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Description
The main problem this project deals with is the inadequate media representation of the Roma national minority, which ultimately contributes to their greater marginalization.
The specific goals that seek to encourage positive change are: empowering young Roma people by including them in educational, social, cultural, artistic and business processes; improving journalistic competencies in reporting on Roma through the development of new working methods and cross-sectoral and intra-sectoral cooperation and synergies in the development of regional policies.
The main activities to achieve these goals include education of future media workers, production and publication of media content, organization of events, radio reporting workshop on vulnerable groups and the development of the Action Plan for Roma inclusion in PGC.
The multiplier effect will be achieved by cooperating with radio stations that will rebroadcast recorded radio shows and by spreading examples of good practice to other media workers through a workshop which will also serve as an exchange of experiences concerned with media reporting of vulnerable social groups.
The partner association will lead the process of cooperation and development of local policies, educating users on relevant topics, while the Ri Rock Association is in charge of organizing events, producing media content and other activities.
The project directly contributes to strengthening of democratic culture, civic awareness and engagement (Output 3), with an emphasis on supporting and empowering vulnerable groups, while its implementation will lead to greater inclusion of the Roma people in society, reduce prejudice and develop a more positive perception of Roma culture and identity.
Summary of project results
The "Wheel of Inclusion" project aimed to tackle three significant challenges related to Roma communitzy in Primorsko-goranska County, Croatia. Firstly, it aimed to address the negative and insufficient portrayal of Roma people in the media. Typically, media discussions about Roma arise from the viewpoints of the majority population, often depicting them in a stereotypical manner or highlighting individuals perceived as different from the broader Roma community. Secondly, Roma culture, encompassing music, performance, and theater, is frequently undervalued, with Roma often seen merely as performers rather than acknowledged as creators in their own right. Thus, the project aimed to combat the lack of awareness among local communities, particularly in Rijeka, Croatia, and surrounding areas, regarding Roma culture and the social obstacles Roma face, such as limited access to education and healthcare. Lastly, the project aimed to address the insufficient collaboration across different sectors and within sectors concerning the formulation of regional policies crucial to the Roma community. Policy-making processes related to Roma typically adopt a top-down approach, predominantly led by government agencies, which often neglects the input of Roma representatives and community members in discussions about social issues affecting them.
To tackle these challenges, the project aimed to empower young Roma by integrating them into various aspects of society, including education, social engagement, cultural expression, artistic endeavors, and economic opportunities. Additionally, it aimed to enhance the journalistic skills of young Roma, enabling them to report on issues concerning Roma and other marginalized groups using innovative approaches. Moreover, the project sought to promote collaboration across different sectors and within sectors to develop comprehensive regional policies that effectively address the needs of the Roma community. Furthermore, it aimed to support the growth of participating associations and foster partnerships with other civil society organizations.
The project addressed the challenges faced by the Roma community through a series of inclusive activities. A central initiative was the roundtable titled "The Position of Roma in Primorsko-goranska County – Challenges and Solutions." This event brought together 25 participants, including Roma individuals, representatives, and government officials, to discuss the community''s needs and experiences, particularly in relation to strategic documents. The roundtable also facilitated networking and led to a draft Action Plan for Roma inclusion.
Education for future media workers was another key component, involving four participants in workshops on Roma-related topics and radio production. These participants gained theoretical and practical skills, which they applied in creating 16 radio shows and eight issues of the "Inkluzivni kotač" ("The Wheel of Inclusion") magazine. This media content focused on Roma issues and featured discussions with various guests, helping to raise awareness and understanding of the community.
The project also organized cultural events showcasing Roma culture and art to combat prejudice and foster integration. Two events, featuring 50 performers and attracting 400 attendees, included plays, musical performances, and discussions. These events highlighted both the challenges faced by the Roma and positive examples of inclusion, fostering a more inclusive community.
Workshops focused on creating an Action Plan for Roma inclusion were also held, engaging 33 Roma participants and 16 non-Roma participants. These workshops involved identifying priorities, proposing measures, and collecting information from Roma individuals using a European Commission tool. Discussions with local and regional authorities were also conducted to align efforts for Roma inclusion.
The project outcomes demonstrate the project''s broad impact, benefiting young Roma, civil society organizations, and the wider community by fostering inclusion, raising awareness, and enhancing intersectoral collaboration.
The project successfully empowered young Roma, specifically targeting those under 29 years old. Four young Roma women with no prior media experience received training in media production, resulting in the creation of 16 radio shows and eight issues of the "Inkluzivni kotač" magazine. This enhanced their media and technical skills, making them more competitive in the job market. Their work also served as a role model within the Roma community, inspiring others and potentially leading to a continued, objective, and sensitive portrayal of Roma issues in the media.Additionally, young Roma performers were given opportunities to showcase their talents at cultural events, gaining stage experience and positive public recognition. This not only bolstered their artistic careers but also helped bridge the gap between Roma and the broader community, fostering mutual respect and understanding.
Awareness about Roma issues was raised among the general population, especially in Rijeka and its surroundings. By producing media content accessible online, it reached audiences across Croatia and globally. The cultural events organized under the project helped to build a sense of community and mutual respect between Roma and the majority population. Volunteers from the general population worked alongside Roma individuals, further enhancing intercultural understanding.
The project supported intersectoral and intrasectoral cooperation, involving local and regional Roma councils, government representatives, and civil society organizations. This led to the creation of a draft Action Plan for Roma inclusion in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County. Through roundtables and workshops, key stakeholders articulated the challenges faced by the Roma community and mapped out necessary actions. This process established communication channels between Roma representatives and local authorities, laying the groundwork for future policy development.
It also focused on strengthening the capacities and sustainability of the Ri Rock Association, a key civil society organization. Members of the association participated in supervisory meetings and strategic planning workshops, improving their organizational management skills. This resulted in the development of a strategic plan for 2023-2026 and enhanced media presence, ensuring greater visibility and sustainability for the organization. Additionally, training in advanced audio production and reporting on vulnerable groups improved the technical and journalistic competencies of the association’s members, leading to higher quality media production and more sensitive reporting on Roma and other vulnerable groups.