More information
Description
The project responds to some of the most urgent problems identified at local level: vulnerable groups, especially Roma, lack access to basic hygiene facilities and to educational and health services. Moreover, their lack of knowledge, motivation and skills impedes their access to the labor market. To this, the low capacity of the local authorities to respond to these needs and challenges is added.
The project aims to increase the inclusion and empowerment of Roma in Satu Mare County, by providing integrated services for 1300 people from vulnerable families (including 1250 Roma). The project will also increase the capacity of the local authorities in Satu Mare to act effectively to enhance the social inclusion of the Roma.
The project is expected to increase the social inclusion of the target group, who will be provided educational services (non-formal education, training/ empowerment services for young Roma mothers), employment services, health services (creating first-aid community level, trainings and workshops on personal health and hygiene, disease prevention, nutrition and contraception etc.) One important component of the project will be the investments component: 10 public baths with laundry facilities will be set-up in 10 Roma communities in order the increase access to basic services.
Summary of project results
The project was necessary to address critical issues identified among vulnerable groups, particularly Roma communities, in 10 localities in Satu Mare County. A field assessment revealed severe socio-economic challenges, including poor hygiene and sanitation conditions, lack of access to remedial education, inadequate family planning awareness, and poor health conditions. Young Roma faces significant barriers in entering the labor market due to a lack of education, motivation, and professional skills. Moreover, local authorities struggle to respond effectively to the needs of these communities due to limited human and financial resources.
The assessment showed that over 20% of the population in the targeted areas is of Roma ethnicity, facing systemic exclusion and discrimination. In urban districts like Sărăuad and Cerveghi (Tășnad), migration has left many children in single-parent households, worsening their living conditions. Poor hygiene and malnutrition contribute to severe health issues, and the lack of financial and life skills education exacerbates the cycle of poverty. Adolescent pregnancies (as young as 14-15 years old) highlight the urgent need for sexual and reproductive health education. Many Roma struggle to find stable employment due to a lack of professional training, experience, and role models within their communities.
In rural areas, extreme poverty prevails, with families dependent on social benefits or seasonal work. In some communities, people lack even basic sanitation facilities, contributing to frequent illnesses. School dropout rates are alarmingly high, as parents often do not recognize the value of education, and girls who become pregnant abandon school early. Children from these communities suffer from delayed physical and emotional development, poor academic performance, and limited access to extracurricular activities.
To address these complex issues, the project adopted an integrated approach, engaging families directly and ensuring rigorous target group identification. Community facilitators, supported by local social workers, played a crucial role in mobilizing beneficiaries and raising awareness about employment opportunities and labor market inclusion. The project also implemented education programs for children and young mothers, offering essential knowledge on child-rearing, nutrition, contraception, and domestic violence prevention. These were complemented by preventive health services, basic medical consultations, and the establishment of community bathhouses equipped with laundry facilities.
A sustainable long-term impact was ensured by training young Roma as first-aid responders in their communities, improving access to emergency healthcare, particularly in remote areas where medical services are scarce. Additionally, 15 health mediators were trained to facilitate non-discriminatory access to quality healthcare, fostering trust between Roma communities and health authorities. The project also strengthened local administration capacity by providing training on Roma rights advocacy to local leaders and municipal experts, empowering them to continue addressing these issues beyond the project''s duration.
Through these interventions, the project significantly contributed to breaking the cycle of exclusion and improving living conditions, education, employment opportunities, and health outcomes for the Roma communities in Satu Mare County.
The project aimed to increase the inclusion and empowerment of Roma communities in Satu Mare County by providing educational, employment, and healthcare services to 1.360 vulnerable individuals, including 1.250 Roma. It also strengthened local capacities in 10 communities (two urban and eight rural) to promote social inclusion.
Educational services were provided to at least 680 vulnerable children and youth, mainly of Roma ethnicity, across 10 localities. Activities included non-formal education, a life skills camp for youth, remedial education for 80 students in Hrip, and empowerment sessions for at least 100 young Roma mothers.
Employment support targeted 620 inactive Roma youth from 10 communities. The project raised awareness of equal opportunities in the labor market, provided skills and information for job access, and facilitated employment mediation for 108 young people.
Healthcare services reached 680 vulnerable children and 620 at-risk individuals, mainly Roma. The project established first aid services in 10 communities, promoted hygiene and disease prevention, and invested in 10 communal bathing facilities.
Local capacity building efforts included training 15 Roma health mediators and 15 Roma community facilitators to support and organize Roma communities in addressing their challenges.
By implementing these activities, the project contributed to long-term social change by improving education, healthcare, and employment opportunities while fostering local leadership and reducing discrimination.
The project introduced an integrated approach to social inclusion, benefiting 1.360 vulnerable individuals, primarily Roma, in targeted communities. It provided educational, employment, and health services, with a strong focus on young people, mothers, and children.
The School for Mothers program supported 100 young Roma mothers facing multiple challenges. They gained essential knowledge on childcare, nutrition, contraception, and domestic violence prevention. Parenting workshops led by experts helped improve their skills and confidence. A psychologist provided additional counseling, ensuring high-quality support.
The project promoted health education and hygiene through practical activities. Beneficiaries learned about disease prevention, first aid, nutrition, and contraception. The program included family planning and nutrition workshops, delivered by medical experts.
A major achievement was the creation of a first aid service in targeted communities. Roma youth received training and first aid kits, improving emergency response at the local level. This strengthened community resilience and increased young people''s self-confidence and status.
The project invested in 10 public bathhouses, giving families without private bathrooms access to hygiene facilities. These were accompanied by hygiene education sessions on personal care, disease prevention, and public bath usage.
A key innovation was the community-driven approach. Local stakeholders and target groups were actively involved, ensuring sustainable change. The project strengthened local capacity by training Roma mediators and facilitators, who will continue to support their communities.
Through these actions, the project improved living conditions, promoted social inclusion, and created long-term opportunities for vulnerable Roma and non-Roma individuals.