Social inclusion of disadvantaged groups

Together, the four projects covered by this good practice – Caravan for Roma Children in Satu Mare County; Education for life; Education for diversity; and Social inclusion and empowerment of Roma from Satu Mare County – support vulnerable communities in Satu Mare County with activities in a range of fields.  

Health: organising sessions for information, education, and awareness of COVID-19 risks; establishing a community-based first aid service; installing 20 containers fully equipped with personal hygiene facilities such as showers, toilets, washing machines and dryers.  

Education: activities to supplement the formal education of children from disadvantaged communities; informal education activities, promoting intercultural interaction and experiential education. 

Environmental education and improvements: training on environment protection and cleaning of green spaces.

Employment: campaigns to promote equal opportunities in the job market for the Roma population, facilitating access to job markets.  

Empowerment of young people: camps for children and young people,  training of health mediators and community development facilitators, training of teachers in high-schools working with vulnerable groups.  

More than 2500 children and adults from vulnerable groups, especially Roma from rural areas and small towns, have participated in these activities, representing a positive step in the integration of disadvantaged groups in Satu Mare County. 

Throughout this good practice, the Intercommunity Development Association of Satu Mare County adopts an integrated approach to simultaneously address urban challenges in environmental, economic and social dimensions. 

Cross-cutting activities cover the fields of: health; education – including intercultural interaction; environmental education and improvements; employment, including equal opportunities campaigns for the Roma population; empowerment of young people; and training in health mediation, community development facilitation and teaching. 

By integrating these dimensions, the practice generates synergies that maximise impact and sustainability, contributing to the efforts of building more cohesive and sustainable communities.  

Collaboration with several stakeholders ensures that the activities effectively address local needs and promote community ownership. Examples of the participatory approach used in this practice include: 

1. Close collaboration with stakeholders. In three projects, municipalities acted as partners, and in one project a municipality acted as a lead partner and several other municipalities were partners. The project also involves local schools, NGOs (e.g. Red Cross) and public bodies (e.g. Public Health Department). Members of the targeted communities have been involved in the design and implementation of the projects.
2. Involvement of funding bodies in project implementation and decision-making.
3. Targeting vulnerable communities. Projects focused on Roma and other ethnic groups in disadvantaged areas, showing a commitment to addressing community needs inclusively. 
4. Diverse activities ranged from education, health and environment protection, to empowerment and training.
5. Empowerment programmes. Several camps have been organised to empower children and develop their life skills. Training has also been organised for health mediators and community development facilitators, including from the Roma community. 

The four projects grouped into this good practice on the Social inclusion of disadvantaged groups have made a difference through a diverse range of activities. These cover the fields of: health; education; environmental education; employment, including equal opportunities campaigns for the Roma population; empowerment of young people; and training in health mediation, community development facilitation and teaching. 

More than 2500 children and adults from vulnerable groups, especially Roma from rural areas and small towns, have participated in these activities.  

As a result, a number of changes were observed. Before the projects were launched, disadvantaged communities faced limited access to education, low health awareness, social exclusion, inadequate employment opportunities and poor hygiene conditions. After the projects’ implementation, organisers reported increased participation in education, improved health awareness, enhanced social inclusion, more job opportunities and improved hygiene conditions.  

This practice is relevant for other EU cities due to its comprehensive approach to social inclusion of vulnerable groups. It focuses on education, health, environment protection and empowerment of marginalised communities, especially the Roma population from rural areas and small towns.  

Activities contribute to several Sustainable Development Goals, including 3, 4, 10 and 11. They promote intercultural dialogue and empower communities, critical for stimulating cohesive and resilient urban environments across Europe. The practice supports the EU's Territorial Agenda, promoting balanced territorial development and addressing disparities within regions. By improving educational opportunities, access to healthcare, empowerment and training, it contributes to a more inclusive and equitable society. The measurable impact of this model in Satu Mare County demonstrates that it is efficient and can be adapted to other European cities. 

Through its Decision No. 430/2001, the Government of Romania adopted a comprehensive programme to improve the Roma community’s living conditions. Its main areas are: Education, Employment and social protection, Health, Housing, Culture and civic participation, and Anti-discrimination. 

There is scope to amend the practice to suit other city contexts. Activities like promoting health awareness, and organising intercultural camps, equal opportunity campaigns, educational support, empowerment and training, as well as providing hygiene facilities, are beneficial in any urban setting.  

To transfer the practice to other cities, active local professional and social partnerships must be established, and adequate resources and funding secured. The specific needs and challenges of local communities must be thoroughly assessed and the practice tailored accordingly, involving targeted communities at all steps.