Project title:

Together for a Prosperous Community

Implemented by:

Lead: Institute for research and policy analysis - Romalitico

Partners: REDI, Romaversitas, Romano Avazi

Supported by:

USAID

Location:

North Macedonia with target of 17 municipalities

Period of implementation:

June, 2021 to June, 2024

Short description:

The project is part of the Community Self-reliance Activity (CSRA) programme which aims to establish sustainable systems and develop capacities of communities so that the communities can plan, finance, and implement solutions to their own development challenges and priorities.

The project goal is to improve Roma inclusion and standard of life in Roma communities in 17 municipalities in North Macedonia.

Strengthening self-reliance of the Roma communities in the country will be ensured through development of at least 100 local community actions, which target the inclusion needs of the Roma community. The impact and sustainability of these endeavors will be strengthened by the participatory approach in the realization of the community actions, involving the engagement of several relevant local stakeholder groups, with different capacities and mandates, to collaborate on their design and implementation.

The end result of these collaborative activities will be the establishment of locally-owned and sustainable systems for self-reliant community development in 17 municipalities throughout the country. The project will also support the development of the self-reliance capacities of the target groups by providing support, training and mentoring of local resources organizations in adopting innovative resource mobilization mechanisms for enhancing the quality and sustainability of the community actions.

The action will also aim to increase the capacities of the Roma community to effectively address community challenges, to increase their capacities for development and realization of community development actions and to establish and promote innovative resource mobilization mechanisms for supporting the aforementioned endeavors.

The project objectives are:

Project Objective 1 - Increased joint engagement of local actors to lead local development.

Result 1.1: Local community members actively involved in solving community issues.

The following activities will be implemented in the frame of Result 1.1:
1.1.1. Mobilization of local stakeholders in 17 municipalities (identification of stakeholders, contacting stakeholders, organization of individual and group meetings at local level)
1.1.2. Mapping of Roma priority issues in 17 municipalities (Collection of data on needs and priorities in 17 target municipalities; analysis of secondary data, meetings with the local Roma communities, meetings with local activists and CSOs).
1.1.3. Establishing Roma Diaspora Network/ Teams
1.1.4. Establishing Alumni Network
1.1.5. Business network
1.1.6. Regular advocacy meetings with local institutions, and other stakeholders.
1.1.7. Identification of at least 100 local issues in the Roma communities of the 17 target municipalities (infrastructural problems, business development, pollution, green development, access to services and institutions, etc.)
1.1.8. Feasibility assessment of the local issues

Result 1.2: Strengthened catalytic role of Local resources organizations (LROs)

The following activities will be implemented in the frame of Result 1.2:
1.2.1. Identification of LROs in 17 municipalities (meetings, communication with Roma from local communities, communication with stakeholders).
1.2.2. Local community activists and stakeholders trained in identification of needs, mobilization of resources and support, design and implementation of local community actions.
1.2.3. Involvement of trained beneficiaries in the regular activities of the LROs.
1.2.4. Implementation of local community actions in 17 municipalities, with involvement of the Roma community, LSGs, the business community and diaspora (eg. building flood embankments, river cleaning, playgrounds in Roma communities); mobilization of volunteers, equipment and resources.
1.2.5. Realization of at least 20 local community actions targeting issues relevant for Roma belonging to marginalized and vulnerable groups (women, LGBTI persons, persons with disabilities).

Project Objective 2 - Functioning locally owned systems for self-reliant community development

Result 2.1: Innovative resources mobilization mechanisms developed

2.1.1. Mapping of examples of good practice in fundraising for local actions conducted.
2.1.2. Analysis of the local context regarding fundraising for local development conducted.
2.1.3. Relevant mechanisms of resource mobilization selected and piloted (realization of at least 20 local actions through innovative resource mobilization).
2.1.4. Piloting models for self-reliance
Result 2.2 – Improved resource mobilization capacities of local stakeholders
2.2.1. Realization of campaign on community self-reliance in 17 municipalities (social media campaign, info days, life talks, meetings / webinars).
2.2.2. Organization of a self-reliance promotional events, promoting community engagement and raising awareness on resource mobilization.
2.2.3. Organization of meetings with the business community, the Roma diaspora, CSOs and local institutions and local governments on strengthening cooperation and coordination for supporting local community actions.
2.2.4. Realization of trainings in community engagement, fundraising and innovative resource mobilization for Roma community leaders and activists.

Result 2.3: Improved resource mobilization for local development.

2.3.1. Development of mechanisms for promotion of social responsibility among the business community and the Roma diaspora.
2.3.2. Realization of public forums for debating local community issues and potential contribution of different stakeholder groups for the resolution of the issues.
2.3.3. Realization of periodic meetings for discussing progress in cooperation on support for local community development actions.
2.3.4. Organization of fundraising events targeting specific issues in the target Roma communities.

Result 2.4: Increased commitment of Local self-governments (LSGs) and other key
stakeholders in the development of Roma communities

2.4.1. Realization of regular meetings between local activists, LROs, the business community and LSGs for coordination in realization of local community actions.
2.4.2. Regular monitoring of implementation of progress in realization of local action plans and programs for Roma in 17 municipalities; communication of monitoring findings to local stakeholders;
2.4.3. Regular monitoring of implementation of local actions.

Web page: 

www.romalitico.org

Contact person: 

Suad Skenderi

Name of the Project

Romalitico general support and Civil Society for Roma Integration (Phase II)

Implemened by:

Institute for research and policy analysis - Romalitico

Supported by:

Open Society Institute - Roma Initiatives Office - Berlin

Location:

North Macedonia

Implementation period:

January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2022

Short description:

Support in scaling up and expanding Romalitico's interventions according to the policy context dynamic, holding the government accountable in planing, implementation and harmonization of Roma related national and local policies according to the EU accession requirements.

Objectives:

1. To hold government accountable for the implementation of the National Roma Strategy and ensure higher level of implementation of the activities related to the NAP

2. Increasing and realization of the national budget for Roma

3. To hold government accountable for the implementation of the principle for equitable representation and ensure increasing the number of Roma employed in public administration

4. Impact on major political events with an aim to increase Roma participation

5. Channeling Roma interest in the process of EU integration of North Macedonia

Web site:

www.romalitico.org

Contact person:

Elvis Shakjiri

Name of the Project

Roma Inclusion Activity

Implemened by:

Lead: Institute for research and policy analysis - Romalitico

Partners: REDI, Romaversitas, Romano Avazi

Supported by:

USAID

Location:

North Macedonia with target of 20 municipalities

Implementation period:

January 11, 2021 to January 10, 2024

Short description:

The aim of the Roma Inclusion Activity is to empower Roma community members and civil society organizations (CSOs) to take leadership roles in the development and implementation of national strategies and policies pertaining to Roma inclusion, and to hold government institutions accountable for addressing Roma issues and needs. Through this project we will promote actions to address the human rights issues that Roma communities, themselves, have identified as priorities. We will support public education activities that raise Roma awareness of their human rights and the mechanisms to address rights violations.

Through this project, we aim to diminish stereotypes and prejudices against Roma people by reducing their vulnerability to economic destitution and lessening their dependence on public assistance. We will support activities to increase the general public’s awareness of Roma needs and the Roma community’s potential to contribute to society. Through this activity, we will further partner with Roma communities from 20 municipalities, CSOs, relevant government institutions, and other local

counterparts. Guided by the local ownership principle, we will fully rely on local capacities to carry out project activities. Community Hubs in 20 municipalities will ensure Roma participation in policy decisions at the local level, and will provide legal, health, psychosocial, employment and other types of counselling and assistance to the Roma population.

Web site:

www.romalitico.org

Contact person:

Elvis Shakjiri

Name of the Project

Promoting Intercultural understanding, reconsiliation and acceptance

Implemened by:

Lead: Institute for Romani Culture in Albania (IRCA)

Partner: Institute for research and policy analysis - Romalitico

Supported by:

Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO)

Location:

Albania and North Macedonia

Implementation period:

February 23, 2021 to October 23, 2021

Short description:

Promotion of cross-border intercultural dialogue between minority and non-minority youth in North Macedonia and Albania, through education, capacity building processes and youth work.

AIMS:

1. Identify and exchange good practices in fighting discrimination against vulnerable and marginalized communities and promote tolerance among minorities in Albanian and North Macedonia

2. Enabling minority and non-minority youth from Albania and North Macedonia to jointly develop, lead and implement quality projects relating to intercultural acceptance and cross-border mobility, by contributing to intercultural acceptance and diversity in local communities.

Web site:

www.romalitico.org

Contact person:

Nadir Usein

Name of the Project

Education of Roma children in times of Covid

Implemened by:

Institute for research and policy analysis - Romalitico

Supported by:

Roma Education Fund

Location:

North Macedonia with target of Prilep and Shuto Orizari

Implementation period:

April 01, 2021 to June 10, 2021

Short description:

The main project development objective is to achieve inclusion of Romani children in the early childhood education through emergency response for provision of safe environment in kindergarten, improve the access, attendance and achievements of Roma pupils in primary education, and improve the outcome for Romani secondary school graduates in passing the state graduation exams and enrollment in tertiary education.

Web site:

www.romalitico.org

Contact person:

Suad Skenderi

Name of the Project

Balkan Migration Trialog

Implemened by:

Lead: FLÜCHTLINGSRAT BADEN-WÜRTTEMBERG

Partner: Institute for research and policy analysis - Romalitico"

Supported by:

Erasmus +

Location:

North Macedonia, Serbia and Germany

Implementation period:

Sep 2020 - Feb 2022

Short description:

By establishing a network between those involved in advising and assisting refugees and migrants in Germany and organizations from within the Roma community in Serbia and North Macedonia, our project shall promote social inclusion and diversity by improving the quality of information available to those involved in advising and educating migrants and prospective migrants from the Roma community in Serbia and North Macedonia, regarding migration to Germany. Providing correct and up-to-date information regarding the legal framework for migration to Germany – shall help combat rumors and fake news regarding this issue.

The project shall also offer the opportunity to provide feedback to competent actors in Germany regarding the experiences and issues of the Roma community in dealing with the process of migration to Germany, such as experiences of discrimination. It shall also assist in educating relevant actors in Germany (as well as the general public) regarding the situation of Roma in these countries, raising awareness of issues like segregation, discrimination and racism. By doing so, the project shall contribute towards assisting the process of integration of people with migrant backgrounds in Germany. The project shall also address the issue of returning migrants.

Web site:

www.romalitico.org

Contact person:

Albert Memeti

Name of the Project

ROMACTED II Phase Programm

Implemened by:

Institute for research and policy analysis - Romalitico

Supported by:

CoE

Location:

North Macedonia

Implementation period:

May 01, 2021 to Novemvber 30, 2024

Short description:

The overall objective of the project, as per the Call for Proposals (CfP), is to improve local democracy, accountability, inclusiveness

and responsiveness towards Roma citizens and improved delivery of services.

The project will aim to achieve the following outcomes (as indicated in the CfP):

- Strengthen the capacity of local authorities to perform their roles and responsibilities in an effective and efficient manner when it comes to designing and implementing plans, policies and projects, in particular active inclusion measures that improve Roma integration;

- Support the establishment and enforcement of mechanisms and processes promoting and ensuring good governance standards and ownership by local authorities and administrations of effective integrated development efforts covering education, employment, healthcare, housing, urban development and culture;

- Equip local authorities with tools, knowledge and skills enabling them to overcome the challenges and barriers they often face when it comes to taking into account the needs of the Roma, so that they become more citizen-oriented, responsive and accountable;

- Improve the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of local policies, measures and delivery of services;

- Support co-operation between municipalities willing to design and implement jointly concrete integration measures and projects.

- Mitigating the effect of Covid 19 with particular focus on building local strategies and citizen-led community response

Web site:

www.romalitico.org

Contact person:

Mersiha Usein