In November 2015, representatives of HESED participated at the final conference Broaden Horizons – Networks and Experiences for Successful Roma Inclusion, in Dolenjske Toplice (Slovenia). The program of the conference was very intense and fulfilled with good practices in the field of Roma integration in education, employment, social services and research.

Our representative Dr. Savka Savova, presented the Model for Integrated Development which is the core intervention for breaking the vicious circle of poverty which HESED implements in Roma communities. The model utilises the resources of the communities by providing support for early child development and life skills education for adolescents. The model intergrates social services targeted at pregnant women and parents of children 0-3 years, alternative service for early childhood development for children 4-6 years who do not attend kindergartens (pre-school education for Roma children) and life skills training for teenagers and improvement of their professional prospects. The core services are supported by complementing services such as provision of solid food for 10 month to 3 years old children, provision of interest free loans for housing improvement (in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Bulgaria). One of the additional programs targeting at the improvement of the quality of life of the Roma is the financial literacy training which could help the families to effectively manage the limited financial resources without being caught in the trap of the »sharks«. The participation of HESED in Finally project increased our capacity in providing trainings and consultations in the field of financial literacy.

Valuable contribution for the conference was the presentation of our partners from Habitat for Humanity Bulgaria. Their project coordinator Boryana Parvanova presented the program for support low-income families from all walks of life in their pursuit of decent and affordable homes.

The conference provided a lot of opportunities for exchange of ideas and good practices and inspiring experiences with colleagues from different European countries.