Rom and Doms team scores high

Roma face severe poverty and social exclusion. But a lot of clients want to do something about this. Especially women among Roma (84%) and men among Doms (66%). 1 in 5 clients finds work and 1 in 5 starts training

364 clients | 74 people found a job | 66 of them started school for the first time

In the year 2022, we assisted 364 clients, including 192 Romanian and Bulgarian Roma and 172 SyrianDoms. As many as 105 clients more than in 2021. Our funding providerESF requires counselling of 165people. But the need is high, and the team does not want to leave anyone out in the cold. Administrative support for the municipality or OCMW, preparing interviews, providing after-care on the work floor: these are key words for our operation. Showing appreciation, boosting self-esteem and belief in their strengths ensured74 employments (56 Roma and 18 Syrian Doms found a job). 66 of them went to school for the first time, mainly to learn the language.

A BRIDGE BETWEEN SCHOOL AND FAMILY

Roma children attend school less often, leave school much earlier and obtain lower educational qualifications. Parents do not know how to discuss problems at school. Children feel discrimination from other children. The counsellors of Maks vzw therefore engage in school mediation so that children and parents feel better at school. In addition, they act as a link between teachers and principals. Because there is still a lot of work to be done there too.

“[Following Maksvzw’s] advice, I enrolled in a language course. This was complicated because I never really learnt to hold a pen. I mostly learnt the numbers. I am so happy that I do shopping on my own. I even understand the amount the cashier asks me for.”
OBAIDAH

“Other Roma told me : join Maks asbl. Today I am happy to share my joy with you. I work at the community service vouchers. I am now an example in my family. I used to do nothing alone. Now I go to work, the children’s school, …”
ROXANA