During the second phase of the ROMACTED program, the city of Prokuplje placed a special emphasis on the education of Roma, aiming to improve their position and encourage their retention in the educational process, thus contributing to their empowerment and better positioning in the labor market.
Through the ROMACTED small grants program, the Vuk Karadžić Elementary School in Žitni Potok received a fully equipped classroom with all necessary equipment. This will enable Roma children, who make up more than 90% of the students, as well as all other students, to spend their free time in a quality manner. The school also has a student dormitory for students from nearby villages, providing a space where they can use computers, the internet, and social games to enhance their knowledge. Most of these students come from socially disadvantaged families, so this creative corner will provide them with a “window to the world.”
“We can’t wait to use our classroom. We will be able to socialize more and learn better,” said one of the students.
Additionally, part of the support through ROMACTED grants was directed towards assisting the Emergency Service in Prokuplje and improving their operations. The Roma community recognized the importance of preventive check-ups as a priority in both Prokuplje and Žitni Potok, making it a tradition not only for the Roma community but also for all other citizens. One defibrillator was provided for the Emergency Service, and another for the clinic in Žitni Potok. Three EKG machines were also purchased to facilitate the work of the Emergency Service in the field.
“This assistance is invaluable to us. One saved life is priceless, and the importance of preventive check-ups is crucial,” emphasized the Emergency Service.
As part of the second phase of the ROMACTED program, aimed at promoting effective governance and empowering the Roma community at the local level, the Council of Europe, in cooperation with the European Union and the Foundation BFPE for a Responsible Society, along with representatives from the city of Prokuplje, visited the school and Health Center on May 28, 2024. They discussed further plans for improving the position of the Roma community in the city of Prokuplje.
This post is also available in SRP.
