There is a large Roma community in Zborov, a huge part of which still lives in poverty and conditions that do not meet current standards. A person born in such conditions often lacks a chance to lead a meaningful adult life. Certainly not without the help from others. And it still happens that she or he is excluded to the margins of society. The municipality of Zborov has a great ambition to help its people to get out of the circle of poverty and improve their position in society through an integrated approach. The project is a direct follow-up related to already implemented activities and projects by NGOs and municipality with the Roma community.
Zborov municipality is facing issues such as a relatively high rate of unemployment, lack of job offers, increasing rate of long-term unemployment, deterioration of social relations in families, lack of interest and apathy of socially disadvantaged groups to solve their everyday problems. Some of the disadvantaged families have incomes that are lower than the current subsistence minimum. Their only incomes are parental allowances, nursing allowances, invalidity pensions, etc. The unemployed lack motivation and effort to deal with any kind of problems. They feel disadvantaged compared to other people in society and excluded from normal life. They even feel the injustice that nobody tries to help them. At the same time, they forget it is them that should try to solve their unfortunate current state with help of others. This situation does not relate only to the Roma population but also to other people impacted by social insecurity and low living standards. Still, the above-mentioned issues are mostly present in the Roma community. As a result, the main attention is paid to them as they also have the most problems to get employed during any stage of their productive age.
Project development is based on participatory consultations with local Roma community, Field Social and Community Workers and with members of the Local Municipal Law Enforcement Service. Based on these assessments, the needs of marginalized Roma community (MRC) were defined.
Gradually, partners were involved in the project, especially those who were actively involved in its preparation and whose activities will comprehensively support the MRC in the areas of housing, employment, health, education and non-discrimination. Planned activities are logically interconnected and mutually supportive.
