Open horizons for Roma youth TC Active Citizens for Minority Youth Mavrovo, Macedonia March 2014

The survey and Data gathered Under 15 * 15 to 19 * 0ver 20 *

Roma youth unemployment  The state employment agency offers courses like language and computer, but the Roma youth shows no interest.  The Roma youth has bad experience with state institutions and don’t feel comfortable because of the formal structure of the courses.  Roma youth expressed the need for work, but they do not have the knowledge of the employment system. The unemployment is the root of many problems such as: poverty, no perspective…

 12 months EVS project  the goal is creation and development of the Youth center  its purpose will be to offer non-formal education and connect Roma youth with their peers. Open horizons for Roma youth

WHAT?  Different workshops and courses  Macedonian, English language  Performing arts (music, theater, dance)  Computer  Sports, Juggling

WHY?  We will raise the level of education of the target group trough the implemented activities, by giving them the chance to gain new skills, attitude and knowledge. That will help them position themselves on the job market.

WHO?  5 EVS volunteers  local volunteers  a few Roma facilitators

TARGET GROUP  Roma youth; young women and children

WHERE?  A facility or space acquired from the Government or sponsors i.e. unused old buildings that can be renovated…

HOW?  Our organization “Open horizons for Roma youth” together with EVS volunteers will organize and conduct different activities.  EVS volunteers will manage those activities with the help of local volunteers and facilitator ( a member of the Roma community)

Planned activities  1 week of promotional activities in the Roma community  Short-term and long-term workshops and courses  Continuous self promotion of the Youth center trough social and standard media as well as street animation  Mentorship and monitoring of progress, conducted by the volunteers.

Possible outputs and gains  Skills (artistic, professional, IT, communication …)  Knowledge (language, rights, culture…)  Attitude (belonging, hygiene, equality, inclusion…)

The positive effects on society  Raise of awareness of the problems  Empathy  Inclusion  Breaking stereotypes and walls between people  Building a healthy society  Raising the cultural level of community

The obstacles we may face  The target group will refuse to participate  Fear  Ignorance  Language and cultural barriers  Lack of support from the authorities  Cultural shock for EVS volunteers

Possible partners  Municipality  Erasmus +  Roma Initiative  Open society Foundation  European Youth Foundation  Cultural association  Institute for Sustainable Communities  The Ministry of Youth and Sports  Sponsors, donors…

Follow up activities  Future EVS projects  Establishing strong collaboration with the States officials  Gaining support of the other Youth organizations