The project “One approach – many solutions. Model for integrated development (MIR) in Samokov” aims to ensure possibilities to help the successful realization and social inclusion of the people living in the Roma neighborhood. To achieve that we will implement a Model for integrated development (MIR) of the individual and community. It is based on the human life cycle and the tasks that must be solved at each stage of life: from early childhood to adulthood. It was developed by “Health and social development” foundation (HESED).

The activities within the project will include over 10% of the citizens of the Roma neighborhood in town. The project was created based on an analysis of the needs of the Roma community and includes 7 sections:

• health care;
• education;
• employment;
• social services;
• rights and anti-discrimination;
• improvement of living conditions;
• preservation of cultural identity.

We have started the building of MIR Centre Samokov which is in close proximity to the Roma neighborhood. In the Centre we will provide functionally related services to increase the capacity of parents and children and their successful integration in all aspects of social life. We will also provide active field work with the isolated community in order to stimulate them towards change. We will work in collaboration with the local institutions to increase the capacity of the professional community for work in a multi-ethnic environment.

Project activities and services

• Trainings for forming social and life skills in children and young people to stimulate their involvement in social life and labor market;
• Health education for children, young people, parents and other people in need;
• Trainings to increase parenting skills;
• Activity stimulation;
• Consulting and mediation;
• Informational campaigns against hate speech, discrimination, including online campaigns etc.

The most essential part of the MIR model is the creation of role models in the community which will stimulate and incite the Roma community towards positive change.

The project also includes a variety of information measures and events to change attitudes towards the Roma community and joint events with Samokov municipality and various information campaigns.

Activities:

• A survey at the beginning of the project to establish the entry level of acceptance of Roma people by the general population (in the places where the activities will be carried out – schools and kindergartens) and a survey at the end of the project of the effect of the campaigns to increase mutual acceptance;
• Integrated services supporting early childhood development through the improvement of the parents’ knowledge and skills for healthy diet and stimulation of child development;
• Integrated services for children and young people aimed to support children’s education as well as improving of social integration of young people;
• In the next five years we will develop a strategy to improve the services and life of Roma people in Samokov. We are also planning activities for exchange of experience and improvement of our bilateral relations with Norway.

**You can see the strategy for services development and improvement of life for Roma people in Samokov for the next five years:
here >>.

Duration: April 2022 – April 2024

Location: Samokov

Financing program: Local development, poverty reduction and improved inclusion of vulnerable groups.