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Description
Statistical data presented by the World Bank indicate that Roma are significantly poorer than non-Roma, and most Roma continue to live in much more poverty than other non-Roma citizens, respectively the risk of poverty of Roma in Romania is three times higher than that of non-Roma citizens.
Given the precarious socio-economic situation of Roma in Romania, the project aims to directly contribute to the medium and long term development of Roma in interethnic rural communities and improve the situation of young Roma by increasing capacity and entrepreneurship and capitalization traditional baggage, through: entrepreneurial training, support in the elaboration and implementation of business plans, support for carrying out income-generating activities and jobs within the community. At the same time, in order to facilitate the dialogue between the members of the interethnic rural communities targeted by the project in Giurgiu and Teleorman counties, the project involves a series of workshops on anti-discrimination and intercultural dialogue with the mission to address stereotypes and prejudices in interethnic rural communities.
The direct beneficiaries of the project will be the vulnerable groups, with a focus on young Roma from 5 interethnic rural communities, respectively: Comana, Prundu, Hotarele, Blejesti, Ciuperceni.
Also, by involving the partner we want to facilitate a transfer of know-how regarding the promotion of intercultural dialogue in interethnic communities, both to the Applicant and directly to the target group by contributing to the workshops on antidiscrimination and intercultural dialogue, as well as by facilitating the working visit of some representatives of the target group from Romania in the interethnic communities from Norway.
Summary of project results
For the entrepreneurial training activity, the main risk identified was the decrease in community interest in the project. To counter this, measures such as meetings with local authorities, collaboration agreements validated by the authorities and the involvement of city halls in supporting the efforts were taken. Also, a target group identification tool was created and a questionnaire was developed to motivate participation in the project activities. For the counseling and support activities, the risks identified included the low participation of beneficiaries in the support activities for finding a job and the low quality of the business plans in the competition. To counter these risks, local authorities were involved in the dissemination of the services offered, a Roma vocational counselor was hired and resources were allocated for training and consultancy in the development of business plans. Applications and registration forms were also created to motivate participation in the workshops dedicated to non-discrimination. Overall, the project management team anticipated risks and implemented strategies to manage them effectively, focusing on involving local authorities, motivating beneficiaries, and providing additional support to maximize the success of the proposed project activities.
Within the project, the logistic-functional activities were implemented, respectively A1. Project management; Activity 2. Information and communication, as well as the activities corresponding to the fulfillment of the project''s objectives, respectively: A3. Entrepreneurial training: "Entrepreneurial education for the well-being of Roma from interethnic rural communities" (deliverables: training contracts, evaluation forms, attendance lists, 118 people trained in the field of entrepreneurship, photos of training activities, database) A4. Counseling and support: "From craft to own business" (deliverables: minutes for putting into operation support centers, counseling sheets, individualized development plans, 65 beneficiaries received support in looking for a job, a regulation business plan competition, a business plan competition took place, 8 entrepreneurs did not benefit from financial support for starting small businesses in the field of handicrafts) A5. Actions to promote multicultural dialogue: "Roma and non-Roma together" (1 course support made, 85 people identified to participate in workshops dedicated to promoting non-discrimination and tolerance of Roma, 1 initiative group established, 10 community actions that promote non-discrimination of the Roma, 50 rural citizens participated in the community actions). A6. Organizational development: 3 members of the project team benefit from the development of project management skills. in the long term, the project facilitated the socio-professional integration of Roma in the interethnic rural communities targeted by the project through mutual understanding and respect, but also through changes in stereotyped behaviors in the long term, in ways that have a positive impact on the entire community. Understanding the problem of discrimination against Roma and
1 functional management system
2 conferences (start and end of project) on the progress and results of the project organized and implemented
118 beneficiaries from interethnic rural communities will obtain a certification in the field of entrepreneurship.
2 support centers put into operation in interethnic rural communities. 1 prize competition initiated and implemented. 8 business plans in the field of crafts awarded. 6 economic enterprises realized (PFA/II/IF) 8 beneficiaries receive support for business initiation and development 64 beneficiaries of the target group benefit from support for increasing employability. 1 platform for the promotion of Roma and non-Roma crafts put into operation.
85 people (Roma and non-Roma) participated in workshops dedicated to intercultural dialogue.
3 members of the project team will benefit from the development of skills in the field of management procedures.
Summary of bilateral results
The activity carried out in partnership with Pakistansk Kulturforening Skedsmo in Norway was materialized through extensive discussions with the partner to establish the content of the course material intended to promote non-discrimination and tolerance towards Roma. They also collaborated to facilitate a visit to Romania, during which workshops were corresponding to the A5 activities that were held, while also providing the opportunity to share the experiences of Pakistani minorities in Norway. Specifically, the applicant collaborated with the Norwegian partner to organize workshops on the topic of anti-discrimination and intercultural dialogue, as well as to animate and form the Intercultural Dialogue Promotion Group, while also ensuring the necessary logistical support for the target group''s travel to Norway.Common results achieved (e.g., they solved a particular problem by exchanging experience, knowledge, know-how or working together for common results)✔ Better mutual knowledge and understanding developed between the involved entities✔ The bilateral collaboration generated increased interest in our project from interested actors✔ The bilateral collaboration had effects beyond the project (e.g., our results are used in other contexts, we are now working together on other issues/themes)✔ The bilateral collaboration led to increased visibility (e.g., media coverage of the bilateral activity)