Roma
The ROM project focuses specifically on Roma people of Romanian origin and Doms from Syria who live in Brussels and are unemployed.
Through a programme of professional guidance, language training and support for social integration, the project helps them to take sustainable steps towards employment and social participation. The approach is personalised, culturally sensitive and focused on breaking the cycle of poverty, exclusion and educational limitations.
The Roma population often faces severe poverty and social exclusion. Nevertheless, many actively strive to improve their situation.
The European Social Fund (ESF) has commissioned us to provide support to 165 beneficiaries. However, the actual needs on the ground remain considerably higher than this capacity.
The support team at Maks vzw offers assistance in various areas: administrative support for municipal services or the CPAS, preparation for job interviews, individual guidance and regular follow-up on site. These efforts help our clients to strengthen their self-esteem, recognise their skills and regain confidence in their own abilities. Some have even taken an important step by enrolling in school for the first time, usually with the aim of learning to read, write and speak a local language.
Roma children often experience significant difficulties within the education system: irregular school attendance, early school leaving and lower educational attainment are common. Families also often lack the necessary tools to communicate effectively with schools.
In addition, some children report feeling discriminated against by their classmates.
In this context, Maks vzw plays an essential role in mediating between families and schools. Our goal is to facilitate communication, resolve conflicts and promote better integration of children into the educational system.
In addition, attention is also paid to the phenomenon of early marriage among young girls. Through guidance and dialogue with families, Maks encourages these young women to pursue their studies so that they can gain more autonomy and future prospects.