The project team behind the Erasmus+ project “Help to Opportunities” (H2O), which is dedicated to improving the health literacy among the Roma communities across Europe, proudly announces the successful completion of its milestone conference and Transnational Project Meeting (TPM) held in Slovenia. This pivotal gathering took place in Moravske Toplice on March 5 and 6, marking a significant step forward in the project’s mission to foster healthy lifestyles and reduce discrimination and marginalization of the Roma communities.
“H2O initiative does not only represent a collection of activities within a project, but also a pathway to empowerment to those who have been marginalized for far too long. Through our collective efforts, knowledge sharing, and unwavering commitment, we are not just addressing immediate health challenges through this conference but are laying down the foundation for a future where access to health education and resources is not a privilege but a right accessible to all Roma”, said Rahela Hojnik Kolenc, the director of Ljudska univerza Lendava, in her opening speech.
The H2O project consortium, consisting of 9 organizations from 8 European countries Ljudska univerza Lendava (Slovenia), Razvojni center Murska Sobota (Slovenia), Pučko otvoreno učilište Čakovec (Croatia), Amrita OBK (Hungary), Obrazovno Kulturna Zajednice Roma “Romanipen” (Serbia), Irish Creative Training and Innovative Development Center (Ireland), Innercia Digital (Spain), Previform (Portugal), University of Thessaly (Greece), convened in Slovenia to share insights, progress, and strategies to advance and re-affirm the successful project results so far. The dual event which encompassed the conference and the TPM underscored the collaborative efforts towards achieving H2O’s primary goal: to elevate health literacy levels within Roma communities through innovative educational programs, engaging resources, and the support of trained Roma lay educators.
The conference in Slovenia featured a series of enlightening presentations, workshops, and discussions led by esteemed experts in public health, education, and social inclusion. Key topics addressed included the importance of basic health literacy of members of the Roma community when integrating into the wider social community, innovative approaches to health education, the role of cultural sensitivity in public health initiatives, and the impact of education on reducing health disparities among the Roma. Simultaneously, the TPM offered a strategic platform for partners to evaluate the project’s progress, share best practices, and plan future activities. The meeting emphasized the importance of cross-border collaboration in addressing the complex health and social challenges faced by the Roma communities.
The dual event in Slovenia has not only strengthened the partnership among the involved organizations but also paved the way for the implementation of targeted health literacy programs. By leveraging the expertise and resources of the consortium, H2O aims to empower Roma individuals to become advocates for their health and well-being, thereby creating a ripple effect of positive change within their communities.
Funded by the Erasmus+ program of the European Union, the H2O project is a testament to the power of collaborative European action in addressing social and health inequalities. Through education and empowerment, the project seeks to bridge health literacy gaps and contribute to the well-being of the Roma communities across Europe.
For more information about the H2O project, its objectives, and its future initiatives, please visit the project’s website at https://www.h2oerasmus.eu/.
