The Methodist Church in the partner countries makes an important contribution to the functioning of society, and social engagement is an integral part of its work. It supports people who are disadvantaged and live on the margins of society, such as the Roma. It also takes the initiative in cases of acute need and emergency. It offers support to people who are not covered by a social safety net.
Connexio develop supports this important work of the Methodist Church, which is locally anchored in the communities and districts and is also sustainable.
Around 12 million Roma live in Europe - most of them in Eastern Central Europe and the Balkans. Even though the majority of them are sedentary, their social integration has failed in many places.
Roma are discriminated against and face prejudice as well as verbal and physical violence. They also struggle with other problems: Unemployment, lack of education, poverty, poor nutrition and lack of medical care. The Methodist Church began working with Roma over 50 years ago to improve their living conditions - despite social resistance.
As a result, congregations and house groups consisting mainly or exclusively of Roma have sprung up in many places.
Social projects are realized such as:
school support, scholarships, reading and writing courses for adults, help for self-help with seeds, fruit trees or livestock, help with integration into the labor market through government work programs, health services and family counseling or concrete emergency aid (food packages, medical aid, firewood).
| Project name | Social welfare work with marginalized population groups |
|---|---|
| Project number | 20040 |
| Partner organization: | Methodist Church in the partner countries |
| Project participants: | marginalized people in the partner countries of Central and Southern Europe |
| Country: | North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Hungary |
| Budget: | CHF 60'000 |
| Running time: | since 2024 |
