RACOS - Responsibility, Access, Cooperation, Opportunities and Support

Project facts

Project promoter:
Brasov County Sustainable Development Agency(RO)
Project Number:
RO-LOCALDEV-0063
Status:
Completed
Final project cost:
€1,048,047
Other Project Partners
GENERAL DIRECTORATE OF SOCIAL ASSISTANCE AND CHILD PROTECTION BRASOV(RO)
HOME CARE ASSOCIATION(RO)
SHIELD SOCIAL SERVICES ASSOCIATION(RO)

Description

The project aims to support the implementation of integrated measures for community development, by increasing the access to social, medical, educational, employment and housing services.The project also targets the empowerment of vulnerable groups and increasing awareness of the importance of supporting vulnerable groups. 

The main target group is represented by 550 beneficiaries (of which 380 Roma people) from Racos commune - Racosul de Jos and Mateias villages: 40 children affected by the migration of parents and remigrated children, 240 children aged between 3-14 years and 90 young people aged between 15-24 years belonging to disadvantaged families, 170 adults (parents / guardians and unemployed people). 

PP and the 3 partners will set up a community intervention team that will provide non-formal education services (remedial education, non-formal education - with emphasis on discrimination, bullying, self-esteem, addictions, sexual education, independent living skills, nutrition), socio-medical services (screening programs for testing for viral or infectious diseases due to poverty, establishment of a health, access to the hygiene center, which includes a room with washing and drying machines), employment mediation (vocational counseling, training for integration on the labor market), housing services for 235 families. The project also provides activities for the community in order to combat discrimination and professionals (training on working with vulnerable groups  - 30 teachers, 180 employees of local companies).

Summary of project results

The project addresses the urgent socio-economic challenges faced by the Roma communities in the Racoș municipality, particularly in the two villages of Racoșul de Jos and Mateiaș. These communities are highly isolated, with limited access to basic utilities and services. The population is made up of multiple ethnic and religious groups, including Roma, who are particularly vulnerable due to low socio-economic status, inadequate housing, and migration patterns that often leave children without parental care. These factors contribute to high rates of poverty, illiteracy, school dropout, and poor living conditions.

The municipality faces severe social marginalization, with an unemployment rate of over 49% and significant educational gaps, particularly among Roma families. Many adults are illiterate, which directly affects the education and well-being of their children. Furthermore, children left behind by migrating parents often suffer from emotional and material deprivation, limiting their ability to succeed in school and social environments.

The project''s primary goal was to provide integrated support to these vulnerable families, focusing on children, young people, and adults from marginalized Roma communities. By offering non-formal education, socio-medical services, psychological counseling, and support for improving living conditions, the project aimed to reduce school dropout rates, alleviate poverty, and prevent social exclusion. Additionally, it sought to provide specific interventions for young Roma parents and caregivers, equipping them with life skills, job opportunities, and improved living standards.

The project targeted children who were "left behind," providing them with tailored educational activities and services to address their specific needs. These children, who often struggle with emotional instability due to the absence of their parents, benefited from both educational and socio-medical support. The project also supported their parents and guardians, offering training, mediation for employment, and assistance in improving their living conditions.

Additionally, the project aimed to tackle discrimination and raise awareness within the community through training for local institutions and members of the general population. This was essential to foster inclusivity and reduce tensions between ethnic groups, particularly Roma and non-Roma populations.

In the long term, the project sought to create sustainable improvements in the living conditions and social integration of Roma families in Racoș, addressing educational and economic disparities while promoting social cohesion and reducing the effects of marginalization. By providing an integrated package of services, the project aimed to equip the community with the necessary tools to break the cycle of poverty and exclusion, ultimately leading to more stable, prosperous, and inclusive lives for the beneficiaries.
 

The project significantly improved the living conditions and social inclusion of vulnerable communities in Racoș. It provided integrated social, educational, medical, and employment services to 500 individuals, including children left behind by migrating parents and families facing extreme poverty. Through these interventions, the project contributed to breaking the cycle of marginalization and creating sustainable support systems.

The establishment of a Multifunctional Center ensured continued access to essential services for vulnerable groups. The project strengthened local institutions by training public sector employees, equipping them with the skills needed to address social inclusion challenges effectively. 

Educational programs had a lasting impact, with 239 children, 107 young people, and 132 adults benefiting from remedial education and non-formal learning activities. These included workshops on parenting, personal development, and discrimination prevention. Additionally, 88 young people and 243 adults received vocational counseling and job mediation services, leading to improved employment prospects.

The project addressed urgent housing needs by improving the living conditions of 235 vulnerable families. Households received essential appliances, hygiene packages, and materials to enhance their living environment. These improvements directly contributed to better health and stability for the beneficiaries.

Social and psychological support played a crucial role in fostering well-being. A total of 420 children and 293 adults benefited from socio-medical services, including psychological counseling and healthcare evaluations. Awareness campaigns on discrimination and social inclusion reached 470 students, 30 teachers, and 180 local employees, fostering a more inclusive community.

The project had a significant impact on the vulnerable communities in Racoș by improving their living conditions, access to services, and social inclusion. It provided essential support to individuals, including children left behind by migrant parents and families facing severe poverty. Through integrated interventions, the project contributed to breaking the cycle of marginalization and fostering long-term community resilience.

A key achievement was the establishment of a Multifunctional Center, ensuring ongoing access to social, educational, and medical services. The project trained public sector employees, equipping them with skills to address social inclusion challenges effectively. This strengthened the capacity of local institutions to support vulnerable groups in the future.

Educational initiatives benefited children, young people, and adults through remedial education and non-formal learning programs. These activities improved school retention rates and enhanced parental engagement. Vocational counseling and job mediation services supported individuals, increasing their chances of stable employment.

The project also addressed housing needs for vulnerable families. These households received appliances, hygiene packages, and essential materials, leading to better living conditions and overall well-being. 

Psychological and medical support played a crucial role in fostering well-being. Children and adults accessed socio-medical services, including psychological counseling and healthcare evaluations. Awareness campaigns on discrimination and inclusion reached students, teachers, and local employees, contributing to a more inclusive and tolerant community.

The long-term impact of the project includes enhanced institutional capacity, increased access to essential services, improved employment opportunities, and better quality of life for disadvantaged families. By promoting education, reducing discrimination, and strengthening support systems, the project created sustainable change that will continue to benefit the community beyond its implementation period.
 

Information on the projects funded by the EEA and Norway Grants is provided by the Programme and Fund Operators in the Beneficiary States, who are responsible for the completeness and accuracy of this information.