Description
The project addresses the needs of young Roma people to overcome social isolation, boost their self-esteem and develop skills for employment and integration in the society. The project aims at meeting these needs by developing a network of activists trained to support Roma youth initiatives and empowerment. First, 5 Roma youth initiative groups will be set up in the municipalities of Plovdiv and Rakovski. Second, 27 Roma activists will be trained in human rights and anti-discrimination. The Roma activists will raise the awareness of about 420 local Roma youth on protection from discrimination. Third, a network of initiative groups will be set up and the groups will be trained in citizen participation and interaction with the local authorities. Finally, the groups will submit 2 packages of proposals to be included in the local youth policies. The project will benefit about 700 Roma students and young people helping them overcome their social isolation.
Summary of project results
A network of 5 youth initiative groups composed of 90 mainly Roma participants was set up under the project in the municipalities of Plovdiv and Rakovski. The young people acquired basic skills for civil participation and communication with the local authorities. Specific challenges and needs were identified and the initiative groups submitted proposals to the 2 municipalities for complementing the municipal youth policies with specific initiatives, measures and activities. The training sessions and consultations held under the project helped the young Roma from the vulnerable isolated neighbourhoods in the 2 municipalities to acquire practical skills for self-organization and community work. Finally, more than 600 Roma youth acquired basic knowledge about racism and discrimination via small community initiatives and information campaigns.
Summary of bilateral results