A successful first year of activities for the beneficiaries of the project “Inclusion and Health in PORT (Hârșova) through Education, Arts, and Sports” – PN1038

The project’s general objective is to enhance inclusion and social empowerment for the Roma community in Hârșova through interventions that encourage increased access to quality medical services for children, non-formal activities that reduce absenteeism and school dropout rates, combat ethnic discrimination, and boost the active participation of Roma individuals in community decisions.

Achievements in the first year: During the project’s first year, members of the Roma community, and others, in Hârșova had the opportunity to participate in activities designed to actively contribute to increasing economic and social cohesion at the local level by promoting an intercultural and integrative approach.

Activities for children and adults: The activities targeted both children and adults, aiming to increase tolerance and acceptance of the Roma community by the general population. By involving Roma community representatives in training activities, the project promotes messages of social responsibility, respect for rights, and civic duties.

Key milestones achieved:

• Non-formal activities for children: Over 180 children participated in non-formal activity sessions that encouraged self-expression, provided new learning experiences, and taught them self-care, independent living skills, and healthy daily habits.
• Parental education for Roma women: More than 40 Roma women attended parental education sessions, which aimed to familiarize participants with childcare practices for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, school-age children, and adolescents, as well as enhance their capacity to represent themselves in society.
• Medical facilities: Two purchased containers were transformed into school medical offices, increasing access to quality health services for at least 400 schoolchildren (with at least 75% of Roma ethnicity).
• Provision of essentials: Acquisition of clothing, school supplies, and hygiene items for 180 children.

Project funding

The project is funded by a grant of €582,361 provided by Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway through the EEA Grants under the Local Development Program. The project’s objective is to enhance the inclusion and social empowerment of Roma individuals in Hârșova through interventions that increase children’s access to quality medical services, reduce absenteeism and school dropout rates through non-formal activities, combat ethnic discrimination, and boost the active participation of Roma individuals in community decisions.

For official information about the EEA Grants, visit www.eeagrants.ro.
For official information about the Local Development Program, visit www.frds.ro.