Rakovski
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Rakovski Municipality is located in the central part of Southern Bulgaria, in the eastern part of Plovdiv District. It comprises of the main town Rakovski and 6 villages: Belozem, Stryama, Chalakovi, Shishmantsi, Bolyarovo and Momino selo.
According to official data, the Roma population makes up 6.36 % of the total population in the municipality. They live in separate neighborhoods and are concentrated in six areas in the town of Rakovski as well as the villages of Chalakovi, Stryama, Momino selo and Shishmantsi.
Some of the main issues Roma are faced with are:
- - Illegal housing;
- - Poor infrastructure;
- - Important migration to western European countries;
- - Early marriages;
- - Lack of health insurance for an important amount of the population.
The ROMACT Process
ROMACT Process started in April 2021 with the signature of the Letter of Agreement.
The Municipal Taskforce for Roma Inclusion was created on 9 March 2022.
The Municipal Action Plan for Roma inclusion was adopted by the Local Council in December 2022.
Trainings
ROMACT experts have provided the following training and coaching sessions since the start of implementing the programme:
For the local authorities:
* Consultations with LA and CAG on the establishment of neighbourhood councils
* Consultation on the preparation of the Municipal Action Plan on Roma Integration
* Teamwork for more effective implementation of the Municipal Plans for Inclusion, Equality and Participation of Roma
* Reinforcing the local partnerships for more effective practical implementation of children's rights and the protection of children at risk
* Increasing the sensitivity to hate speech and prejudice against the Roma in the planning and implementation of inclusive policies
For Community Action Groups:
* Consultations with LA and CAG on the establishment of neighbourhood councils
* Development and implementation of partnerships for prevention and intervention of drugs use in Roma communities
* ROMACT approach for local facilitators
* Participation in a public consultation of the Recovery and Resilience Plan of Bulgaria
The Municipality benefited from ROMACT expertise to apply for the following projects:
* DICIMUS - Inclusive and innovative educational ecosystem in Danube Region - Funded by Interreg VI-B Danube - Budget 170 415 € - Status: Under evaluation
* For a good future for the children of Rakovski municipality - Funded by The European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) - Budget 200 000 € - Status: Under evaluation
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.
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 project was supported by ROMACT between April - July 2022:
Construction of playground area - Municipality of Rakovski
ROMACT supported the municipality with 5000 € for the construction of an outdoor playground area which created a pleasant and safe public gathering place for children in the village of Shishmantsi. The local community action group volunteered in the construction of the playground. The opening of the park brought families and community together to discuss about the best use and the preservation of the playground.