The Roma are the most severely unemployed group in Europe. Imagine what having almost no chance of finding steady work does to a family. It leads to extremely difficult living conditions, social exclusion from the community, a lack of sufficient food, minimal to no electricity or running water, and the deep, unsettling belief that society thinks so little of you that no one will offer you employment.
Bulgaria’s Roma communities are no strangers to unemployment and all of its side effects. Around 87% of the nation’s Roma — almost the entire people group — is on the brink of poverty.
Recognizing this need, Convoy of Hope joined forces with Partners Worldwide and offered their business training course to eight Roma women. These women were faithful to previous programs, were eager to find employment, and wanted to give back to their community. Convoy and Partners Worldwide trained them in starting their own businesses. Through the course and mentorship, these women discovered new hope and shared it in their village.
Now their stories are full of confidence, persistence, and generosity:
“One day a week I offer my salon services for free to give back to my community.”
“I am able to help my family with finances, and I am proud to be able to support my mother when she finds herself in need.”
“In Convoy of Hope’s course, I learned that in order to develop a business you need to study what the customers need, a plan to run your business, and the possibilities for building a team.”
“I started believing in myself.”
“Convoy of Hope taught me that I should not give up. And even if I see that at first things don’t work out, I shouldn’t give up, but take a look at what needs to be changed.”
This is only the beginning of this Roma village’s transformation. These women now believe in themselves — that they were created with worth and dignity. Because of this training from Convoy of Hope, they wake up each morning with the desire to live to the fullest and to empower those who cross their paths.
The women recently finished their second business training course. Change continues to happen! The drive and creativity they demonstrate are inspiring.
Together we can offer hope, one life at a time, to end social exclusion and poverty around the world.
