Together with Bothar charity from Ireland and the Resource Center for Roma Communities, Open Fields Foundation focuses on Roma minority, a sensitive issue, both internationally and nationally. This is the largest ethnic minority in Europe which faces social exclusion in the first place, while also battling poverty on a large scale and difficult access to education, housing and jobs.

The aim is to improve the livelihoods of Roma families and encourage the involvement of women and girls in the community and family level. The community capacity strengthening is done through the distribution of qualitative dairy cows and the genetic improvement of existing animals through artificial insemination; at the same time beneficiaries' know-how and capital are built.

PROGRAM KEY DATA

  • Initiated in 2015
  • Closed Program
  • Total Budget: 931,920 Eur
  • Financed by: Heifer & Bothar

Roma families are encouraged to take advantage of local conditions of farming and market access opportunities for improving living conditions for themselves and their families. Roma women's involvement in a revenue-generating mechanism is a step toward to their becoming active members of the community adding value and contributing to the local economy.

With a strong emphasis on women's empowerment within the community, Open Fields is helping implement the idea of women's role in decision- making at all levels.

This project has a big impact through:

  • Livestock distribution: 220 beneficiary families
  • Genetic improvement: 27,500 beneficiary families
  • Milk hygiene trainings: 440 beneficiaries
  • Women empowerment training: 220 beneficiaries