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Description
The project aims to increase the access of the main target group, represented by 693 Roma people (children, young people, adults) from Ghindari commune who are in vulnerable situations, at risk or facing various forms of socio-economic exclusion, to social inclusion services in the areas of housing, education, employment, health.
The objectives of the project are:
1. Increasing the access and quality of integrated housing, education, employment, health services for a number of 693 Roma from Ghindari Commune, Mureș County, for a period of 20 months.
2. Implementation for a period of 14 months of empowerment actions for Roma (Empowerment), especially a number of 55 people, of which 35 Roma women, 10 young Roma, 10 Roma experts and leaders from Ghindari Commune.
3. Combating discrimination against Roma in Ghindari Commune, by implementing concrete actions targeting 200 Roma people and 200 people from the majority population for a period of 14 months.
All persons who will benefit from the housing service regarding the remediation of the situation of property deeds (first service) will benefit from at least one more service / action (additional service) in areas such as: employment for young people and adults, health for adults, young people, children and, where appropriate, non-formal education for children and their parents.
Summary of project results
The project addresses the severe socio-economic marginalization of the Roma community in Ghindari, Mureș County, where 37% of the population is of Roma ethnicity. The local Roma faces significant challenges in employment, education, health, housing, and infrastructure, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and social exclusion.
Among the Roma adults eligible for work, none had formal employment at project inception. The majority relied on informal, low-paid, seasonal labor, with no access to stable jobs due to a lack of formal education, vocational training, and employer discrimination.
More than half of the enrolled students in the local school are Roma, struggling with low academic performance, absenteeism, and a lack of family support. Many children live 5-7 km away from school, with poor access to educational resources and no role models promoting education within the community.
Roma families had limited access to healthcare services due to financial constraints and a lack of awareness. Preventive medical care was almost nonexistent, leading to poor health outcomes and further social vulnerability.
Out of 395 Roma households, 231 lacked property documents, making them ineligible for utilities and public services. Most homes were deteriorated, and families prioritized daily survival over housing improvements. Additionally, 62 homes lacked internet access, severely affecting children’s education during the pandemic.
Roma neighborhoods suffered from inadequate infrastructure—poor roads, no sewage system, lack of running water, and unreliable electricity access. Over 70 homes had no electricity, and living conditions were substandard, with homes built from mud bricks dating back to the 1970s.
Social integration between Roma and the majority population was minimal, with discriminatory attitudes persisting. Roma lacked advocacy skills and formal representation, limiting their ability to claim rights and access opportunities.
The project aimed to break this cycle of marginalization through integrated services (employment support, education programs, improved healthcare access, housing interventions, infrastructure development), and community empowerment. By addressing these systemic challenges, the project contributed to long-term social inclusion and improved living conditions for the Roma population in Ghindari.
The project addressed a challenging local context for vulnerable Roma families. It delivered a series of integrated actions that supported both adults and children. The project first focused on housing services as the primary service provided and included employment, health, education or as the secondary service. The housing services provided initially consisted of obtaining property ownership documents for 231 families, totaling 693 individuals. With the facility LOCUIRE Plus, an additional 25 families, representing 100 individuals, benefited from these services. Also, within the housing component, 69 households were connected to the internet network, necessary works were carried out to connect 12 households to the electricity network, current repairs (installation of insulated windows and doors) were completed for 65 households, and 115 households received household appliance packages (refrigerator and stove). In total, 711 people benefited from the housing services provided by the project.
The project provided essential community healthcare services, addressing medical and social issues within the target group. A total of 1,001 individuals benefited from services such as disease prevention, health education, family planning, and home-based care. Individuals diagnosed with health conditions were referred to specialized medical care. They also received support in obtaining medication and administering treatment. These interventions contributed directly to improving the health and well-being of the target group, aligning with the project''s planned outcomes.
The project provided support for obtaining identity documents. A total of 50 people received assistance in obtaining new identity documents. This intervention ensured their access to essential services and legal rights, contributing to the project''s planned outcomes.
On the employment component, 100 people participated in training courses for the assessment of professional skills in various fields such as security agent, kitchen assistant, plant cultivation worker, livestock worker, waiter, or hairdresser. A job fair was organized, bringing together representatives from six local employers. As a direct result, five beneficiaries secured formal employment contracts, while 11 worked as day laborers. Additionally, three beneficiaries started their own businesses, and seven individuals applied for a Producer Certificate to grow and sell greenhouse flowers and vegetables. These activities contributed to increasing access to employment opportunities and supporting small-scale entrepreneurship, directly aligning with the project’s planned outcomes.
The project provided educational support for both children and adults. A total of 117 children participated in non-formal education and leisure activities, improving their learning experience and social engagement. Additionally, a parenting education program was developed and implemented for a group of 45 mothers. This initiative aimed to strengthen parenting skills and promote positive family dynamics. These activities contributed to enhancing access to education and parental support, aligning with the project''s planned outcomes.
The project also implemented empowerment activities, addressed especially to women and youth, by promoting social responsibility and community engagement. A total of 110 people participated in these activities. A leadership training program for 10 Roma representatives focused on developing local partnerships, understanding community dynamics, analyzing problems, setting priorities, and improving public representation. Following discussions with Roma representatives, seven project ideas were proposed, and three were fully developed. These included training people in crafting willow reed items, establishing a Roma association for community facilitation, and organizing an interethnic festival to promote Roma traditions.
In addition, the project combated discrimination by implementing an anti-discrimination campaign, that reached 200 Roma individuals and 200 members of the majority community. These efforts helped reduce prejudice and improve social cohesion.
Overall, the project produced immediate results by delivering integrated services and targeted actions. It supported family-based development in housing, education, employment, and health while also addressing discrimination and legal challenges.
The project significantly improved the living conditions and social inclusion of the Roma community in Ghindari by addressing key challenges in housing, employment, healthcare, education, and community empowerment. Through an integrated approach, the project provided essential services that helped break the cycle of poverty and marginalization.
By securing legal ownership for families, improving infrastructure, and enhancing access to essential utilities, the project contributed to long-term stability and better living conditions. Increased access to healthcare services led to improved medical support, preventive care, and treatment for vulnerable individuals. Educational programs strengthened learning opportunities for children while also supporting parents in fostering a positive learning environment. Employment initiatives equipped individuals with professional skills, facilitated job placements, and supported entrepreneurship, creating new economic opportunities.
The project also promoted social empowerment by encouraging civic participation and reducing discrimination. By fostering dialogue between the Roma community and local authorities, it strengthened advocacy and representation. Through targeted awareness campaigns, community events, and leadership training, the project helped build stronger social ties and a more inclusive environment.
Overall, the project had a lasting impact by improving access to services, increasing economic participation, and fostering long-term social integration for the Roma population in Ghindari.