Municipality of Žabalj - "More experience for more opportunities-Enchancing social inclusion of Roma in Žabalj” project

Municipality of Žabalj

PROJECT TITLE: More experience for more opportunities-Enchancing social inclusion of Roma in Žabalj

VALUE: EUR 64,096

DURATION: 12 months

PARTNER: Women’s Association "Romena"

BENEFICIARIES: 100 children and youth of Roma nationality and majority population aged 10 to 18 years, 25 Roma men and women older than 19 years, 25 employees in public institutions of Žabalj, 25 employees in the education sector

The Municipality of Žabalj, as the project leader, in collaboration with the Women's Association "Romena", is implementing the project "More Experience for More Opportunities - Enhancing Social Inclusion of Roma in Žabalj", aimed at supporting greater social inclusion of the Roma national minority, which represents the largest national minority in this municipality, through active initiatives and capacity building in the local community.

The project "More Experience for More Opportunities - Enhancing Social Inclusion of Roma in Žabalj" is focused on improving conditions for active social inclusion of Roma, women, men, and children, through educational initiatives and awareness-raising.  A total of 125 Roma, children and adults, will participate in various activities promoting legal education and capacity building, enabling adults to be informed about legal procedures and rights in sectors such as education, social protection, and housing.  Additionally, the capacities of local actors will be strengthened to systematically approach Roma inclusion and raise awareness about "antigypsyism", a specific form of racism.  The focus will be on combating discrimination in the education system and reducing the dropout rate among the Roma national minority, with a focus on girls.  The project will organize educational and awareness-raising activities, including the production of Forum Theatre and the organization of various socially engaged events.  Forum Theatre will involve Roma and non-Roma children and youth, allowing them to explore themes of social justice and discrimination through interactive performances.  The audience will have the opportunity to participate in the performance, suggest and play alternative solutions, thus fostering dialogue and collective problem-solving.  Also, 9 events are planned, including workshops, anti-discrimination campaigns, marking important dates, and promoting Roma culture.  The goal is to empower participants and raise awareness about equality and living conditions of Roma and non-Roma in Žabalj.

All activities will be conducted without discrimination, respecting the principles of gender equality.  This project will contribute to the enhancement of social inclusion of Roma in Žabalj by empowering Roma children, youth, and adults for active participation in the local community through the implementation of educational initiatives and awareness-raising, as well as through capacity building of local institutions for inter-sector cooperation and actions related to Roma issues.

Contact person in the project team: Slavica Vukasović, project manager (zabaljromena1@gmail.com)