EQUAL Programme “Improving the Labour Market Situation of Roma in the Hernád Valley”

The aim of the EQUAL programme was to help the Roma population living in the Encs micro-region re-enter the labour market, and to create and develop the conditions necessary for their long-term employment. The programme focused on three settlements and primarily targeted Roma adults with low levels of education who were long-term unemployed.

Of the participants, 24 successfully completed primary school and 104 completed vocational training (light and heavy machinery operator, chainsaw operator, logger, florist, shop assistant). When planning the training courses leading to National Qualifications Register (OKJ) qualifications, we took into account the needs expressed by participants and employers. In addition, a network of Roma labour market advisers was established, which strengthened links between local communities, employers and employment organisations. Twenty-three people found permanent employment with the Roma organisations and businesses involved in the programme as employers.

Local Roma organisations received training in project management and business development.

Autonómia had been working within the framework used here for several years, the key methodological elements of which, from a sustainability perspective, were: realistic local needs and opportunities formed the basis of the programme; we involved the target group and their organisations in the planning and actual implementation; the training and development modules built on one another; and the programme relied entirely on local resources.