Rakitovo
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Rakitovo Municipality is located in Pazardzhik Province, in South East Bulgaria. The municipality consists of three settlements: two towns and one village: Rakitovo, Kostandovo and Dorkovo.
The unofficial number of Roma living in Rakitovo is around 4 000. Roma are located in three neighbourhoods in Rakitovo municipality: in the towns of Rakitovo and Kostandovo and in the village of Dorkovo. They are both Bulgarian and Romani speakers.
The ROMACT Process
ROMACT started in March 2020 with the signature of the Letter of agreement.
The Taskforce for Roma inclusion was created following Mayor's approval in October 2020.
In January 2021, the Municipality Inclusion Development Plan was adopted and included all the community proposals.
As of May 2023, ROMACT process is reinforced in Rakitovo and a new agreement was signed by the mayor.
Trainings
ROMACT experts have provided the following trainings since the start of implementing the programme:
For Local Authorities & Task Force & Public Schools:
* Including priorities and measures for Roma communities in the Integrated stratedies for territorial development
* Participation in a public consultation of the Recovery and Resilience Plan of Bulgaria
* Partnership management for planning and implementation of municipal policies for social inclusion
* Intercultural training
* National programs 2021 - 2027 funded by the EU structural and cohesion funds in support of municipal policies for social inclusion
* Development of a Plan for integrated develoment of municipality - PIRO
For Community Action Groups
* Participation of CAG members in the municipal budget process
* Participation in a Taskforce meeting on the identified needs and priorities of the community.
* Community Action Groups: Understand and Participate in CLLD strategies
* Forms of advocacy, Role and functions of Local Authorities
ROMACT Small Grants Scheme
ROMACT offers small grants scheme to support the efforts of the municipalities and Community Action Groups to respond together to the needs of the most vulnerable and to multiply the good practices across ROMACT municipalities.
Under the scheme of small grants, the following projects were supported by ROMACT in Rakitovo during April 2020 – May 2021:
Initiative to counter COVID19 pandemic – Municipality of Rakitovo
ROMACT supported the municipality with 2550 € reaching 450 people in Roma community. The project covered information campaign on COVID19 and provided masks, disinfectant products, informative flyers to raise awareness in the community. Food supplies were also provided for families with dire financial situation.
The sun shines equally for all! – Municipality of Rakitovo
ROMACT supported the municipality with 5002 € for the renovation of an existing playground in order to create a pleasant and safe public place for 630+ Roma children in Zapad neighbourhood. Public discussions and workshops focusing on “socially responsible and tolerant behaviour in society” were also organized for the children and their parents.
The Municipality benefited of ROMACT expertise for the following project:
The expertise provided by ROMACT for municipalities involves training and guidance on preparing project proposals and implementing inclusive policies aimed at improving the living conditions and social integration of vulnerable populations, including the Roma.
* “Hot lunch at home in an emergency situation 2020” - Funded by the national budget - Budget 3435 €
Status: Approved
ROMACT in the media