Gherla

General Information
 
ROMACT Cycle: 
Closed
Mayor of the Municipality: 
Marius Calin Sabo
Contact Person within the Municipality: 
Iulia Trif, vice mayor/ Caraba Roszica, Chief of the Social Public Service
Facilitators: 
Cristian Hetea
Total population: 
20 982
Source: 
Census 2011
Description of the Municipality: 

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Gherla municipality is located in north western Transylvania Plateau, on the right bank of Somes Mic River, in the contact area of Transylvania Plain and Somes Plateau, at 45 km from Cluj-Napoca (capital of Cluj County). According to the census conducted in 2011, Gherla city population amount is 20.982 inhabitants, 735 being Roma (3,5%).
 
Roma living in the neighboring villages of Gherla (Hasdate and Silivas) belong to Roma families that are traditional native speakers of Romani. Pescarilor community problems are related to the very low level of education among adults (mostly uneducated, especially among younger people), the improper housing situation, lack of access to sewerage and or toilets, insufficient source of drinking water; one fountain is located in the middle of the community for over 250 people. Hasdate and Silvas community belong to a group of traditional Roma and are native Romani language speakers. Most families are receiving the guaranteed minimum income provided by the municipality, under the legislation. The education level is very low, especially among adults and the elderly. The main problems of this Roma communities are: the low level of income, the inadequate and crowded dwelling spaces.
 

The ROMACT Process

ROMACT process started on July 2016. The Local Action Plan for Roma was approved by the Local Council on December 2016 and was included in the Local Development Strategy of the municipality.  
The Community Action Group (CAG) identified its short/medium/long-term needs:
 

Short and mid-term prioritiesObjective 1Objective 2
EducationSetting up a school mediator position Current school/kindergarten repairing and hot meals to disadvantaged pupils
CultureOrganizing/financing cultural events with Roma specific/inspirationOrganizing events to promote Roma traditions, customs, songs
HealthSetting up a health mediator positionRepairing family medicine cabinets (4 medical practices) that serve communities / areas inhabited by disadvantaged people
OtherHiring a local Roma expert in the city hallSetting up a local policeman position to serve specifically the Roma community
Long-term prioritiesObjective 1Objective 1 Objective 2
InfrastructureStreets rehabilitationWaste management system within Roma neighborhoods
HousingRehabilitate existent social housingBuild new social flats (300 apartments)
EmploymentDeveloping competences for young people ( especially for Roma women) in the process of qualification, employment, skills developmentAchieving a comprehensive mentoring and support program to help Roma entrepreneurs create jobs and develop human capital in the locality
EducationOrganizing contests, extracurricular activities, school camps to facilitate children and students from Roma communitySetting up school after school programs
OtherFinancing the ensemble of popular Roma songs and dances - "Ardeleni Fiddlers" Music SchoolFinancing the running costs and purchasing the appropriate equipment for the home care center

The Municipality benefited of ROMACT expertise for the following projects:

* NOW for Gherla - Social Inclusion for Sustainable Development, OPHC 5.1
Budget: 35.000 euros
Status: approved

Local development Strategy, OPHC 5.1
Budget: 7 000 000 euros
Status: approved 

Activities involving the community action group:

Training on community development and civic participation
Information regarding government funding
 
So far, the following measures to solve problems in Roma community were taken:
 

ProblemSolutionBudgetBeneficiariesStatus
Poor learning conditionsModernizing school classes5.000 EUR70 Roma childrenProcess finished
Lack of representation at city hall levelEmployment of a local Roma expertThe entire Roma communityProcess ongoing
Lack of caretakers for disabled peopleEmployment of 10 nurses/caretakers at the Home Care Centre10 direct beneficiariesProcess ongoing

Timeline Points

7 Sep 2016
Step 1- Becoming Commited- Signature of the letter of commitment
23 Mar 2017
Creation of Taskforce
18 Dec 2017
End of ROMACT Process
20 Dec 2017
Joint Action Plan included in the Local Development Strategy funded under CLLD
20 Dec 2017
Step 3- Translating priorities into measures- Joint Action Plan for Roma inclusion adopted by City Council
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