Petrich
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Petrich is located in southwestern Bulgaria in the province of Blagoevgrad. According to the municipal data, the largest ethnic group of the municipality is Bulgarian and 7,20% of the total population is Roma. According to municipality estimates, there are 4800 Roma in the municipality and they are located in the town of Petrich, Old Roma neighborhood (1 003 ), New Roma neighborhood (3 162) , and in the villages of Kavrakirovo (450), Kolaravo (150) and Yavornitsa (130).
Some of the main issues in Petrich are:
- risk of poverty
- low intensity of economic activity
- material deprivation
The ROMACT Process
ROMACT Process started in April 2021 with the signature of the Letter of Agreement.
The Taskforce for Roma inclusion was created following Mayor's approval in April 2022.
Trainings
ROMACT experts have provided the following trainings since the start of implementing the programme:
For the local authorities:
*Analysing the Municipal Plans for Roma Integration
*Information on financial grants through the selection of project proposals on "support for vulnerable groups for access to higher education”
*Information on "Erasmus+ Program - KA1 Learning Mobility for Individuals; KA2 Cooperation between Organizations and Institutions”
*Advocacy with Local Authorities for addressing social exclusion and marginalization
For Community Action Groups:
*Information on financial grants through the selection of project proposals on "support for vulnerable groups for access to higher education”
*Information on "Erasmus+ Program - KA1 Learning Mobility for Individuals; KA2 Cooperation between Organizations and Institutions”
The Municipality benefited from ROMACT expertise to apply for the following project:
* “The school is a home for everyone”- Funded by COIDUEM - Competition procedure for project proposals 33.21 - 2022 - Budget 16 393 € - Project proposal approved
The expertise provided by ROMACT for municipalities involves training and guidance on preparing project proposals and implementing inclusive policies aimed at improving the living conditions and social integration of vulnerable populations, including the Roma.