Call for applications
European Training Programme for Roma Mediators – ROMED
A Joint Council of Europe/European Commission Action
Closing Date: 6 February 2012
The ROMED programme was launched in January 2011 as part of the implementation of the Strasbourg Declaration on Roma. It is a joint Council of Europe/European Commission action aimed at enhancing the quality and the effectiveness of the work of mediators, assistants and facilitators, by providing additional skills, tools and approaches to complement existing national and European training provisions.
Mediation is one of the measures used across Europe to tackle the inequalities which Roma face in terms of access to employment, healthcare services and good quality education. It consists of employing people with a Roma background, from local Roma communities, or with a good knowledge of Roma issues, to act as mediators between the Roma and public institutions.
The first training sessions took place in 2011 in the 15 countries participating in the programme and were attended by more than 500 mediators, school assistants and facilitators. During the last day of the training, representatives of national and local authorities and NGOs active in this field have been invited.
The ROMED programme is not replacing or duplicating existing training programmes at local or national levels, but is complementing them, providing additional tools and methodologies, and contributing to the development of the core competencies that all mediators need. The ROMED programme will also assist some countries in setting up training programmes.
Strengths of the Romed Programme
A Framework Curriculum
The training will rely on a curriculum with a strong focus on practice, and which is adaptable to the specific training needs of mediators working in different contexts and with different institutions and Roma communities.
A European Code of Ethics for Mediators
A set of core principles and norms to guide the work of mediators has been identified as a key tool for protecting the mediator against abuse and for enhancing the quality of the services provided. A first draft, inspired by experiences in various countries, has been drawn up and will be submitted for feedback to mediators attending the training sessions.
A Pool of Trainers and European Networking
A first group of trainers, selected on the basis of an open call, was trained in Strasbourg from 26 to 29 January 2011. A Focal Point has been identified in each country (wherever possible, a Roma organisation with experience of working with mediators). Networking and peer learning will be stimulated via an online platform.
The first group of beneficiary countries includes Bulgaria, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Moldova, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, “the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia”, Turkey and Ukraine.
The Programme is being expanded to other countries. Additional training will be delivered in the first group of countries, if additional resources become available.
Call for applications in English and French can be found in attachments.
Contact: roma.team@coe.int
WHAT TO DO NOW?