14-04-2022 14:22
On April 11, 2022, The Programme Operator of “Local development, poverty reduction and enhanced inclusion of vulnerable groups” Programme funded by the EEA Financial Mechanism 2014-2021, signed contracts for financing project with the municipalities of Smyadovo, Plovdiv, Lom, Samokov, Pernik, Sungurlare, Blagoevgrad and Dupnitsa under the procedure “Integrated measures for Roma inclusion and empowerment”.
The total amount of the funding provided for the eight approved projects is 6,894,426.94 euros. The selected beneficiaries will create sustainable mechanisms through effective integrated approaches to improve the condition and opportunities of people living in marginalized Roma communities. The projects were developed jointly with NGO partners and partners from donor countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) after extensive consultations with representatives from the vulnerable communities in the territory where the projects will be implemented. Participation and cooperation with donor country partners in the projects is supported and encouraged in connection with the main objective of the EEA Financial Mechanism 2014-2021 which is to improve bilateral relations between the donor countries and Bulgaria.
Project activities cover integrated measures in the field of education, social and integrated services, health, employment, vocational training and other specifically needed areas of intervention, Roma empowerment activities and participation in the development and implementation of policies and services affecting the development of community, as well as activities to increase the access and quality of sectoral or integrated services for Roma and those to increase the level of acceptance between Roma and the general population, and to combat discrimination and negative attitudes against the Roma population.