Working Roma

About the Project

“Working Roma” is a project aimed at getting acquainted with the problems of working-age Roma, improving and increasing their employment possibilities, and reducing xenophobia and racism at work. Working Roma is implemented by a consortium of 9 partners from 9 EU countries, spanning from North to South of Europe – Spain (project coordinator), Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia and United Kingdom.

This project is co-funded by the Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme of the European Union

Background

The majority of Roma in Central and Southeast Europe find it difficult to find a permanent job. The factors for this are very complex. Through the exchange of good practices by Roma and employers who have hired Roma representatives, the project team will try to find the formula for support and successful realization of the working Roma in Bulgaria.

Objectives and impact

The project is developed under the assumption that labour market insertion must be a priority to promote the full social inclusion of Roma people. Based on this, the project has adopted the following main objectives:
  • Familiarizing the society with the main problems of educated Roma in working age;
  • Raising awareness of racism in the workplace;
  • Supporting access of vulnerable groups to vocational and competence trainings.

As a first step, two round table meetings were organized within the project’s framework, bringing together employers, experts, representatives of Roma communities, non-governmental organizations, state institutions and other stakeholders. These events aim at introducing and discovering the Roma problems for permanent employment. It is also planned to set up a local working group to analyze the activities carried out and the results achieved within the project. Trainings, interviews, analyses and consultations will also be carried out during the project to support the Roma community.

 

Project partners