United Nations Development Programme Romania

	Promote gender equality and empower women
	Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger

Project ID: 33466

Status: completed

Duration: Jan 2004 - Dec 2007

Management Arrangements: NEX

Total: 699 563 USD

Programme Area

Socio-Economic

Geographic Focus

Romania (areas with high percentage of Roma communities)

Sector and Subsector

Programme component (MYFF Service Line)

Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction

UNDAF outcome

Enhanced national economic growth and reduced poverty levels among vulnerable groups through sustained social inclusion and capacity promotion by 2009.

Expected outcome

Reduced poverty among vulnerable groups - Roma, rural women, youth (including post-institutionalized), people living with AIDS - through employment generation and specific interventions to promote social inclusion.

Expected output

Establishment of sustainable social centers for disabled and other vulnerable groups (including Roma)

Support Centers for Roma

Background

The situation of ethnic minorities, such as Roma, is particularly important in the context of Romania's EU accession. Romania has achieved considerable progress towards the approach to ethnic minorities and the Government Strategy for Improving the Situation of Roma has been adopted.

Objectives

To improve the socio-economic and health status of Roma communities in support of the National Strategy for the Improvement of Roma Condition

(Achievements &) Expected Results

Four Social Support Centers have been established in Marasesti, Dorohoi, Galati and Targu Mures. The creation and development of these Centers is indeed a success given the complex range of services we offer, the interest shown by the beneficiaries and the support provided by the local authorities. Very soon, two new centers will be launched in Alexandria and Blaj. The SIDA donor will replicate the project in the entire region of South Eastern European Countries, as is considered a best practice. Expected results: creation of Community Centers to provide integrated support to the Roma population in the areas, whithin the coherent framework of sustainable development principles; improving the access of Roma population to socio-economic development opportunities by training and counseling for better socio-economic integration into the mainstream of the Romanian society; increasing the acces to quality health information and services; establishing solid partnerships between local authorities, public institutions, NGOs, mass media.