More information
Description
The project aims to increase the inclusion and empowerment of vulnerable Roma and people living in similar socio-economic conditions in Budila commune, by providing integrated services for these vulnerable families and developing the individual capacity of family members. The main activities are: Increasing the access to educational services for vulnerable Roma children and young people in Budila commune, respectively facilitating the access to early education of 100 children (of which 95 Roma, aged 3-6), by setting up and operating a kindergarten, and the prevention of school dropout among 800 children and young people (including 770 Roma, aged 6-12 and young people aged 13-17) through counseling and school and vocational guidance and sports; Development of the skills and abilities of 470 vulnerable Roma parents, aged 18-50, respectively of the parenting skills and raising awareness about the role of the family in the child''s education (to which are added 30 parents in the same category living in similar socio-economic conditions), as well as the development of individual capacities and the ability to organize and mobilize to act together in order to solve the problems they face, at the level of the 470 vulnerable Roma parents, of which 300 women; Improving access to health services, by setting up a medical ward in the kindergarten and a dental ward for the 100 pre-school children and 800 vulnerable children and young people, as well as by informing and preventing the transmission of COVID-19 among them; Increasing access to employment services, through information and vocational counselling for 500 parents (of whom 470 are Roma, aged 18-50), in order to improve individual skills for obtaining a job; Raising awareness and combating anti-Roma attitudes, stereotypes and harassment, promoting respect for Roma rights and inter-culturalism among 500 members of the majority community, aged 18-50.
Summary of project results
The project addressed the severe socio-economic exclusion of Roma communities in Budila, where many families faced poverty, lack of employment, poor education, and limited healthcare services. The Roma population in the area was significantly larger than official records indicated, but many individuals did not declare their ethnicity due to social stigma. Most Roma families lived in marginalized areas, struggling with low incomes, lack of access to quality education, and poor healthcare, which created a cycle of poverty transmitted across generations.
Many Roma families lacked stable incomes, relying on social benefits or subsistence farming, which prevented them from investing in education and health. As a result, children were at high risk of school dropout, and families faced barriers to employment and social integration. Women, in particular, had limited opportunities for work, as they had no access to childcare. The absence of medical services, including dental care, further worsened health conditions. Additionally, discrimination and social exclusion affected Roma individuals’ self-esteem and participation in community life.
To break this cycle, the project implemented integrated interventions in education, employment, and healthcare. It aimed to increase school participation, support parents in raising their children, improve job opportunities, and provide access to essential health services. A key component was establishing a kindergarten with extended program, which will allow Roma women to leave their children for a longer period of time during that day and have the possibility to seek employment or to keep a job. Over 80% of surveyed families had expressed the need for such a facility. Additionally, more than 90% of respondents stated they lacked access to daily medical care and dental services for their children, highlighting the urgent need for healthcare interventions.
The project addressed the social exclusion and marginalization of vulnerable Roma families and other disadvantaged groups in Budila.
The project implemented integrated services focused on education, employment, healthcare, and community empowerment. The key objective was to increase access to education for Roma children. A kindergarten was established, ensuring early education for 100 children. To prevent school dropout, 800 children and young people received counseling, vocational guidance, and sports activities to keep them engaged in school.
For parents, the project provided training and counseling to develop parenting skills and raise awareness of the family''s role in education. 470 vulnerable Roma parents (including 300 women) and 30 other disadvantaged parents were supported in strengthening their individual capacity and ability to take collective action to address community challenges.
Access to healthcare services was improved through the establishment of a medical office within the kindergarten and a dental clinic for preschoolers and students. Over 900 children and youth benefited from healthcare services, which included prevention activities and information campaigns.
To support employment, the project offered career counseling and vocational guidance for 500 parents (470 Roma). These activities improved their ability to find stable jobs, reducing dependency on social benefits.
The project also focused on reducing discrimination and promoting Roma rights. Awareness campaigns targeted 500 members of the majority community, promoting intercultural dialogue, respect for Roma culture, and anti-discrimination efforts.
The project successfully increased school participation, improved healthcare access, and enhanced employment opportunities for Roma families. Parents gained new skills, and children had better chances for future success through early education and continued school engagement. The establishment of health and education services ensured long-term sustainability, while awareness campaigns reduced stereotypes and improved community relations.
By providing integrated support in education, employment, and healthcare, the project helped break the cycle of exclusion, empowering Roma families to actively participate in society and build a better future for their children