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Description
The project aims to contribute to increasing access to services for vulnerable people from the Apața commune and combating discrimination against the Roma. It is estimated that in the commune, the Roma population is 60%, the others being Hungarians and Romanians. The specific objectives of the project are: Organization of a multidisciplinary community intervention team capable of developing a system of complex and integrated social services for vulnerable groups; Increasing the level of awareness and sensitization to the issue of non-discrimination and equality of chances; Increasing access to services in the social, educational and medical fields for the target groups.
The target groups are made up of: 100 people of Roma ethnicity (60 children from the Apața School and 40 adults), 20 members of the other ethnicities who live in the implementation area and live in conditions similar to those of the Roma, 5 Roma experts and leaders and 15 specialists/volunteers.
The main activities are the following: counselling and professional guidance and vocational, non-formal education (education for intimate health, independent living skills, style of healthy living, hygiene, nutrition), mentoring program for 20 students, an workshop for students involvement in solving local community problems), personal development camp. In the field of health: help for accessing basic medical services and health mediation (health education, nutrition, planning, vaccination etc.). Two information campaigns: one on the topic of discrimination (including gender, taking into account the needs and situation of women of Roma ethnicity) and one aimed at empowering Roma. Material assistance will be provided (packages of food and hygiene products) for the beneficiaries of the project (100 people of Roma ethnicity and 20 non-Roma persons).
Summary of project results
In the Apața commune (Brasov County), it is estimated that the Roma population represent 60%, the remaining being Hungarians and Romanians.
At the community level, the problems faced by Roma are complex, including low education levels, barriers to accessing the labour market, segregation and poor living conditions, and limited access to social and medical services.
The community is confronted with a high school dropout rate as well as limited alternatives for adults and children regarding the educational opportunities. Thus, a lack of education and knowledge makes it more difficult to get work, which exacerbates poverty and social marginalization.
The project aimed at increasing access to services for vulnerable families and combating discrimination against Roma by providing information and education opportunities.
To address the previously mentioned challenges, PP organized activities to support school participation for 60 children and youth (mentoring, vocational counselling and guidance, leisure activities, camps for personal development, workshops on civic education, independent living skills, healthy lifestyle, hygiene, nutrition etc.).
61 people benefited from medical services consultations, rapid test analyses for HIV infections, Syphilis, Hepatitis A and B).
One thousand people were reached by two awareness campaigns carried out on the topic of discrimination and Roma empowerment, including a festival that aimed to promote Roma culture and local diversity.
120 disadvantaged people received material aid (food packages and hygiene products).
As a result of the project, the students’ interest in participating in courses increased and eighth grade students are more confident in choosing a career following the support received. Through outdoor leisure and socializing activities, the over 1,100 Roma beneficiaries felt cherished and linked to their own traditions and customs. Acknowledgment and the first significant event ever held in Apața (a festival where a well-known music star Roma ethnic - a positive example for the Roma community - participated and spoke about the importance of education) were beneficial to the town.