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Description
There is a large Roma community in Zborov and a significant part of them still live in poverty and conditions that do not meet current standards. A person born in such conditions often lacks a chance to lead a meaningful adult life. This project has the ambition through an integrated approach, to help those people to get out of the circle of poverty and improve their position in society. The project is a direct follow-up related to already implemented activities and projects by NGOs and municipalities with the Roma community. Project development is based on participatory consultations with the local Roma community, Field Social and Community Workers, and members of the Local Municipal Law Enforcement Service. Based on these consultations, the needs of the marginalized Roma community (MRC) were defined. The project will cover areas of housing, employment, education, health, and non-discrimination. Area of housing and employment will be provided by direct assistance of the project partner “ZBOR-STAV”. In the field of education, health, and non-discrimination, two partners will have an active role. The project partner “Cesta von” will provide activities aimed at educating children and partner “Vyrovnávanie šancí” will oversee educating pre-school children and improving the reading skills of their parents.
Summary of project results
The project "Support and Development of MRC Activities in Zborov" focused on addressing challenges faced by marginalized Roma communities (MRC) in the municipality of Zborov. These challenges included poverty, high unemployment rates, low levels of education, poor housing conditions, and social exclusion. The target group often lived in disadvantaged environments with limited access to services, leading to inequalities and discrimination that hindered their full participation in society.
The project aimed to break the cycle of poverty and social exclusion by promoting equal opportunities, improving skills, and enhancing living conditions for Roma individuals and families. It also sought to foster better relations between Roma and non-Roma residents in the region, as mutual tensions and prejudices had long been barriers to social cohesion. By implementing integrated, inclusive activities, the project aimed to improve the quality of life for vulnerable groups in the community.
The project implemented a variety of activities to foster social inclusion, improve skills, and create opportunities for Roma families, youth, and adults. The key activities and outputs were as follows:
Informal Education Programs:
- Toy Library Program: A resource that allowed families to borrow toys, books, and games to promote child development and strengthen the parent-child relationship through shared play and learning.
- Your Story Program: Led by trained mentors, mothers met weekly to read stories and reflect on their content. The program improved literacy skills, empowered mothers, and fostered stronger family bonds through reading.
Creative and Cultural Activities:
- Organized joint creative workshops (e.g., Easter, Christmas, and All Souls’ Day decorations) where Roma and non-Roma participants collaborated. Activities like painting, drawing, and mosaics encouraged creativity while strengthening community relationships.
Sport and Physical Activities:
- Supported football teams (U15, U19, and adult categories) by providing equipment and organizing training sessions.
- Promoted chess, winter sports, and physiotherapy activities, especially for women, encouraging active and healthy lifestyles.
Early Childhood Development – Omama Program:
- Focused on children aged 0-3 years from marginalized communities, improving their cognitive and language skills through guided stimulation. Roma women (Omamas) led these activities, ensuring cultural relevance and trust.
Skill Development for Employment:
- Adults participated in training sessions to develop skills in construction work under the supervision of a foreman. This training prepared participants for self-help housing construction projects or other job opportunities.
Community Gardening, Beekeeping, and Cooking Programs:
- Set up and maintained community gardens, offered training in beekeeping, and organized cooking sessions in the newly equipped kitchen at the Community Center. These activities supported self-sufficiency and strengthened community engagement.
The project delivered results, improving the lives of Roma individuals and fostering inclusive community development:
Participation and Inclusion:
- The project engaged 581 Roma participants, including 228 men and 353 women, representing 29% of the officially registered Roma population in Zborov.
- Activities were inclusive, promoting collaboration between Roma and non-Roma participants to build mutual understanding and reduce prejudice.
Employment Opportunities:
- The project directly employed 10 Roma residents, contributing to improved livelihoods and economic inclusion.
Skill and Personal Development:
- Programs like Your Story and Toy Library enhanced literacy and parenting skills, empowering families to support their children’s development.
- Adults gained valuable construction skills and work habits, improving their employment prospects.
Community Impact:
- The Omama program prepared young children for school, improving their readiness and future academic outcomes.
- Gardening, beekeeping, and cooking activities fostered self-sufficiency and strengthened community ties.
Positive Social Change:
- The share of the majority population accepting Roma increased to more than 50%, reflecting the project’s success in fostering inclusivity and breaking down stereotypes.
- Safe spaces were created for children and youth to prepare for school, spend free time meaningfully, and develop their skills and potential.
Sustainability and Institutional Support:
- The project supported the development of two partner organizations: ZBOR-STAV (a registered social enterprise) and Cesta von (Way Out), further strengthening local capacities to work with marginalized communities.