Members of nine mobile teams supporting Roma inclusion took part in the training organised from 9 – 13June in Ruma. Within the project “We are Here Together – European Support for Roma Inclusion”, funded by the European Union and implemented by the OSCE Mission to Serbia, the mobile units have been established in 20 pilot municipalities/towns.
Comprised of health mediators, pedagogical assistants, Roma municipal coordinators, and representatives of the Centrefor Social Work and the National Employment Service, the mobile teams represent an innovative concept in working with Roma population.
The teams from Odzaci, Sombor, Novi Sad, Koceljeva, Palilula, Zvezdara, Kovin, Pancevo, Smederevo participated in the training, while the remaining units will be trained in July. The sessionscovered the effect of cultural and social differences in accessing services provided by state institutions, the right to equal access to those services, and negative impact of stereotypes and prejudice. Among the topics addressed were the obstacles to accessing employment, social protection, education and health services. Support provided by mobile teams in improving housing conditions, as well as the cooperation of local institutions in supportingRoma in all of the areas were also discussed. Particular attention was devoted to gender equality, the concept, integrated approach and the actual situation of Roma women.
Following the session that focused on operative action planning, selection of priorities, defining activities andassigning roles and responsibilities, each mobile team will prepare the first draft of the operative action plan for the period from 1stAugust to 31stDecember, 2014.
