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Description
The project aims to increase the degree of social inclusion and improve access to integrated services for a number of 1190 people belonging to vulnerable groups (of which 884 Roma) from disadvantaged areas in Iana commune, Vaslui county (Iana, Siliștea and Recea) for a period for 20 months.
The main activities of the project are:
- Increasing access to and participation in quality education services by organizing a school-after-school program, providing support packages, organizing an information campaign on combating early school drop-out, organizing a school camp with an educational component and providing parental education services;
- Providing support for access to the labor market by providing information, counseling and professional mediation services, organizing qualification programs for 80 people and organizing an event job fair type;
- Preventing and combating social exclusion by providing quality dental services to people belonging to vulnerable groups and hygiene packages to raise awareness on and increase compliance with basic hygiene rules for children in vulnerable groups;
- Development of the individual capacities of Roma by organizing personal development workshops and informative seminars on asserting rights and carring out actions on inclusion and participation of Roma people in decision-making at the community level and by organizing training sessions on empowering Roma women. Main topics: women''s entrepreneurship, family budget management, communication and negotiation, ICT skills, awareness-raising campaigns;
- Preventing any form of discrimination against Roma belonging to vulnerable groups by running a staff and volunteer training program for 10 people, developing anti-discrimination tools such as a local action plan; organizing public events with the active participation of the Roma and the majority population; presentation of examples of good practice in combating discrimination and the promotion of rights.
Summary of project results
The project addressed the socio-economic challenges faced by vulnerable communities in Iana Commune, Vaslui County, where over 34% of the population identifies as Roma. The initiative aimed to increase social inclusion and access to integrated services in education, healthcare, employment, and anti-discrimination efforts, targeting 1.023 individuals, including 970 Roma, across five villages.
Iana Commune suffers from severe marginalization, with high poverty rates, limited access to quality education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. The needs assessment revealed that 46% of the population lives in poverty, with over 92% of adults unemployed. High school dropout rates and limited parental education further perpetuate this cycle. The project directly addressed these systemic challenges through integrated measures aligned with national strategies for Roma inclusion and local development plans.
The project aimed to improve social inclusion and access to integrated services (education, healthcare, employment, empowerment, and anti-discrimination) for 1.023 disadvantaged individuals, including 970 Roma, in Iana commune, Vaslui County.
The project increased access to quality education for 328 vulnerable children (307 Roma) through after-school programs, support packages, an awareness campaign on school dropout prevention, an educational summer camp for 93 children, and parental education sessions for 239 parents.
Employment support was provided to 691 vulnerable individuals (659 Roma) through counseling, job mediation, and training programs for 80 people. A job fair was also organized.
Healthcare services were provided by offering dental services to 423 Roma individuals and hygiene kits to 328 vulnerable children (306 Roma) to promote basic hygiene awareness.
Roma empowerment activities included personal development workshops for 75 individuals, informational seminars on rights, community participation initiatives, and training sessions for 120 Roma women on entrepreneurship, financial management, communication, negotiation, and digital skills. Awareness campaigns on women’s and youth empowerment were also conducted reaching 224 people.
To combat discrimination, the project trained 126 staff and volunteers, developed an anti-discrimination action plan, and organized public events like Roma Week to foster dialogue and showcase good practices in promoting Roma rights.
The project has a lasting impact on both direct beneficiaries and secondary target groups, including professionals, volunteers, and community members living in similar socio-economic conditions.
The after-school program helped prevent early school dropout among at-risk children. Support packages encouraged school participation, while awareness campaigns and educational summer camps reinforced the importance of education. Parental education sessions improved family engagement in children''s learning.
Career counseling and job mediation facilitated labor market access for vulnerable individuals, contributing to community economic growth. Vocational training in fields such as plumbing, home care, pastry, and hairdressing equipped participants with new skills. A job fair connected job seekers with employers, enhancing local employment opportunities and reducing social exclusion.
Dental services improved the health and well-being of vulnerable Roma individuals. Hygiene kits for children raised awareness of basic hygiene practices, fostering long-term health benefits.
Workshops on leadership, communication, teamwork, conflict resolution, and time management strengthened individual capabilities. Informational seminars increased awareness of rights and public services. Roma participation in local decision-making was promoted through public consultations. A campaign raised awareness on women’s and youth empowerment. Training for Roma women covered entrepreneurship, financial management, negotiation, and digital skills.
Staff and volunteer training increased awareness and response to discrimination. A local anti-discrimination action plan was developed. Public events, such as Roma Week, fostered social cohesion. Best practices from donor states were shared to support long-term inclusion efforts.
The project contributed to reducing social exclusion, improving economic opportunities, and promoting equality for Roma and other disadvantaged groups in Iana commune.