Evaluation of ESF Support forRoma integration

Dominique Bé

EURoma, 10 November 2011, Budapest

Methodology

part of wider evaluation of ESF Supportfor inclusion of migrants &ethnic minorities

ESF 2000-2006& 2007-2013

ESF EQUAL2000-2006

mainly based oninterviews(because lackof data)

Aims

labour market integration & social inclusion of Roma assess ESF contribution identify most effective means of tackling barriers provide guidelines to implement 2007-13 ESF make recommendations for 2014-20 ESF

Overall evaluation

increased focus of ESF to promoting Roma labour market integration in 2007-2013 compared with 2000-2006 OP strategies increased financial allocation

increased ESF allocation to Roma specific actions but n° EU countries supporting Roma specific measures has

not increased because “explicit but not exclusive” targeting approach

ESF multiannual programming long-term approach

EQUAL more integrated approach

Overall evaluation

lack of reliable data on ESF spending for Roma integration Roma participation in ESF measures impact of ESF measures lack of culture of monitoring & evaluation in ESF

no reduction of unemployment among Roma persistent 40-90% unemployment rate

multi-dimensional barriers to labour market participation of Romaclosing the gap could take 10-20 years

EvaluationAchievements for individuals

because of distance from labour market limited “hard” outcomes

but “soft” outcomes: basic employability skills, self confidence, interpersonal skills, etc.

need for job placements

but challenge of transition to “real” jobs self-employment schemes

but lack of ESF microfinance vocational training (construction, care, etc.) languages skills for migrating Roma

EvaluationAchievements for systems & structures

move towards: personalised employment pathways rather than one-off

measures integrated approaches

employment + education + health + housing targeting job-seekers but also families

closer cooperation with Roma NGOs desegregation of schools growing awareness about Roma discrimination

but sustainability of projects when ESF funding stops ?

Recommendations to Member StatesPolicies

10 Common Basic Principles for Roma Integration “mainstreaming” & “explicit but not exclusive” targeting

“integrated approach” education, employment, housing, health & access to quality

public services

data collection about Roma labour market & social situation

better coordination between ESF & national strategies, programmes & initiatives on Roma

integration other EU funds

Recommendations to Member StatesESF implementation

better vertical & horizontal coordination of ESF management structures

more micro-project grant schemes for small Roma NGOs to develop & strengthen their capacity

better involvement of Roma NGOs during whole ESF programme lifecycle participation in Monitoring Committees

additional capacity-building support

better coordination between national authorities & local municipalities & NGOs better understanding of realities on the ground

Recommendations to Member StatesThematic interventions

inclusion of Roma children in mainstream schools but sustainability of projects after ESF funding stops ?

early targeting of Roma children & youths e.g. preparatory classes in the national language & after-

hours school support

closer cooperation with enterprises in vocational training & employability domains

long-term approach when targeting Roma women, including their children

adult education

spatial & territorial factors: no one-approach fits all situations

More info

http://tinyurl.com/esf-roma