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Description
The main goal of the project is to improve the conditions for Roma inclusion, poverty reduction and local development in the village of Pečovská Nová Ves. This main goal will be fulfilled through the fulfillment of 5 sub-goals: 1. Improving the situation in the field of health and hygiene of Marginalized Roma Community members in the municipality; 2. Improving the housing situation of Marginalized Roma Community members in the municipality; 3. Improving the educational level of Marginalized Roma Community members in the municipality; 4. Increasing the employability of Marginalized Roma Community members in the municipality; 5. Reduction of discrimination, extremism, hate speech and hoax in cyberspace.
In order to achieve specific goals, activities are proposed that contribute to the achievement of specific goals and solving problem areas:
• Activity 1 - "Healthier community" - creating conditions for improving the health status of Marginalized Roma Community members through the construction of a "Hygiene Center", organizing educational activities in the field of hygiene and a healthy lifestyle.
• Activity 2: "Let''s move from a young age" - exercise activities as prevention of diseases and social exclusion.
• Activity 3: Psychological counseling for a healthier community.
• Activity 4: Legal housing - Professional assistance in obtaining legal housing.
• Activity 5: "Education is the foundation" - lessons after school for less successful pupils.
• Activity 6: "Professional approach - the basis of success" - professional training of community workers and field social workers.
• Activity 7: "Better chance for employment" - construction, agricultural and gardening courses. • Activity 8: "Let''s not discriminate" - educational activities against hate speech, radicalization and extremism with an emphasis on these expressions within social networks and the Internet.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address several complex issues impacting the well-being and inclusion of the Marginalized Roma Community (MRC) in Pečovská Nová Ves:
Health and Hygiene: Although healthcare services are accessible locally, the MRC faces high morbidity rates due to inadequate hygiene stemming from a lack of basic sanitary facilities, such as bathrooms with hot water. Many community households lack these essentials, leading to increased health issues, especially among school-aged children, who experience higher absenteeism, fall behind in school, and face greater challenges in obtaining employment. Additionally, the lack of physical activity among children has contributed to early obesity and a passive lifestyle. These issues collectively create barriers to both physical and mental health, with long-term educational impacts.
Housing Quality and Security: Many MRC homes are in poor condition and often situated on legally unsettled land, making renovations difficult. While residents are motivated to improve their living environments, they are hindered by the legal and logistical challenges tied to the unsettled status of their properties. Addressing these issues requires property legalization and foundational support, as residents struggle to independently resolve these constraints.
Educational Challenges: Low educational attainment is a persistent issue in the MRC, where barriers extend beyond the classroom. Children are often unable to study effectively at home due to cramped and challenging living conditions, while many parents lack the skills to support their children’s learning. Addressing this problem requires comprehensive interventions, including improvements in health, housing, and employment, as well as enhanced social support and educational resources. There is also an ongoing need to build the skills of community and social workers so they can meet these multifaceted challenges.
High Unemployment: Unemployment in the MRC is both a serious issue and a visible symptom of underlying challenges. Many residents lack basic work-related skills in areas like construction, agriculture, and trades—fields with local job opportunities. While there is demand for low-skilled labor, members of the MRC need fundamental skill-building and work experience to access these opportunities.
Discrimination: Despite efforts by local institutions to promote inclusivity, MRC members continue to face discrimination, especially in online spaces. Although many community members now have access to the internet, they often struggle to navigate social media responsibly and are more vulnerable to online hate speech, radicalization, cyberbullying, hoaxes, and even sexual exploitation. These online dangers highlight the need for digital literacy and resilience training to help residents protect themselves in increasingly digital spaces.
These issues highlight the need for a holistic, multi-sectoral approach to improve health, living conditions, education, employment, and social inclusion for the MRC.
This project aimed to improve health, education, legal housing, and employment opportunities within Roma communites as well as foster inclusivity and community well-being. These were the main project activities and outputs:
Healthier Community: Constructed a "Hygiene Center" and held educational workshops on personal hygiene and healthy living, reaching 100 individuals through lectures and 120 mothers and children through workshops.
Physical Activity for Disease Prevention: Installed play equipment to develop children’s movement skills, trained kindergarten teachers in physical activity, and provided football equipment and training sessions.
Psychological Counseling: Delivered over 300 hours of psychological support primarily to students and parents in Pečovská Nová Ves.
Legal Housing Assistance: Offered professional support and developed documentation for utility network connections.
Educational Support: Provided 20 months of tutoring sessions for disadvantaged students.
Vocational Training for Community Workers: Trained 17 community and social workers.
Employment Skills Training: Conducted 60-hour courses in construction, agriculture, and gardening for 25 participants each.
Anti-Discrimination Education: Organized workshops (4 each) for 50 participants on topics like extremism, hate speech, cyberbullying, and abuse.
The project achieved significant outcomes for multiple beneficiary groups:
Marginalized Roma Community (MRC) in Pečovská Nová Ves (780 residents): Through targeted activities, the project addressed core issues impacting health, education, housing, and employability. This led to improved living conditions, poverty reduction, and better social inclusion, directly benefiting MRC members.
All Residents of Pečovská Nová Ves (2,750 residents): The broader community benefited as the improved conditions and skill development among the MRC strengthened the village’s social and economic foundations. Healthier and more employable MRC members became contributors to local growth, fostering community development.
Residents of Surrounding Municipalities within Bachureň MAS (11,200+ residents): Educational programs and collaborative problem-solving efforts included residents from nearby areas, enabling knowledge exchange and community strengthening beyond Pečovská Nová Ves.
These outcomes collectively promoted social inclusion, economic opportunities, and local development across beneficiary groups.