Employers are not interested in employing Roma

An initiative aimed at increasing employment among Roma communities in Kočevje has faced challenges due to low interest from local employers and financial disincentives for participants. The program, known as Romani zour, which translates to Roma soup in the local dialect, was launched last year by Ljudska univerza Kočevje, a local educational institution focused on community development. The project was designed to prepare Roma individuals for the job market through training sessions and practical experience with employers. However, after two rounds involving 18 participants, only three have managed to secure employment within six months, highlighting the difficulties in integrating this group into the workforce. The initiative consists of two parts. The first part includes 100 hours of training over one month, focusing on preparing participants for the labor market. This involves discussions on personal organization, assistance with creating resumes, and preparation for job interviews. According to Melita Oražem, director of Ljudska univerza Kočevje, some participants genuinely want to find work, while others remain skeptical about its value. “We emphasize that employment means more than just money, it’s a step forward,” she said. “But we’ve noticed that even among Roma, work isn’t always valued.” The second phase of the program lasts up to six months and involves hands-on work experience with employers. Participants receive medical check-ups, workplace safety measures, and reimbursement of 23 cents per kilometer traveled. However, they do not receive wages during this period. If a participant has no other income, this arrangement can be beneficial. But for those receiving social transfers, the financial incentive to work diminishes significantly. One example cited by Oražem involves a participant who calculated that taking part in the program would reduce her monthly income by 300 euros compared to what she currently receives in social benefits. Additionally, many Roma individuals already engage in other activities, further reducing their motivation to participate. Local employers have shown limited interest in participating in the program. So far, only public institutions such as primary schools, elderly care homes, and the Recinko disability company have joined. Other businesses have expressed little enthusiasm for employing Roma workers. Despite this, those who have found jobs through the program have been eager to continue working. Some have opted for regular eight-hour shifts because they wish to earn money, although some struggle with adapting to the pace of conventional work environments. Oražem noted that while the program itself is not inherently flawed, it lacks sufficient consideration in its design. The name Romani zour, which was intended to mean Roma model, does not accurately reflect the cultural nuances of the language spoken in the region. It instead refers to a type of traditional soup called mineštra. Furthermore, the lack of payment for participants during their time with employers has been criticized. The municipality of Kočevje has ensured that participants do not receive wages, which could affect their willingness to commit fully to the program. Another concern raised by Oražem is the long-term sustainability of the initiative. Public sector jobs available to Roma individuals, similar to those offered to disabled persons, last four years. She warned that if these individuals succeed in their roles and prove themselves capable, they might later face barriers in accessing further support from employment agencies. This uncertainty could discourage participation in the program. Given the reluctance of local employers to hire Roma workers, Oražem suggested alternative solutions, including the establishment of a social enterprise by the municipality of Kočevje. Such an entity could provide stable employment opportunities tailored to the needs of the Roma community. While recent developments in addressing Roma-related issues may seem stagnant, Oražem emphasized that progress is possible through innovative approaches and sustained efforts.