Valeriu Nicolae talks about ROMACT and ROMED as successful long-term programmes that bring about concrete results at local level

The ROMACT Handbook is a manual for Mayors, Local Administrations and Roma wanting to improve the living conditions of disadvantaged Roma.

The Romanian Government has recently approved a new measure meant to encourage children to stay in school, in particular children coming from the most disadvantaged families.

The vaccination and information campaigns address health-related priorities that were identified by the CAG and this action demonstrates that the Roma community can be engaged and mobilised with tangible results achieved.

Organised in cooperation with the Good Relations Office of the Belfast City Council, the session involved some 14 participants, representing both public bodies and NGOs from Belfast.

The ROMACT team in Slovakia as well as municipal representatives from newly selected municipalities followed a coaching session in preparation of the implementation of the Programme.

Rubber gloves, boots, shovels, and other necessary materials were provided by the ROMACT Romania National Support Team while the municipality of Turda provided logistical support, providing collection and disposal of the garbage gathered during the day.

The idea was initated by the Community Action Group (CAG) in Alesd and put into practice with the support of the ROMACT Romania National Support Team.

“It is time to move beyond stereotypes and to recognise Roma and Travellers as actors in their own future” states the report on the promotion of the inclusion of Roma and Travellers.

16 employees of the municipalities and other administrative structures of Gelsenkirchen, Duisburg and Dortmund - some of Roma origin - will be trained in two sessions.