Together for success

Nedjelja, 20 Lipanj 2010 16:22

Aim of the project “Together for success” was integration of our Roma neighbors into the local community through active involvement and participation of local government, educational institutions and community members organized through following activities: Establishment of a women’ support group which includes Roma and non-Roma women; Direct support for Roma children education through working with parents and by offering pre-school and after-school support programs; and Developing basic hygiene habits and social skills of Roma children.

The project “Together for success” was implemented from September, 2008 until June, 2009 (during the school year 2008/2009) in villages Sveti Đurđ and Karlovec Ludbreški in the Međimurska County. The aim of the project was to improve the living conditions and better integration of Roma population into local community.

Through after-school learning support, support groups, counseling as well as workshops for cooking and gardening, development of hygiene habits and social skills and creating a community, we tried to minimize the differences between Roma population and local residents to support their integration. All school children from villages, Roma and local residents, participated in activities.
Although the initial motivation of Roma women was low, much work on improving hygiene, preparing healthy and cheap food and better childcare was done. The interest in farming and growing vegetables in gardens was increased.
Also, the fact that we managed to include all children in pre-school program, that 16 of 19 students included in after-school learning support successfully completed the class and finally that the cooperation with local associations, Center for Social Welfare and local community is improved, indicates the success of achieving our goals.
Despite numerous difficulties during the implementation of activities, we can be satisfied with the results achieved although it is clear that some long-term changes would after years of continuous work and support.