Help distributed food aid to 55 Roma and Egyptioan families
The German organisation Help distributed food aid to 55 RE families in Podgorica, Berane and Niksic. Through regular activities of RE mediators in Podgorica, Berane and Niksic, several families were identified in an extremely difficult socio-economic situation that needed food aid. Also, RE mediators visited the Riverside settlement, realizing that the inhabitants of this settlement are in a very difficult situation.
On the proposal of the RE Mediator, the German organization Help, in accordance with its possibilities, helped all the families in Riverside in Berane by providing flour to them as well as by providing 6 families in the municipalities of Podgorica, Berane and Niksic with a package of basic foodstuffs.
Help takes this opportunity to point out the difficult socio-economic situation and the big problems in the settlements where the RE population lives, as well as to invite people of good will to react by helping the most vulnerable.
Realisation of the project promotion and protection of human rights
Realisation of the project promotion and protection of human rights of Roma, Egyptians and other vulnerable groups
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUJ6MGaYLmY&feature=youtu.be
Housing projects implemented by Help – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe Montenegro from 2001 to 2018
Housing projects implemented by Help – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe Montenegro from 2001 to 2018:
Call for proposals for the implementation of the Igman Initiative Small-Grants Programme: ‘CARE – Contribution to Access of Refugees and IDPs to Rights and Employment Opportunities’
The Igman Initiative is seeking proposals for the implementation of the projects under the regional Action “CARE – Contribution to Access of Refugees and IDPs to Rights and Employment Opportunities” financed by the European Commission, DG NEAR, and aimed at contributing to the technical, socio-economic and socio-cultural sustainability of the Regional Housing Programme.
The Action is implemented in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro and Serbia.
The total budget of the Small-Grants Programme is 230,000 EUR.
The duration of the projects under this Call for proposals is estimated up to 12 months.
This is a restricted Call for Proposals, where the first step is approval of the evaluation of the full application along with the Declaration by the Applicant, registration related documents, and financial statements for the past 2 years, for eligibility check reasons.
The deadline for submission of full applications is December 15th, 2018.
The applicants with Full Applications provisionally selected, will undergo a detailed eligibility check, based on the supporting documents submitted.
Budget, target groups and priorities have been identified for each country, according to the needs of beneficiaries of the Regional Housing Programme, and stated in Guidelines for each country, available for download bellow.
Civic society organizations located in Serbia are encouraged to apply for a grant under the Guidelines and Priorities for Croatia.
The Final Conference within the Project ‘Promotion and protection of human rights of Roma, Egyptians and other vulnerable groups’
Help in cooperation with the Roma Education Fund, the Montenegrin Red Cross and CEDEM organized the Final Conference within the project “Promotion and protection of human rights of Roma Egyptians and other vulnerable groups”, supported by the Delegation of the European Union in Montenegro.
Speakers at the conference were Mrs. Audrone Urbonaviciute, Deputy Head of the Sector for Cooperation in the Delegation of European Union, Mr. Leon Gjokaj, Deputy Minister in the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights, and Mr. Klaus Mock, Regional Coordinator of Help. The implemented activities and results of the project in the form of a documentary film, as well as CEDEM’s research on employment and socio-economic situation of the RE population in Montenegro, were presented by the methodologist Miloš Bešić, PhD.
Ms. Audrone Urbonaviciute, Deputy Head of the Sector for Cooperation in the Delegation of the European Union, emphasized the importance of the implemented project, the visibility of the results thanks to the work of partners and involved institutions in the project, for which the European Union has allocated total funds in the amount of one million euros: “The project does not only make figures, but people and activities that bring changes to society. Our goal was to contribute to the reduction of the socio-economic gap between members of the RE population and others in the Western Balkans, and to strengthen the institutional obligations of the Government to incorporate and implement specific interactions in policy development. ”
Leon Gjokaj, Deputy Minister in the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights, said that the Government of Montenegro and line ministries devote special attention to the protection and promotion of the human rights of Roma and Egyptians in Montenegro. “Our political and strategic commitment is aimed at creating the conditions for a better life of the RE population, using all the rights prescribed by the laws of our country. The Government of Montenegro adopted the third social inclusion strategy of Roma and Egyptians in Montenegro, 2016-2020, which is harmonized with the European framework for the development of strategies concerning RE population. It defined seven priority areas in which specific measures and activities are foreseen for all competent institutions that are focused on solving the RE population in Montenegro. A significant result has been achieved in some areas. ”
Klaus Mock, Regional Help Coordinator, pointed out the following: We have joined our resources in order to improve the status and integration of Roma through action at local and national level and through field work, directly assisting members of the Roma and Egyptian communities. In the long run, RE integration can only be successful if RE are in a position to exercise their rights, if they themselves as well as state institutions are aware of their rights and the latter are prepared to assist RE to exercise these rights. I am very pleased that I can conclude that through this project we have built the foundations on which RE integration can thrive. Most local RE organizations still have only limited capacities to take up their roles as representatives and effective lobbyists for the sake of their communities.
The CEDEM survey on employment and socio-economic position of the RE population in Montenegro was presented by the methodologist Miloš Bešić, PhD, who presented the results of the research, pointed out that many segments this year are better than results in 2016. The objectives of the research were to measure the material status of the RE population, the level of cultural capital, the analysis of the health status of the RE, identifying issues with documents, measuring health status RE, measuring the level of social protection, determining the level and practice of media presentation of RE, facts and practices related to the employment issues of RE and examining the attitudes of employers when it comes to employment of RE.
Watch the documentary film on implemented activities and project results:
TV Show on 777 TV “Promotion and protection of human rights of Roma, Egyptians and other vulnerable groups”
Regional coordinator of Help, Mr. Klaus Mock and Project Coordinator, Ms. Marina Rmuš were guests on a TV show on 14 May 2018, on 777 TV.
The results of the project “Promotion and protection of human rights of Roma, Egyptians and other vulnerable groups” were presented, as well as the main activities of Help as an organisation in Montenegro.
Watch the extended clip on facebook by clicking on this link or the image below:
TV Show: RTCG’s Putevi života (Roads of life) on Projects by Help
Montenegro’s public service broadcaster RTCG (Radio and Television Crna Gora) features sub-granted projects within Help’s project “Promotion and protection of human rights of Roma, Egyptians and other vulnerable groups” on the TV show Putevi života (Roads of life).
Watch the clip by clicking here or on the image below:
Project Preparation Training for Sub-grantees hosted in PR Center
The training for sub-grantees within the project “Promotion and protection of human rights of Roma, Egyptians and other vulnerable groups” was organised in the PR center. The focus of the training was project preparation.
The participants had the opportunity to be introduced to the necessary steps and project cycle management for how to define their objectives, as well as discovering the ways their NGOs can benefit from the know-how of writing up projects.
Help organization started with formal trainings for the Associates in social inclusion of RE
Help organization started with formal trainings for the Associates in social inclusion of RE in the field of employment and social protection. The training will take place in the period from July to September 2018, with the aim of training the trainees for mediation in activities aimed at providing support to RE beneficiaries with a view to facilitating access to social protection and employment institutions in order to exercise the right to social and child protection, as well as the to benefits on the basis of employment, and unemployment insurance.
April Activities: Celebrating international Roma Day with Culture, Sports and open Discussion
Within the project “Promotion and protection of human rights of Roma , Egyptians and other vulnerable groups”, NGO Help, project partners and RE NGOs (project beneficiaries) organized series of activities to mark International Roma Day (8 April), organizing activities from 4 to 11 April 2018 in Podgorica, Berane and Niksic.
4 April: Exhibition of unique jewelry and handicrafts
EU Info Center
Organizers: NGO “Dorra” and Red Cross of Montenegro
The exhibition of unique jewelry and handicrafts was opened on the occasion of the International Roma Day celebration with the aim of affirmation and promotion of handmade products. Jewelers, bags, garments and ornaments were presented by ten exhibitors. Some participants are independently engaged in production, and some are members of associations that have attended training and were supported by donors.
The fair was of sales character, and all revenues were dedicated for purchase of materials for work and for training organized by the NGO “Dorra”, which deals with the social inclusion of Roma women and Egyptians through vocational training sessions.
5 April: Showing of the film „Stop Child Begging“ at Berane Culture Center
Organizer: Help
A screening of the documentary film “Stop Child Begging” was held in Berane after premiering in May in Podgorica. The film is directed by Nikola Vukčević and was produced by Galileo Productions. The making of the documentary took place over the course of one and a half years. The showing was attended by representatives of the Center for Social Work, Employment Bureau, Berane Municipality and RE NGOs, as well as children from Beranes primary and secondary schools, accompanied by teachers.
5 April: Workshops with the topic of Begging (discussion regarding the film „Stop Child Begging“)
Red Cross of Berane
Organizers: Red Cross of Berane and NGO “Children-Enfants”
Within the project ” Promotion and protection of human rights of Roma , Egyptians and other vulnerable groups “, one of subgrantees-NGOs “Children – Enfants”, in cooperation with the Red Cross Berane and Center for Social Work, organized a workshop on begging, as well as a discussion with the participants of the workshop about the documentary “Stop the Child begging”.
5 April: Theater rehearsal – preparation of the theater play “Roma Wedding”
Community Center, Konik
Organizers: REF, Help and NGO “Association for Roma Affirmations”
Within the project “Promotion and protection of the human rights of Roma, Egyptians and other vulnerable groups”, one of subgrantees NGO “Udruženje za romske afirmacije” realized performance “Roma Wedding”. The play represents a reflection on Roma culture, customs and tradition and in a creative way tends to promote their traditional values, but also to point out a number of prejudices that are still present in society when this population is at stake.
5 April: Presentation of judo skills and techniques
Judo Club “Nenad Sinanovic”, Konik
Organizers: REF, Help and NGO “Roma in Sports”
The “Sport Against Drugs” project, supported by the Help and by the EU Delegation, is just one among many programs implemented by NGOs “Roma in Sports” within the project ” Promotion and protection of the human rights of Roma, Egyptians and other vulnerable groups “. Presentation was done in cooperation with Judo Club “Nenad Sinanovic” in order to integrate young Roma, Egyptians and members of other vulnerable groups into society through sports, to help their education, sports training and encourage children to work and socialize.
10 April: Panel discussion about human rights, democracy and the EU
EU Info Center
Organizers: CEDEM and Help
Participants: Association of Roma of Montenegro, NGO “Romska duša” and Association “Čovjek Rom”
The panel and workshops are intended for Roma and Egyptians of all ages, in order to improve the position of this population through education. Participants were selected within the framework of the project. The following three NGOs who are subgrantees within the project “Promotion and protection of human rights of Roma, and other vulnerable groups “funded by the EU Delegation, attended the panel discusion: Association of Roma of Montenegro, NGO “Roma Soul” and NGO “Man – Roma”.
11 April: Campaign and the main square & Workshop
Organizers: Red Cross Niksic, NGO “Romska nada” and Roma Association “Budo Tomovic”
After Podgorica and Berane, activities of were continued in Niksic, at the city square Organizers of the event were Red Cross Niksic, NGO “Romska nada” and Roma Association “Budo Tomovic”.The event was a part of the project “Promotion and protection of human rights of Roma, Egyptians and other vulnerable groups “. Members of the Roma and Egyptian population walked to the square with messages and banners, with the desire to show their affiliation to the Montenegrin community, as well as the problems they face with on daily basis.
Home at last: Five Roma Families move into new prefabricated Houses in Herceg Novi
On April 3, 2018, five Roma families with 27 members moved into new prefabricated houses in the settlement Drenovik in Herceg Novi. The housing issue was resolved as a result of the donation of the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe, i.e. 176,890 euros were approved for this project. Also vital to the project’s success were the cooperation of the Herceg Novi municipality and the international humanitarian aid organisation HELP.
The municipality of Herceg Novi provided land plots, utility equipment, electricity and water connections, access roads, as well as building permits for construction and use permits for all five prefab houses. This project is a permanent housing solution for vulnerable families of Roma, who previously lived in inadequate conditions in the settlement of Šištet. Long-term housing care of socially vulnerable persons is a basic precondition for their inclusion in society. This was the first project initiated for the residential care of the domicile Roma community on the coast.
After the handover letter was signed, the keys were given to the beneficiaries by the Mayor of Herceg Novi, the Municipality’s President Stevan Katic, the regional coordinator of HELP Mr. Klaus Mock, and German deputy Ambassador to Montenegro Uwe Meerkötter. The handover ceremony was attended by Serjant Baftijari from the NGO “Young Roma”, as well as representatives of the Municipal Secretariat for Local Governance led by Secretary Vesna Samardzic.
Motivational Workshops: Programme for acquiring vocational Qualifications
Social Inclusion for Roma and Egyptians through vocational Qualifications
The development of occupational qualifications for social inclusion of Roma and Egyptians is an important step towards the successful integration of this population and their involvement in different spheres of social life and work. The Center for Vocational Education, with the support of REF (Roma Education Fund) and HELP organization, developed four professional qualifications: Associate in social inclusion of Roma and Egyptians in the fields of education, employment, health and social affairs.
These four professional qualifications have passed all adoption procedures and are included in the National Qualifications Framework and as such represent a direct link with the labor market.
In order to familiarize potential trainees with the content of professional qualifications, work to be performed by associates in the social inclusion of Roma and Egyptians and their motivation to be included in the programmes and gain one of the above professional qualifications, the Center for Vocational Education, with the support of REF, developed the Motivation Program for Roma Inclusion and Egyptians in vocational qualifications in the field of social inclusion.
Based on the content of this program, REF organized the first motivational training for over 30 participants, with the engagement of trainers from the Center for Vocational Education and Employment Agency. On behalf of the Ministry of Education Mr. Roko Đoljaj and the representative of REF, Ms. Marijana Blečić welcomed the participants and introduced them with the training programme.
After the introductory address, the trainers Vesna Radulović and Gordana Bošković implemented a series of educational sessions, presenting the contents of all four professional qualifications at the beginning, pointing to their significance, their connection with the institutions of the system and the labor market.
The development of soft skills is an essential prerequisite for the quality work of associates in the social inclusion of Roma and Egyptians, and therefore the participants actively participated in the presentation of team work, the development of communication skills and the construction of mechanisms to combat prejudices and stereotypes.
Documentary film ‘Stop Child begging’ Premiere 27 March
Within the project “Promotion and protection of Human rights of Roma, Egyptians and other vulnerable groups”, supported by the Delegation of the European Union in Montenegro, Help supported the creation of the documentary film titled “Stop Child Begging” directed by Nikola Vučević. The film is part of the public awareness campaign to stop and prevent child begging and the exploitation of children who are victims of the streets. The film addresses key recommendations for dealing with this problem. Particular attention is devoted to mapping the gaps in the system of fighting against child begging, which particularly affects Roma and Egyptian children. The documentary will premiere soon and have English subtitles.
The film will premiere in the Cineplexx cinema (Delta City-Podgorica) on Tuesday March 27, 2018, starting at 11 a.m. Looking forward to seeing you there!
Movie trailer:
HELP Storytelling: Social Inclusion through Employment
Within the project “Social inclusion of Roma and Egyptians through employment”, implemented by Help Montenegro and Capital Podgorica, out of 33 interns who successfully finished on-the.job training which lasted almost 9 months, 13 interns have been employed (40%).
Results of the second call for allocation of subgrants within the project
Results of the second call for allocation of sub grants within the project ‘Promotion and protection of human rights of Roma, Egyptians and other vulnerable groups’
Approved projects:
- “Parliamentary class” – Udruženje Roma Crne Gore, Podgorica (approved funds: EUR 3,426.68)
- “ Attempt to reduce begging of RE children – Berane” – NGO “Djeca – Enfants”, Berane (approved funds: 2.310 EUR)
- “ Sports against drugs “ – NGO “Romi u sportu”, Podgorica (Approved funds: 2.032,50 EUR)
- “ Empowering Romani women and their protection “ – NGO “Romska duša”, Podgorica (approved funds 2.853,69 EUR)
- “ Prevention of violence in the family and child begging in Roma and Egyptian population towards effective integration of the mentioned population “ – NGO “Romska nada”, Niksic (approved funds 3.592,39 EUR)
- “Man – Roma” – Udruženje Čovjek – Rom, Podgorica (approved funds: 2.238,58 EUR)
- “Prevention of drug addiction and the use of psychoactive substances” – “Udruženje Roma Budo Tomović “, Niksic (Approved funds: 2.330 EUR)
- “Right to work as a basis for equality and social inclusion” – NGO “DORRA”, Posgorica (approved funds: EUR 3,707.55)
- “Roma Wedding” – ‘Udruženje za romske afirmacije’, Podgorica (Appropriations: EUR 3,450)
Total amount of approved funds: 25,941.39 EUR
RE Beneficiaries receive Certificates for Completion of the on-the-job Training
Representatives of German organization Help-Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe and representatives of the Capital City awarded certificates on completion of the On-the-Job training to the RE beneficiaries on Monday, January 22, 2018.
Thirty-three (33) Roma beneficiaries successfully completed training within the project “Social inclusion of Roma and Egyptians through employment”. Duration of the training was eight and a half months.
During the period, beneficiaries acquired certain skills, knowledge and experiences that will be of crucial importance in job search, and will facilitate access to the labor market. Trainings were provided by 13 companies / organizations from Podgorica: Deponija, doo, Zelenilo, doo, Čistoća, doo, Laković, doo, Protection Service Podgorica, Velma, doo, Sibila, doo, Roma Cultural Center, Association of Roma of Montenegro , Roma Council, NGO “Young Roma”, NGO “Fiat” and Football Club “Ribnica”.
