My name is Pavlína Žigová. I’ve had a lot of troubles in life. My settlement home is falling apart, and my neighbours have been insulting and threatening me. So I started saving money in a savings account for what I wanted (a house).
I’ve been through a lot – my husband passed away, so I’m alone. I didn’t really know what to do, but I was still firmly determined that as long as I lived, I must improve my life, by building my own little house elsewhere. When my husband was alive, we applied for a loan [via HERO] for materials for the house. After he died, I was afraid that they wouldn’t give me the loan, but fortunately, that was not the case. I’m glad they are helping me – they have just brought me bricks, and Jaro (a construction teacher) is helping me to build the house because I have no one else to rely on.
I wouldn’t have been able to build my little house alone, because I don’t know how it’s done, so I would like to thank Jaro, Julo, and Rado. I’m glad I’ll be able to live here and no one will torment me – no one will hurt me in the house that I’m building, thanks to you. I will happily live in my new house in health and happiness until old age.
HERO: Housing and Empowerment for Roma
80% of Roma children and families are at risk of poverty, compared to 20% in the general population. Equal economic opportunities enable Roma to break the cycle of poverty for their children and contribute to the social and economic development of the community as a whole.
→ Investing in housing for Roma benefits the whole community.
The large majority of Roma is not made of “travellers” or nomads. In fact, 80% are settled and looking for ways to improve their lives. Providing access to financial assets, be it loans or basic education, will support Roma in becoming homeowners.
→ Social innovation models can help break the cycle of exclusion.
Roma communities across Europe face social exclusion, lack of access to quality health services and education, and barriers to employment and adequate housing. HERO aims to support Europe’s commitment made in 2020 with the launch of the EU anti-racism action plan 2020-2025.
→ Inclusion of Roma communities is a priority at the EU level.
HERO Journey
Throughout 2022-2025, about €3 million will be available to support Roma families in accessing decent housing and gainful employment in a number of municipalities in Bulgaria, Romania and Slovakia.
In the long run, HERO will benefit not only the local Roma communities but also the overall population of the respective municipalities.
HERO Countries
HERO focuses on small-medium size municipalities (10,000 – 50,000 inhabitants) with at least 10% of Roma residents in three countries: Bulgaria, Romania, and Slovakia.
HERO Goals
HERO in action
The project facilitates access to micro-loans and provides financial literacy training, construction training, employment coaching, and mentoring, resulting in:
Roma
community
Banks
Local
authorities
Civil society
organisations
HERO is overseen by the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) and involves a wide range of stakeholders:
- Civil society organizations & financial intermediaries
- Public authorities & private sector
- Both local Roma and non-Roma communities
BULGARIA
Lead Implementing partner
Co-implementing partners
ROMANIA
Lead Implementing partner
Co-implementing partners
SLOVAKIA
Lead Implementing partner
Co-implementing partners
Testimonials
News
Our recent articles and media assets
Inspirational HERO Progress in Romania and The First Success
HERO’s Innovative Approach to Community Cohesion
Inspirational HEROes from Slovakia and their Stories of Success
International Romani Day 2024: Celebrating Our HEROes
Crafting Future Communities — HERO in Romania
Positive Change Brick by Brick — HERO in Slovakia
HERO Project Steps Up Inclusion in Europe
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