BACKGROUND
The mobilization of people and resources to address priority issues consistently emerges as a pressing need in Roma communities. Roma remain the most marginalized ethnic group in North Macedonia. Many government strategies and programs aimed at addressing various Roma issues have not produced the expected positive effects on Roma lives. Roma primarily live in segregated communities often lacking the basic infrastructure for quality life, such as paved roads, electricity, water supply, and sewage systems. USAID contributes to North Macedonia’s efforts to promote inclusivity, improve economic security and growth, engage youth in social and economic opportunities, and increase local governments’ responsiveness and accountability to citizens. A fundamental principle for success is local ownership and amplifying local capacity to achieve results.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
This program is part of USAID North Macedonia’s Local Works initiative through which USAID is empowering local actors to take lead in identifying and addressing development challenges in their own communities. The overall goal of Together for a Prosperous Community is to establish sustainable systems and develop the capacities of Roma communities so they can plan, finance, and implement solutions to their own development priorities and needs.
This activity supports Roma communities throughout the country to implement community actions and initiatives. A variety of local stakeholders—including citizens, private businesses, local governments, civil society organizations, local leaders, national government institutions, influential community members, Roma diaspora, youth, women, and other formal and informal citizen groups—partner to identify and prioritize these activities.
Through training, mentoring, and education, the program equips community stakeholders with the knowledge and skills to plan, develop, and mobilize resources for local initiatives that improve the living standards and prosperity of Roma communities. This program is coordinated through eight regional resource offices covering 17 municipalities: Shuto Orizari, Chair, Gjorche Petrov, Tetovo, Gostivar, Kumanovo, Kochani, Vinica, Berovo, Radovish, Strumica, Prilep, Bitola, Veles, Shtip, Negotino, and Kavadarci.
EXPECTED RESULTS AND IMPACT
• Eight regional resource offices will be established to support the development and implementation of locally led initiatives and projects.
• 24 employees of the regional resource offices will be equipped with knowledge and skills to support the development and implementation of locally led actions and initiatives.
• A Roma diaspora network will be established.
• A Roma student alumni network will be established.
• A Roma business network will be established.
• A web application for fundraising and resource mobilization will be created.
• A database with at least 100 Roma priority issues and needs in 17 target municipalities will be established.
• 100 local actions and interventions will be implemented to address priority issues in Roma communities.
• 20 local actions addressing the needs and issues of marginalized and vulnerable Roma groups will be implemented.