The meeting served as a review and evaluation of the project “Promotion of social inclusion of young Roma from marginalized rural communities”, which is being realized by Amalipe (Bulgaria), National Roma Centrum (Macedonia) and League Pro Europe (Romania) within the program “Progress” of the European Commission.

Experts from the General direction “Employment, social issues and equal opportunities” of the European commission, deputy-ministers for labor and social policy and representatives of Governments of Bulgaria, Macedonia and Romania, representatives of municipal authorities and Roma NGOs participated on the conference “Social inclusion in rural areas”. The conference was held in Sofia on the 27-28 September.

During the discussion the following conclusions were achieved:

– A more strategic approach is necessary: the programs for employment for non-qualified workers are important, but more strategic investment is necessary in education and lifelong learning to prepare the Roma youth for the labor market;

– Rural development is more than just agricultural development, this includes: development of services of institutions in rural municipalities, improvement of quality of life as well as the entire subject for social inclusion, as pointed out by Walter Wolf, the general directorate “Employment, social issues and equal opportunities” of the European Commission;

– There is a perspective for development of communities, such as community support centers which are of key significance for the process of integration of Roma and rural development. The municipalities could be valuable promoters and allies for inclusion of Roma, especially if the national administration provides the necessary financing and support for institutionalization of the Centers.

The second day was for the work of the Macedonian and Romanian partners. Ibrahim Ibrahimi, deputy minister for labor and social policy presented the condition of inclusion of Roma in Macedonia. Asmet Elezovski and Slavica Curcinska from the National Roma Center presented the current activities, achievements and future plans for the work of the Community support center “Ternikano Centro” located in Municipality Ilinden, v. Miladinovci. Also the general condition of Roma in municipality Ilinden was presented.

Conducting of the project in Romania was presented by, Mrs. Katalin Sikzai from League Pro Europe and Mrs. Rodik Sardi, moderator in Glodene. Their main conclusion pointed out the importance of their work in the community during the entire integration process on Roma.

The afternoon hours were used to visit the municipality Dolna Banja. The participants visited a Roma settlement and the Center for development of the community and social institutions in the city. They discussed with the local Roma leaders and the municipal administration in relation to project realization and results. Roma in Dolna Banja cultivate strawberries and raspberries.

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