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03.11.2015International workshop, held in Norway discussed Roma integration models


Successful Roma integration models from Bulgaria, Romania and Norway were presented at a seminar, which was held from 28 to 30 of October in Oslo. It was organized by Programs supporting NGOs in Bulgaria and Romania, financed by the Norwegian Financial Mechanism, the Embassy of Norway in Sofia and Bucharest in partnership with the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign affairs. The seminar brought together over 80 participants from the three countries - representatives of NGOs, embassies and other institutions.

Roma integration is a priority for the Norwegian Financial Mechanism, said Mr. Anders Erdal, a representative of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the opening of the seminar. In the current programming period Norway required 10% of the funding mechanism in countries like Bulgaria and Romania to be used for projects for Roma integration. On the planning of the next period, he explained that the Norwegian government is ready to begin the process immediately, but was waiting for the EU member states to approve the framework agreement, as two of them have not yet done so. Immediately afterwards (probably in early 2016) would begin individual negotiations with each country, supported by the Mechanism. Roma integration will once again be among the priorities, assured Mr. Erdal.

H.E. Gyuru Katarina Vikyor, Ambassador of Norway to Bulgaria, highlighted that it is important not only how much money was spent on integration projects, but what results were achieved. The Norwegian Embassy in Bulgaria works very well with both the Bulgarian government and the Roma organizations such as Amalipe. We also have a very good interaction with the "Open Society"institute, which is the operator of the Fund for support of NGOs. Therefore, the results in Bulgaria are very good, said Her Excellency.

During the seminar were presented best practices from Bulgaria, Romania and Norway. For example Deyan Kolev (Amalipe) presented the program for reducing Roma children drop out of school "Every student can be a winner", Daniela Mihaylova (Association "Equal Opportunities") presented the activities of the association for the legalization of property and estates in some Roma neighborhoods and Lili Makaveeva (Integro Association) presented the longtime activity in stimulating community development and empowerment of the local Roma communities. During the discussions, Sarah Perrin (Trust for social achievement) shared the experience of the program "Ready for School" and the forthcoming program to introduce the practice of patronage nurses who will work with young pregnant women from the Roma community. Dimitar Dimitrov ("Open Society") presented the results of the Programme to support the Roma studying in medical universities. He was supported by Julia Yaneva, which is one of the tens of Roma medical students showing outstanding results in their studies.

Interesting practices were presented by Romania. Specific figures for the situation of the Roma in Bulgaria, Romania and Norway shared Maria Metodieva (Trust for social achievement), Florin Moisa (Resource Center for Roma Communities) and Ganar Slidal (Norwegian Helsinki Committee).

During the discussion session took place the talk about the future support of the EEA Financial Mechanism / Norwegian Financial Mechanism for Roma integration in the next programming period. The participants insisted on the preservation of Roma integration as one of the top priorities by proposing:

- The requirement for separation of at least 10% of the funds of the Mechanism for Roma integration to be specific to the various programs: for example, in the "Healthcare" Program 10% is too low and should be increased, while for other programs these percentages may be satisfied with difficulties;

- The mechanism to support the extension of the already proven successful models that have undergone an independent evaluation. These are in the areas of education and healthcare. At the same time to keep the possibility of piloting in other areas, such as employment and housing;

- To negotiate predefined projects under various programs: thus will significantly increase the likelihood of successful interventions on key integration issues. These projects must be agreed upon very clear criteria.

 

The seminar ended with a visit to the Open Air Museum, representing important moments in the history of the Roma in Norway. Participants split with satisfaction that in the face of the Norwegian Government have a collaborator, and the EEA Financial Mechanism / Norwegian Financial Mechanism will continue to support policies for Roma integration.

 

More photos you can see in the Facebook group Amalipe - Veliko Turnovo

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