Description
The projects’ activities address the phenomenon of discrimination among vulnerable groups in general (Roma and other minorities, people with disabilities etc.), and people living with HIV/AIDS in particular – some of them Roma ethnics, who still encounter attitudes of rejection, discriminatory behavior, misconceptions that lead to stigmatization. The project goal is to increase the social inclusion of people living with HIV/AIDS in Vaslui County. This will be achieved through the following project objectives: (1) By the end of the project, 1080 students in at least 15 schools and colleges from rural communities and Vaslui county will be educated on HIV/AIDS and nondiscrimination of people living with HIV/AIDS, (2) By the end of the project, 30 representatives of public authorities will be informed and raised awareness on discrimination and its effects on individuals and the community. An information and education campaign among students in Vaslui County will be implemented. Also, an online component of the campaign will be developed and two workshops for the representatives of the local authorities from Vaslui County will be organized.
Summary of project results
The project addressed the phenomenon of discrimination of vulnerable groups in general, and people living with HIV/AIDS specifically, who still encounter rejection attitudes and discriminatory behaviour. With the main aim of increasing the social inclusion of people living with HIV/AIDS in Vaslui county, there were conducted activities that focused on one hand to inform the young generation in the local community, and on the other hand to involve representatives of public authorities that may influence public policies at local level. In this matter, a campaign - "Me. You. Us. Include tolerance in your daily habits!" - was conducted in order to inform and educate youngsters, with 39 activities held in 20 educational institutions in urban and rural areas and the participation of 1,400 students. The activities envisaged the development of a non-discriminatory behaviour by informing students on HIV/AIDS, which are the situations with risk of infections and which are not and tackling misconceptions about HIV-positive individuals. The students were taught that a social relationship with an HIV-positive person does not expose them to any danger, and personality of those living with HIV/AIDS is not defined by this condition. Further, the students were informed about discrimination, forms of discrimination, how it can be prevented, how to recognize a discriminatory behaviour, what a person should do if he/she is discriminated. 2 workshops with the participation of over 30 representatives of the local authorities were organised - they aimed to inform and raise awareness of the effects of discrimination and its impact on individuals in the community. During the project, Iris Association initiated and continued collaborations with public and educational institutions, starting new partnerships with high schools in the county and strengthening collaboration with local authorities. Also, through this project, the project promoter became more visible both in the local community and in the online environment as a promoter of non-discrimination.
Summary of bilateral results