GDLN Global Dialogues: Scaling Up Poverty Reduction “PAKIV EUROPEAN ROMA FUND INITIATIVE” The Bulgaria Perspective * * * Presented by Nikolay Kirilov Sofia, March 25, 2004

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Pakiv European Roma Fund (PAKIV) works to promote the development of Romani (Gypsy) civil society and intercultural understanding in Europe, in the framework of social, democratic and economic rights

PAKIV CONCEPT AND APPROACH ARE VALUE ORIENTED The name PAKIV itself means trust, respect and confidence in Romani language. All PAKIV program components are designed as tools to nurture democratic values such as transparency, respect and responsibility for the communities, pluralism and respect for diversity and critical thinking

PAKIV CONCEPT AND APPROACH ARE VALUE ORIENTED All of the core PAKIV’s work is: development of young Romani leaders able to activate their communities, stimulate local processes bringing better individual and community self-reliance Use local experiences to influence public policy

THE STRATEGY 1 A. Capacity building of young Romani community facilitators through a one-year international leadership and community development training course B. Capacity building of the Romani community for self-organisation, community mobilisation and income generation C. Support of local income generation and employment-related activities serving as tools to mobilize communities, to provide concrete experience to trainees and to influence public policies and practices

THE STRATEGY 2 D. Converting support from the program’s Development Fund into several local revolving funds of the participating Romani communities E. Creating national and international networks for discussions, learning and advocacy for policy and public attitude change

OBJECTIVES 1. CAPACITY BUILDING Investing in the development of the community’s own resources Opening up of new opportunities as spokespeople and representatives Establishment of community groups (the “negotiating entity”)

OBJECTIVES 2. START-UP OF COMMUNITY INCOME GERENARIOTN INTIATIVES AND LOCAL REVOLVING FUNDS Provide both young Romani facilitators and local communities with practical experience in community organizing to combat poverty Reduced socio-economic exclusion Sustainable resource base for the continuation of follow-up income generation and community development initiatives

OBJECTIVES NETWORKING AND ADVOCACY ACTIVITIES To stimulate Initiation of analytical discussion and reflection on civil society and community development approaches and methods amongst Romani and non-Romani practitioners and policy-makers in each of the countries Initiation of widely supported civic campaigns for the adoption of adequate methods and approaches for economic development of vulnerable Romani communities

DEVELOPMENT OF THE ROMANI CIVIL SOCIETY A process of empowering Romani communities by strengthening local capacities and facilitating greater socio-economic self-reliance People and groups able to represent the interests of their community Civic organisations practising transparency, accountability and community responsibility Building partnerships and interaction with other agencies, NGOs, community groups

LESSONS LEARNED AND FUTURE PROSPECTS Formal training is not enough Capacity-building for self-organisation combining individual and group interests amongst the poor Better analysis of lessons from civil society Development as process not project Future prospects and actions to ensure sustainability

Thank you for your attention! For questions, please contact: Mr. Nikolay Kirilov, PAKIV Email: n.kirilov@pakiv.org Tel.: (+359 88) 730 7805