the Roma for at least 500 persons in the territory of SDL Alba Iulia, within 18 months from the signing of the financing contract. The project partners will develop a viable and innovative tool that will ensure an integrated approach to the services offered to the vulnerable population as a way of reducing social marginalization.
Summary of project results
The analysis of community issues in the SDL territory revealed several key findings. The overall population at risk of poverty or social exclusion was 32.5%, with 19.3% at risk of poverty and 21.4% facing severe material deprivation. There were 102 registered unemployed individuals and an estimated 466 unregistered unemployed individuals. Children in the area faced challenges, including those in families with three or more children, single-parent families, and those not enrolled in school.
The significant number of children in the SDL territory emphasized the importance of education in shaping the community''s future. Initiating community education programs that focused on Roma culture and were developed through public-private partnerships could combat segregation and discrimination, promoting social inclusion.
The "IRIS" project aimed to reduce social marginalization among vulnerable individuals and families by providing integrated services tailored to their immediate needs. The project developed new basic services and conducted awareness campaigns to combat discrimination against the Roma population.
In summary, the project aimed to address the specific needs of vulnerable groups, including education, healthcare, housing, and vocational training, with the goal of reducing social exclusion in the SDL-ZUM community. Through an integrated approach, the project sought to provide support and opportunities for the vulnerable population, ultimately reducing social marginalization.
The differentiated solutions designed for the target group included educational services for 156 vulnerable individuals of Roma ethnicity, focusing on increasing access and participation of children in early education. Support measures such as psycho-pedagogical assistance, socialization, leisure activities, and social reintegration were provided. Health services were offered to 469 vulnerable individuals and families of Roma ethnicity who were at risk or facing socio-economic exclusion. Housing conditions for 50 households were improved through renovation and rehabilitation actions, including minor repairs.
These initiatives aimed to address the identified needs and contributed to the overall goal of reducing social exclusion and promoting the well-being of the SDL-ZUM community.
The project has recorded the following final results:
- 319 individuals who benefited from integrated services. Overall project - 469 individuals.
- 38 professionals trained in working with Roma people. Overall project - 91 individuals.
- 6 individuals from Romania participating in an exchange of experience in Norway. Even though the target (8 individuals) was not met for this indicator, the ultimate goal of the visit to Norway was achieved.
- one (1) awareness-raising campaign targeting the majority population, conducted.
- one (1) awareness-raising campaign targeting the Roma population, conducted.
- 976 individuals reached by awareness-raising campaigns, including 466 Roma (the campaign aimed at individuals of Roma ethnicity) and 510 non-Roma (the campaign aimed at individuals belonging to the majority population).
- one (1) anti-discrimination instrument developed.
- a 38% increase in the level of acceptance of Roma by the majority population (in the intervention areas of the project).
Summary of bilateral results
SONO AS, a transnational partner in the project, supported artistic and educational activities with the mentioned children, youth, and adults in an innovative manner, through the interaction of music, rhythm, voice, and sounds produced with various instruments. The focus was on personal, emotional, and cognitive development of the participants, as well as socialization and strengthening parent-child interactions through common activities.During the project implementation period, three visits by Norwegian experts took place, who interacted with children through music, rhythm, entertainment, sensory and socio-emotional development, utilizing traditions from Roma and international music (Norwegian and Romanian). The Norwegian partner''s experts also organized training services to enhance understanding of the theoretical foundation and the importance of music interaction on the child''s personality, academic performance, and self-confidence. They provided training on musical practice (methods, skills) for adults to effectively interact with children through music. Volunteers and specialists involved in providing services to disadvantaged groups participated in these training sessions.Informative materials relevant to the project beneficiaries were uploaded on the Circle/BarnaS Musikkteater platform. Furthermore, a study visit to Oslo was organized with the participation of six individuals, where SONO AS presented their working methods, daily program, and children''s involvement in activities within various public and private educational institutions.