The aim of the project is to transfer knowledge and strengthen the competences of leaders of Roma communities in the field of self-advocacy. The project is aimed at Roma communities, but also at majority communities living with Roma and the wider public administration. Members of the Roma minority in Poland are excluded and stigmatised, which results in their alienation, lack of self-confidence and helplessness. The problem affects not only adult Roma, but also the youngest generation. The inclusion of Roma in social life requires action aimed at both excluded and majority groups. It is also important to change the attitudes presented by public administration officials and civil servants. Lack of knowledge and awareness of the existing problems, as well as ignorance of the legal mechanisms and available tools make the actions of Roma leaders ineffective.

In this project, we are addressing real problems occurring in 6 different Roma communities, functioning alongside majority groups. The diagnosis of the problems and needs will allow us to choose the right tools to address them and to counteract these problems in the future. Using specific case examples, we provide Roma leaders with the necessary knowledge, including cultural and legal knowledge and tools to communicate effectively with the majority community and public administration. As part of the project we also provide knowledge on cultural differences and intercultural dialogue. We present Polish culture to the Roma community, and Roma culture and the principles of intercultural dialogue to majority communities and institutions of public administration. We deliver workshops for Roma leaders as well as skills training to solve an existing problem in the community with the help of mentors from the Central Roma Council. The project will benefit the whole local communities.