Gurkovo
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Gurkovo Municipality is located in the south east of Bulgaria, in Stara Zagora Province. It comprises of 11 settlements.
According to official data, the Roma population consists of 20% of the total population in the municipality.
Roma are located in the Lozenets North quarter of Gurkovo ( Romani speaking ), Lozenets South quarter of Gurkovo (Turkish speaking community, that identifies as Turks), and in Panicherevo (Turkish speaking community, that identifies as Turks)
The municipality is actively trying to develop project proposals under the Operational Programmes. In recent years there has been active migration to major cities in the country and abroad.
Some of the main problems Roma are faced with are:
• Illegal houses;
• Great poverty;
• Poor infrastructure in Roma neighborhoods;
• high migration rate to western European countries;
• High unemployment rate;
• A huge number of people do not have health insurance.
The ROMACT Process
ROMACT started in March 2020 with the signature of the Letter of agreement.
The Taskforce for Roma inclusion was created following Mayor's approval in September 2020.
Trainings provided by ROMACT experts :
Community Action Groups (CAG):
* Community Survey.
Local Authorities (LA):
* Development of a Plan for integrated develoment of municipality - PIRO.
ROMACT Small Grants Scheme :
ROMACT offers small grants scheme to support the efforts of the municipalities and Community Action Groups to respond together to the needs of the most vulnerable and to multiply the good practices across ROMACT municipalities.
Under the scheme of small grants, the following projects were supported by ROMACT between April – December 2020:
Initiative to counter COVID19 pandemic – Municipality of Gurkovo
ROMACT supported the municipality with 3315 € and reached 500+ vulnerable citizens during the first peak of pandemic. The project covered information campaign on COVID19 and provided masks, disinfectant products, informative flyers to raise awareness. Food supplies were also provided for families with dire financial situation.
Full participation of students in education – St.Cyril and Methodius Primary School
ROMACT supported the school with 2449 €, reaching 140 students. The project increased the pupils’ school attendance with higher level of self-esteem in a proper sanitary environment through the procurement of school supplies and hygiene products for each pupil. Pupils and their families received counselling sessions on integrated measures against the pandemic and the importance of education in order to reduce school dropouts during the pandemic.
ROMACT processed stopped in Gurkovo due to internal political tensions.