Proton explores poverty and social exclusion in Romania

There are almost 2.2 million Roma people living in Romania; 75% of which live in poverty. As the EU declares 2010 as the year to combat poverty and social exclusion, the Proton Foundation begins to explore new opportunities to transform life for the Roma community by working in partnership with individuals and organisations from around the globe.

It is widely accepted there is a great need among the Roma people for education, housing, health care and identity. Without an improvement in these main four areas of need the cyclical problem of poverty cannot be overcome. In December 2009 the European Commission's department for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities posted the following article on it's website:

"Roma have the same hopes and dreams for the future as all Europeans: for example, to have a good education and a fulfilling career and to be integrated in society. Although discrimination against members of this important minority is still widespread, there are examples that Roma can achieve their dreams. EU Member States together with the European Union's institutions promote the social inclusion of Roma and provide support for them to access education, find a job and participate in public life.

The Proton Foundation has for several years been working alongside King's Construction, a land and property development company in Romania providing affordable housing in the Constanta area. Using this knowledge and via it's networks, the Proton Foundation has recently begun to dialogue with potential partners and organisations to explore ways of working together to provide a response to the needs of those living below the poverty line in Romania, including Roma and Turk communities.

Over April, May and June, Proton Foundation Project Development staff carried out extensive research into poverty in Romania, visiting approximately 10 cities and towns across the country in order to experience firsthand the terrible living conditions of hundreds of families in both urban and rural areas. Many families are living in homes that are little more than tiny wooden or mud brick shacks, overcrowded, with no running water, sanitation or gas or electricty. Accompanied by World Vision and Habitat for Humanity project directors, staff were able to visit homes, meet families and discuss their needs with local community leaders and Town Hall staff.

Over the next few months, the Proton Foundation will continue to explore the needs in Romania and look to develop an opportunity to work in partnership in order to address some of the issues being faced by communities looking to move forward with an action plan aimed at the eradication of poverty housing.