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Toleranță - de la segregare la incluziune

2022-3-RO01-KA152-YOU-0000953012022Mobility of young peoplefinalized
Countries: RO|EL|ES|HU|CZ · Grant: €20,079
Preventing racism and discriminationInclusion of marginalised young peopleRoma and/or other minorities

Objectives

The European Union had notable initiatives regarding the rights of the Roma; however, the situation in this field remained problematic. The existence of anti-Gypsyism made it challenging to implement programs aimed at increasing inclusion and improving the living conditions of the Roma. According to a research conducted by the Fundamental Rights Agency, despite efforts over several years to enhance Roma inclusion, on average, 1 in 3 Roma experienced some form of harassment, whether it be threats of violence or offensive gestures. More concerning is that 4% of the people interviewed in this research suffered physical violence due to anti-Gypsyism, and only one in three reported this abuse to the police. In the activities involving members of the Creating Smiles Association, Romani youth in Timișoara mentioned experiencing discrimination or expressed reluctance to participate in certain activities or events because they didn't feel included. They found themselves in this situation due to exclusion and discrimination. During a medical-educational activity in the community of Brebu, Caraș-Severin County, where 20% of the locals are of Roma ethnicity, it was revealed that prejudices and stereotypes exist on both sides and are often influenced by a lack of knowledge. Discussions with Romani youth revealed that they often refuse to express their opinions or participate in activities/meetings because other participants hold negative stereotypes about them, leading to discrimination. Several Romani youth conveyed that the only positive aspects mentioned about them are related to their musical talents and being good dancers. Partners working with youth who are not part of disadvantaged groups have observed that these individuals harbor many prejudices and preconceived ideas about Roma. With the help of a questionnaire administered to 300 Romani youth aged 18-25, members of the association conducted a needs analysis in the disadvantaged areas of Timișoara – the Plopi and Kuncz neighborhoods. The analysis concluded that these youth lack confidence in their abilities to actively engage in their communities. They need a better understanding of interculturality and diversity principles and to learn how to plan and organize artistic events considering the diversity and peculiarities of each culture. The aim of our project was to promote tolerance and understanding among Romani and non-Romani youth. Mutual understanding reduced the risk of discrimination and contribute to creating better living conditions. Romani youth were encouraged to increase their involvement and participation through art as a method to promote a positive aspect of their communities' image. At the same time, we aspired to identify the causes leading to vulnerabilities so that interventions can be effective and complementary. The objectives of our project were: 1.Utilizing non-formal methods, we enhanced the knowledge regarding the civic engagement and participation of the 25 participants from the countries: Romania, Greece, Hungary, Czech Republic, and Spain during the 7 days of mobility activities. 2.Developing the artistic skills (theater, music, dance) of the 25 participants throughout the 7 days of mobility activities. 3.Boosting self-confidence and motivating the 25 participants to actively engage in their communities during the 7 days of mobility activities. 4.Increasing the level of acceptance and understanding of interculturality and diversity for the 25 participants during the 7 days of mobility activities. 5.Developing the capacity of the 25 young individuals to plan, organize, and promote educational and artistic events that took place over the 7 days of mobility activities. 6.Strengthening the active citizenship of the 25 young participants, considering the diversity and peculiarities of each culture, with the aim of highlighting their potential in contributing to the public, social, and cultural life of their respective countries. Through this project, we aimed to promote tolerance among Romani and non-Romani youth and reduce prejudices and stereotypes among the 25 participants. The project sought to diminish biases among the youth and help them showcase their diversity, talent, and knowledge. As a result of this project, we intended to create a video with participants testimonials promoting tolerance and interculturality.

Project partners (5)