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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. 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.