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Description
The project seeks to establish new services in Pecica, a locality with a high share of vulnerable Roma population. The general objective is to increase the inclusion and empowerment of Roma in the city of Pecica by developing social, educational, employment and health services. Empowerment and awareness-raising campaigns are other important components of the project. The specific objectives of the project are: - Increasing access to social, educational, employment and health services for 707 Roma people; - Developing interpersonal abilities of 628 Roma, by involving them in relevant programs such as parenting, cultural activities and life skills programs; - Implementing an awareness-raising campaign in order to combat discrimination, stereotypes and anti-Roma attitudes for 440 people in Pecica.
The target group is made-up of 1906 persons, among which 1335 are Roma.
The project proposes innovative an approach by creating a network of 3 organization, both public and private, that will develop best practices usable at national levels.
Summary of project results
The project addressed severe socio-economic exclusion in the Roma communities of Pecica, where many families faced poverty, lack of education, unemployment, and poor living conditions. A significant part of the population had low education levels, with 4% of residents over the age of 11 having no formal education and 27% completing only middle school. Many Roma families did not prioritize formal schooling due to a lack of awareness, financial struggles, and social marginalization. As a result, Roma children had a high risk of dropping out, struggled with school attendance, and lacked the resources needed to complete their education.
Employment was another critical issue. 43% of working-age individuals (16-64 years old) were not employed and did not pursue any form of education or training. The lack of professional qualifications and limited job opportunities led to high levels of informal work, low income, and long-term dependence on social benefits. To address this, the project provided vocational counseling and job placement services, supporting individuals in finding stable employment and improving their financial situation.
Poverty and inadequate living conditions further deepened social exclusion. Over 36% of Roma families had monthly incomes below 500 lei, making it difficult to afford basic necessities such as food, clothing, hygiene products, and school supplies. Housing conditions were overcrowded, with many families living in homes that lacked proper sanitation and utilities. These factors contributed to poor health outcomes, with limited access to medical services. The project aimed to improve access to healthcare and preventive medical services, including health education and hygiene awareness programs.
To break the cycle of poverty and exclusion, the project established a day center to provide educational support, extracurricular activities, and social integration programs. Children participated in after-school programs, sports, excursions, and summer camps, which encouraged school attendance and prevented dropout. At the same time, adults received training on parenting skills and financial management, helping them better support their families.
Another key intervention focused on reducing discrimination and promoting Roma inclusion. Awareness campaigns targeted the majority population, aiming to change attitudes, combat stereotypes, and encourage social cohesion. The project also empowered Roma individuals by building their leadership skills and encouraging civic participation.
The project successfully increased school participation, improved employment rates, and expanded access to healthcare for Roma families in Pecica. Roma children received educational support, which helped them stay in school and improve their academic performance. Adults gained job skills and employment opportunities, leading to greater financial stability. The improvement in healthcare access resulted in better health awareness and preventive care for vulnerable families.
By providing integrated support in education, employment, and healthcare, the project helped reduce social exclusion and create lasting improvements in the quality of life for Roma communities. The long-term impact included higher school retention, better job prospects, improved living conditions, and increased social participation. Through these efforts, the project empowered Roma individuals and strengthened the capacity of local institutions to support marginalized communities.
The project aimed to improve access to social, educational, employment, and healthcare services for vulnerable Roma populations. A key achievement was the construction and operation of a new Day Center. A training seminar prepared 12 staff members to work with Roma beneficiaries, ensuring that the center could provide high-quality support.
In the field of education, the project provided services for 612 Roma children. Through non-formal education activities, children participated in excursions, camps, and interactive learning experiences. Sports competitions, including football, basketball, volleyball, and tennis, engaged 100 children, fostering teamwork and discipline. Workshops addressing juvenile delinquency, drug use, and human trafficking were attended by 200 Roma youth, raising awareness about social risks and encouraging responsible decision-making. These activities contributed to increased school attendance and reduced dropout rates.
To improve employment opportunities, the project offered vocational counseling to 130 Roma individuals. Job preparation sessions covered CV writing, interview techniques, and labor rights. As a result, 12 beneficiaries successfully secured employment, gaining financial independence and stability.
Healthcare services reached 125 Roma individuals. Educational workshops on hygiene, disease prevention, vaccination, and family planning provided essential knowledge and encouraged better health practices. Counseling and guidance helped participants understand how to access medical services, improving overall health awareness in the community.
Empowerment and capacity development activities strengthened the Roma community’s ability to make informed decisions and advocate for their rights. Awareness campaigns promoted social inclusion and aimed to reduce discrimination by engaging both Roma individuals and the majority population.
The project successfully delivered integrated support services, ensuring better access to education, employment, and healthcare for vulnerable Roma families in Pecica. By addressing these key areas, the project contributed to long-term social inclusion and economic stability for the community.
The project significantly improved social inclusion and empowerment for Roma communities in Pecica, achieving measurable results in education, employment, healthcare, and anti-discrimination efforts. Before the intervention, many Roma individuals faced barriers to education, employment, and healthcare due to poverty, lack of awareness, and systemic discrimination. The project provided targeted support to break these cycles and create sustainable improvements in their quality of life.
Through its education component, the project supported 612 Roma individuals, exceeding the initial target of 552. Educational services helped children and young people stay in school, improving attendance and reducing dropout rates. By engaging children in learning activities and providing structured educational support, the project increased motivation and long-term participation in formal education.
Employment opportunities were expanded through vocational training and job counseling, benefiting 130 Roma individuals, surpassing the planned target of 80. The program provided guidance on job applications, interviews, and workplace integration, helping beneficiaries improve their financial independence and economic stability.
Healthcare services reached 125 Roma individuals, exceeding the initial goal of 75. This services helped the Roma individuals to access medical care, preventive health services, and counseling. Awareness campaigns on hygiene, vaccination, and disease prevention contributed to long-term health improvements within the community.
The project also strengthened efforts to combat discrimination and promote inclusion. A large-scale awareness campaign reached 400 people from the majority population, helping to improve attitudes toward Roma communities. Additionally, 52 professionals were trained to work effectively with Roma individuals, ensuring more inclusive social and public services.
To further support social inclusion, the project developed a structured anti-discrimination tool and conducted campaigns promoting equal rights. The acceptance of Roma individuals by the majority population improved significantly, rising from a baseline of 4.48 to 8.15 on a 10-point scale.
Overall, the project successfully increased access to education, employment, and healthcare while fostering long-term social inclusion and empowerment. By providing structured support and awareness initiatives, it helped Roma individuals gain better opportunities and improved their ability to participate fully in society.