EU Affairs Office holds event on Social enterprise as part of an integrated approach to Roma inclusion
by Catherine MALLET
On 26th September the Salvation Army’s EU Affairs Office organised an event to launch its new mapping report as well as to highlight the potential of social enterprise a part of an integrated approach to Roma inclusion. The event aimed to identify barriers and areas for development to better reach excluded communities such as Roma. A bilateral project (supported by Norway Grants) from The Salvation Army Norway/Romania was showcased, demonstrating an integrated approach to Roma inclusion.
The project comprises of work training and employment based on The Salvation Army business model FRETEX in Norway which is the largest vocational rehabilitation company in Norway and the largest second-hand chain store in Norway. Based on this model, six shops and one sorting centre have been established in Romania, whilst vulnerable families are provided with better access to basic services in education, health and social protection, including an after-school programme, drawn together through two community centres.
Major Mike Stannett, Officer for EU Affairs opened the event and launched the new mapping report which he explained gives an overview of the diverse work of The Salvation Army with Roma across Europe and highlights the role of The Salvation Army as a key actor in the inclusion of Roma. The report can be downloaded HERE
Other key speakers were Patrick Klein, Team Leader of "Social Economy" at the General Directorate for "Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs" of the European Commission. He highlighted actions to support social enterprise on three levels: at EU level through access to finance, micro-credit projects, social procurement etc. at Member State level through operational programmes and national strategies, and at local authority level where civil society has the opportunity to be involved in local programmes.
Hungarian Member of European Parliament Benedek Javor, (Greens / European Free Alliance) stressed that many of these issues were mainly Member State competence, although the EU had some opportunities for influence for example on education, where there are targets and rules. EU funding is another opportunity although currently he pointed out that there is a lot of misuse of funds which need better control and a better targeting of sources. He also stressed that we should not limit the ‘green economy’ to rich western European countries but that it can be matched with Roma goals.
Burkhard Paetzold, Regional Liaison for Central Eastern Europe/ Roma, representing The Churches Commission for Migrants in Europe highlighted the history of churches as bridge builders, with long-term thinking and experience in community building. However they sometimes lack business skills which he said is a potential area for training. He also stressed that more pressure on governments is needed to have more social enterprise initiatives in Eastern and Central Europe
Other presentations were given from Director of The European Roma Information Office (ERIO) Ivan Ivanov, who recalled that 80% of Roma are living in extreme poverty and that racism was the main reason behind huge unemployment numbers among Roma. He also stressed that social entrepreneurship was also an important opportunity as it circumvents discrimination by employers. Key barriers to social enterprise he explained were lack of skills, access to finances, prejudice from potential non-Roma costumers and lack of political will from local authorities.
Aurélie Dupres from ENSIE, (the European Network of Social Integration Enterprises) gave an introduction to the legal framework of social enterprises highlighting several countries where social enterprises are not recognised by national governments, despite research showing that work integrating social enterprises have a 65% success rate. Awareness raising was among her key recommendations.
Álvaro Gutiérrez Maestro, Employment Programme Coordinator from the FUNDACIÓN SECRETARIADO GITANO in Spain explained from their experience with the ACCEDER programme that role models are important, as well as having an initial niche market, comprehensive policies and visibility.
The event’s host and member of the EESC Akos Topolanzsky concluded the event. As a pastor in Hungary, he stressed his appreciation of The Salvation Army’s deep commitment to the poorest and most vulnerable. He reflected on the key words of the Mapping Report: ‘bridge builders’ ‘giving hope’ and referenced the Bible verses from the book of Matthew that he saw The Salvation Army putting into practice. He pointed out the potential of social enterprise because it meets the person in their locality; but that this fantastic instrument needs to be mainstreamed.
Tags: Europe