The idea for the development of a strategy for the social integration of the Romas was an initiative of the community center s board, encouraged and supported by public leaders, teachers, doctors, trade union leaders, employers, representatives of the Roma community, of national and municipal institutions motivated to solve the social problems of the Roma population. Prior to initiating the implementation of the idea, the board had consultations with a representative of the Foundation for Local Government Reform to clarify application procedures. The consolidated local efforts were funded under FLGR s Social Environment Improvement Program, financially supported by Charles Stewart Mott Foundation. The implementation began in March, 2004.

The implementation began with the presentation of the project to the media. Their reactions to the idea were skeptical: The next Roma strategy

The preparations for the establishment of a Public Council were initiated through meetings and talks with representatives of the Roma community, informal Roma leaders, teachers, doctors, trade union leaders, employers, representatives of national and local institutions motivated to solve the social problems of the Roma. A constituent meeting was convened and the Public Council, which operated on a voluntary basis, became a fact.

A training for Public Council members was organized in February, with FLGR s kind assistance. The training was on the mechanisms for the development of a municipal strategy for the social integration of the Romas. The facilitators included Ralitsa Sechkova and Georgi Bogdanov from the St. George National Roma Association, who had already worked on the development of a similar strategy for the Municipality of Sofia.

In March the Public Council formed work groups in five areas: infrastructure; social policy, economic development and employment; healthcare; education, culture and sports; human rights, interaction with the media, Roma women.

A draft survey of the Roma population was proposed, reviewed and adopted. The survey was conducted within two weeks with cooperation on behalf of the people in the Roma neighborhoods.

To improve the coordination, in April the work groups elected chairpersons and adopted schedules of their meetings. The summary of the survey results was presented to each of the five work groups, which then formulated the problems in their respective areas, possible solutions and the resources needed to that end (financial and human).

The work groups had monthly meetings. The idea to elect chairpersons proved very practical. The chairs of the groups, together with the project team, provided very good coordination that had a positive effect on their work.

In May, at a Public Council meeting, the work groups shared their views on the results at that stage. The meeting was organized as a discussion and all Public Council members present were involved in the debates.

At the end of June the Public Council held a final seminar. The work groups presented in writing the problems they had formulated, the proposed solutions and the resources required. The Public Council made a decision to extend its existence and to become a permanent body that would meet on a monthly basis and would support the implementation of the strategy.

A team of three then developed the strategy which will be submitted for review and adoption at one of the next meetings of the Peshtera Municipal Council. We believe that the main goal of the project was achieved. A Public Council was established, which intends to continue its activities; a strategy for the equal integration of the Roma community in civil society was developed and would serve as a basis for social environment improvement.

We believe that the Peshtera Municipal Council will adopt the strategy, as its chair and 7 councilors of Roma origin were actively involved in its development. The remaining councilors were also informed on the intentions and the views of the Public Council.

On June 28, 2004, The Rodopska Iskra wrote: A realistic assessment of the Roma situation for the first time. The common feature ( ) included the serious and responsible attitude, civic commitment to this pressing problem and the determination to achieve the goals.

A strategy was developed that would become an inseparable part of municipality of Peshtera s regional development plan.

The interests of the minority were protected by the active involvement of representatives of the Roma in the operations of the Public Council. The confidence of the Romas as active participants in the civic processes grew. The principle for the Romas WITH the Romas was asserted.

The promotion of Public Council activities changed the community s understanding about the importance of the integration of the Roma as a basis for democratic development of the municipality. The role of the local institutions and citizen participation was strengthened.

The Municipality, a non-governmental organization and the citizens worked together.

For additional information, please contact :

Zlatka Georgieva

Project Coordinator

Municipality of Peshtera

Peshtera

17, Doyranska Epopeya Street

Tel.: (0350) 2203, 2207

Fax: (0350) 2101