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Description
The project focuses on a marginalized community of about 1,500 people in Jelsava, predominantly of Roma nationality, who shows characteristics of passivity with respect to social matters. It does not focus on fulfilling the immediate needs of the vulnerable group, but to shape active citizens from that group. The aim of the project is to provide intensive program to carefully selected 20 members of this community. During the program they will learn to recognize specific needs of their community, understand that they are not dependent on passivity, experience empowerment in democratic processes, and ultimately learn to lead others by modern means of communication. Main activities of the project include mentoring of the participants, discussions, teambuildings and organization of the conference. The project also involves local authorities in the implementation of the activities. It provides direct contact between government and members of the community and promotes mutual understanding and respect. The selected group will be motivated and encouraged to engage in the city''s activities at the level of government and act as role models for their surroundings. The expected results of the project is increased motivation and inclusion of young Roma people and reduction of tensions between the majority and the Roma minority in Jelsava.
Summary of project results
The project focuses on a marginalized community of about 1,500 people, mostly of Roma nationality, which shows characteristics of passivity towards social events. We observe an attitude of apathy, even distrust towards the local government. The main characteristic of the community is a focus on fulfilling their immediate needs and a lack of perception of society''s needs. The objective of the project "One for all, all for the community" was to involve young people from the above mentioned Roma community in systematic and long-term volunteering work and their mobilization within the civil society and the community. The following activities were implemented as a part of the project: Mentoring; Team building; Discussion forums and conferences;Creating videos for social media. The project created a group of 14 active local volunteers from socially disadvantaged backgrounds. A total of 2,994 people were reached and we developed the model for working with vulnerable groups. Through the project, the participants gained a broader overview of the issues in the community and are now able to focus more effectively on developing the community in which they live. Great importance was also the encouragement of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to take responsibility for their community through volunteering and to take an active part in public life.