Urbact Ii Re-Block Project

URBACT II RE-BLOCK PROJECT

LOCAL ACTION PLAN

CITY OF KOMOTINI REGION OF EAST MACEDONIA & THRACE

Contents 1. Summary ...... 4 2. URBACT Program ...... 5 3. Re-BLOCK Project...... 6 4. Target Area Analysis ...... 8 4.1 The Municipality of Komotini ...... 8 4.2 Target Area ...... 9 4.3 Reasons for Selecting this Target Area ...... 13 5. Roma Strategies and Implemented Actions in the Target Area ...... 14 5.1 Strategic Planning ...... 14 5.2 Implemented Actions – Initiatives in the target area ...... 16 6. Local Support Group ...... 18 7. Identifying Problems in the Target Area ...... 19 8. Actions Conducted under the Implementation of the Local Action Plan ...... 21 8.1 LSG Meetings ...... 21 8.2 Action at school in the target area (7th Primary School of Komotini): ...... 26 9. Axes of Intervention ...... 28 9.1 Infrastructure ...... 28 9.2 Social Cooperation ...... 31 9.3 Social Integration of the Roma Population ...... 33 10. Proposed Actions and Interventions ...... 38 11. Recommended Funding Programs ...... 52 11.1 URBACT ...... 52 11.2 MED Cooperation Program ...... 52 11.3 EUROPE 2020 ...... 53 11.4 HORIZON 2020 ...... 53 11.5 PROGRESS ...... 53 11.6 NSRF 2014-2020 ...... 54 11.7 Regional Operational Plan of East Macedonia and Thrace 2014-2020 ...... 54 11.8 Establishment of Regional Strategy for Social Integration and Fight against Poverty of East Macedonia and Thrace ...... 55 12. Time Scheduling of Interventions ...... 57 12.1 Immediate interventions ...... 57 12.2 Short Term Interventions ...... 58

12.3 Mid-term Interventions ...... 59 13. General Policies ...... 60 13.1 City Image/Branding ...... 60 13.2 Community Involvement ...... 63

1. Summary The Re-Block project provided a unique experience to the Region of East Macedonia and Thrace, as a partner of the program, to enable it acquire new experiences and expertise in issues that have to do with the improvement of the urban environment, social cooperation, and social inclusion in the specific target area in the city of Komotini.

The aim of the Local Action Plan following is the recording of the current situation and the quoting of proposed actions and solutions for the improvement of the urban environment and social relations of the residents living in this particular spatial entity.

The purpose of the Local Support Group which operated under the Re-Block project is to prescribe in detail the problems, but also to give a realistic depiction of the proposed actions and interventions that can be performed by local agencies (REMTH, Municipality of Komotini), along with a feasible actions schedule, and some potential funding sources.

The text following is an experience result of the Local Support Group after meetings with residents, local organizations and actions conducted under the general cooperation of the local community in order to submit implementable proposals that result in the preparation of the Local Action Plan and aspires to become a useful tool for the development of the region and the evolution of social life in the city of Komotini.

2. URBACT Program URBACT is a European exchange and learning program promoting sustainable urban development. URBACT motivates cities to cooperate in order to develop solutions to major urban challenges, reaffirming the key role they play in facing increasingly complex societal changes.

It helps cities develop pragmatic solutions that are new and sustainable, and that integrate economic, social and environmental dimensions.

URBACT enables cities share good practices and lessons learned with all professionals involved in urban policy throughout Europe.

URBACT consist of 500 cities, 29 countries and 7000 active participants.

URBACT is jointly financed by the European Union (European Regional Development Fund) and the Member States.

URBACT specifically aims to:

1. Facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experience among city policy makers, the decision makers and the practitioners 2. Widely disseminate the good practices and lessons drawn from exchanges and ensure the transfer of know-how 3. Assist policy-makers and practitioners, as well as managers of Operational Programs, to define Action Plans for sustainable urban development

3. Re-BLOCK Project The main objective of the project is to promote urban regeneration in areas that include substandard building complexes. More specifically, it focuses on converting these areas into attractive through the improvement of environmental quality and the development of a comprehensive individualized approach in the fight against poverty.

Housing, as well as access to clean drinking water and electricity are key elements for the improvement of the quality of urban environment. Usually such houses are situated in remote and deprived areas of a city. Most people who live in these urban areas have some common characteristics, such as low educational level, broken families, high unemployment rate and people from different ethnic backgrounds.

The Re-BLOCK project is implemented under the URBACT II (2007-2013) program, which promotes sustainable urban development through networks of cities. The Re-BLOCK program belongs to 1.1 URBACT axis: Cities, growth drivers and job placement creation. The Region of East Macedonia and Thrace (REMTH), with the municipality of Komotini being the ultimate beneficiary of the project, participates in a European network, under which some meetings were held and knowledge and opinions were exchanged by experienced experts, so that each partner prepares a local action plan, which will address the main problems in their area, with the assistance of a local support group.

The overriding aim of the participation of the REMTH is that the city of Komotini acquires a tool with practices and guidelines in order to be able to achieve the overall infrastructure upgrade as well as the improvement of living conditions and social integration.

The partners of the project, comprising the network, represent cities including deprived areas with the characteristics mentioned above. The core partners in which the REMTH is also included consists of 10 cities which are listed below:

The Local Government of Budapest District 18, Pestszentlőrinc-Pestszentimre, Hungary, which is the lead partner The City of Malaga, Spain The City of Gkezelkirchen, Germany The City of Iasi, Romania

The REMT (Municipality of Komotini), Greece

The above mentioned cities were the first ones who participated in the first project planning phase. In the next phase five more partners were added:

The city of Rome, Italy The city of Salfortnt, UK The city of Sontertalie, Sweden The city of Vilnius, Lithuania The city of Magdeburg, Germany

Based on the conclusions from the first stage of the project, during which the Municipality of Komotini was still the project partner, and the lead expert’s field visits, the two main axes on which the program and its proposed solutions move are:

1st Axis – Interventions in the Social Environment

Improvement of the image of the intervention area, through specialized communication actions and identity building actions, by developing activities for the local community and enhancing social cohesion.

2nd Axis – Interventions in the Built Environment

Development of methods and best practices relating to the revitalization of the target area through private and public sector partnerships for the urban planning and management of the built environment.

4. Target Area Analysis

4.1 The Municipality of Komotini The Municipality of Komotini has a total extent of 644,934 km2, bordered by Bulgaria to the north, Municipality of Arriana and Maronia-Sapes to the east, the Aegean Sea to the south and the municipality of Iasmos to the west. According to the 2011 census data, residents in the entire municipality amounted to 66.919 and in the Regional Unit of Rhodope at 112.039.This number has been formed recently, due to a significant increase in population that occurred as a result of various causes (urbanization of rural population coming from the villages of Rhodope, migration return from Central Europe during the 1971-1981 decade, Pontian Greeks repatriation from countries of the former Soviet Union).

The city of Komotini is flat, built in the Thracian plain and the foothills of the Rhodope sierra at an altitude of 31-55m, 30 km away from the sea.

At the 2011 census, out of a total of 66919 inhabitants in the Municipality of Komotini, employees amounted to 20631 (30.8%), those actively seeking work to 4755, students/pupils to 13212, pensioners amounted to 13640 and the rest ones to 6304. From the economically active population of 20631 people, the 2879 (14%) were employed in the primary sector, 3187 (15.4%) in the secondary and 14 565 (70.6%) in the tertiary sector.

4.2 Target Area The target area, as selected by the Region of East Macedonia and Thrace in cooperation with the Municipality of Komotini, is located quite close to the city center (approximately one kilometer away) to the east and, according to the last census, its population is estimated at about 1,800 residents.

Special population groups The population of the Municipality of Komotini consists of many different groups with varying characteristics. In the Municipality, as well as throughout the whole Regional Unity, communities of people with different traditions live, work and interact with each other on a daily basis. The composition of the population is of a particular interest in terms of the religious identity of the inhabitants.

More specifically, Christians and Muslims live in the area. The population of Komotini includes Thracians, descendants of refugees from Asia Minor and Armenia and other minorities. This phenomenon of cultural coexistence of groups with different history, culture, tradition and language is rare in the rest of the country and it constitutes the special feature of Komotini and the wider region. The integration of specific population groups and the proper functioning of the local community has always been part of Komotini’s policy. Specific population groups in Komotini include citizens who are below poverty threshold, homeless people, People with Special Needs, immigrants and Roma people.

Observing the map below, we can see that the overall urban fabric of the city of Komotini extends into the blue area while the target area corresponds to the area inside the white line and includes the social housing around the municipal swimming pool, the Roma settlement

(at the end of Adrianoupoleos street) and the area “Karydorema”. The red rectangle on the right encloses the planned relocation area of the Roma. Moreover, it is important to mention the Municipality’s infrastructure in the area (sports facilities, sports fields, a swimming pool and green spaces) and the area of the street market. There is also a hotel, a Medical-Social Center, a kindergarten, a training center for people with special needs, an open market, a swimming pool and other sports facilities. On the north side of this area, a vast area (166.864 m2) was designated as a municipal park (characterized in the General Urban Plan as green and wellness space), but due to the economic crisis this plan has not been completed yet.

Local residents can, in some way, be mainly divided into three categories – Christians, Muslims and Roma. The Roma people have occupied a certain part of the area (known as Alan Kougiou) and count approximately 380 families. In the part of the area, where Roma people live, there is no basic infrastructure (neither water, nor sewerage system) and electricity is used illegally. The unemployment rate in this social group is very high.

The educational level for most Roma people is very low, although the Greek government supports their education through various measures such as providing funding to families whose children are enrolled in public schools. In 2011, in a total of 220 registered Roma

families, there were 26 children attending kindergartens and 191 enrolled in primary schools in Komotini. Many of them, however, fail to complete primary school and only 1% of them continue their education in high school.

The area of Alan Kougiou The settlement at the end of Andrianoupoleos street, better known as “Alan Kougiou” or “Teneke Mahala”, is situated on the east side of the historic and commercial triangle of the city of Komotini. The settlement not only is not detached from the urban fabric but is just about 1 km away from the central city square.

This Roma settlement is inhabited mostly by Muslims, who live mainly in light-temporary makeshift structures (that’s why the name "Teneke Mahala" was attached to the settlement), with deficiencies in basic infrastructure, such as electricity, water, sewerage system etc. According to Komotini’s medical-social center’s data, the number of families living in the settlement amounts to 380.

Alan Kougiou Residents’ Main Characteristics As we mentioned, the residents of the settlement are characterized as Roma Muslims. More specifically, most of them belong in the Porizartzia Roma group and the rest of them belong in the Kalpazaia group. The ancestors of Porizartzia were locals while the population of Kalpazaia, coming from Istanbul, settled in the area in 1922 with the exchange of populations. Since 1955 onwards, the population of Kalpazaia decreased significantly with the gradual withdrawal of part of the population to other regions of Thrace and Macedonia.

In terms of their mobility around, the Roma population can generally be distinguished in settled and semi-settled.

Especially the settlement of Alan Kougiou is a good example of semi- settled population, who abandoned the nomadic and semi-nomadic way of life quite recently.

Most residents are trilingual, speaking mainly Turkish, as well as Greek and few of them speak Romani in dialectic varieties. We should mention that education contributes to the configuration of the linguistic nature of the settlement’s population, and for this reason efforts are being made in order to increase the percentage of children who attend school.

Finally, the exact number of Roma living in the settlement is still difficult to clarify due to some persons’ refusal to be identified as Roma.

Crucial Issues Housing The housing of the residents of the settlement of Alan Kougiou is made under very difficult conditions, in a patchwork of makeshift dwellings made from planks and nylon, with shacks and makeshift structures that construct and maintain themselves. The confused ownership and trespasses of public and private property burden the already difficult living conditions due to lack of water supply and sewerage system (as a result of the non existence of built dwellings) and the absence of licensed electricity supply in the shacks.

Health The health issue is intrinsically linked to the housing issue. Therefore, the lack of clean water and electricity as well as the residents’ lack of information significantly complicate hygiene issues. Mortality rates are high while life expectancy is lower than average.

Education Regarding the education of children living in the settlement, problems are evident in the students’ attendance at school as well as their staying, training and further study.

Since many of the Roma students from the age of 12 usually leave school in order to work or start a family in pre-pubertal age, the settlement has a very high school-dropout rate. However, during the last years, some coordinated actions for Roma and Muslim children education programs (Muslim Children Education Program - KESPEM Komotini, and Roma Children Education Program) along with the social services of the Municipality of Komotini, managed to increase both the rate of students enrolled in the first levels of education and the percentage of those who continue their studies in secondary education.

Employment The main source of income for the inhabitants of the Alan Kougiou settlement comes from the commercial activity in open street markets of the surrounding areas while some of them are employed as seasonal artisans or agricultural laborers. However, quite a large proportion of the population makes a living exclusively by the welfare benefits

4.3 Reasons for Selecting this Target Area The main reason we chose this area was the lack of social cohesion, cooperation and communication between population groups (especially among Roma and other residents of the area). The coexistence of groups of people with different social, economic and cultural identity in the same area, combined with the difficult communication between them does not allow the creation and function of groups of residents who will have the development and improvement of their area as a common goal. Moreover, key infrastructure problems faced by residents of Alan Kougiou, as well as the potential for further development that this area shows in its entirety (both in urban planning and social level), led to its selection for participation in the Re-Block project by the Municipality of Komotini, who participated as a partner in the first stage of the program.

It is evident that the regeneration of the surrounding area and the fight against social and economic inequality in the neighborhood will enhance the quality of life not only for the inhabitants in the area concerned, but also for all residents and people visiting the city and will contribute significantly to the achievement of social cohesion. An ultimate ambition of the Municipality of Komotini is to transform the specific target area to a center of attraction for residents, visitors and businessmen, making full use of its growth potential.

5. Roma Strategies and Implemented Actions in the Target Area

5.1 Strategic Planning

European Union Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies up to 2020 In 2011, the European Council issued a communication called “European Union Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies up to 2020”, in which Member States were called to develop national strategies in order to deal more effectively with the process of the Roma integration and to improve the current situation.

National Strategy Framework for Roma 2012-2020 Based on the European Council’s framework and strategies, the “National Strategy Framework for Roma 2012-2020” was established, in which Greece sets goals and measures concerning actions that will support and promote the social integration of Roma at national level. Then, these goals adapt to regional needs with integrated interventions that will be implemented in the country’s municipalities and villages.

Operational Action Plan for the Integration of Roma people living in degraded settlements in the Region of EMTH (2012) According to the priorities set in the “National Strategy Framework for Roma”, the Regional Operational Plan of EMTH was created, aiming at formulating policy proposals and strategic planning. The plan sets the four main Priority Axes of the Action Plan:

1. Housing and Basic Infrastructure 2. Education 3. Employment – Job Training 4. Health – Social Care

More specifically, each Priority Axe has been further allocated to specific objectives and proposed interventions per settlement. About the settlement of Alan Kougiou, in which we are interested, the main pillars with their corresponding proposed interventions are listed below:

1. Housing

1.1 Ensuring Basic Housing Conditions (Design, House) 1.2 Integration of Network Infrastructure (Electricity, Water, Sewerage System) 1.3 Configuring Public Spaces (Unpaved streets, Sidewalks, Park) 1.4 Other Supporting Services (Technical Studies, Licensing - Equipment Supply) 2. Education

2.1 Pre-school Education – Pre-integration (integration – preparation programs) 2.2 Reducing school dropout (school infrastructure, actions to reduce school dropout) 2.3 Improving school performance (Fight abstinence and improve performance in secondary education) 2.4 Illiteracy (Adult Education) 3. Health – Social Care 3.1 Primary health care (Health Prevention and Promotion) 3.2 Mental Health - Addictions (Fight mental illness / addictions) 3.3 Social Care – Welfare (Family Planning)

4. Employment

4.1 Fight Unemployment / Increase Employment (Promoting employment) 4.2 Certification – Develop Professional Skills 4.3 Local Economy Development (Development of Social Economy, Promoting sectors of the local economy) 5. Horizontal Issues

5.1 Developing Social Dialogue (Information and awareness-raising actions for the Roma population) 5.2 Cultural Actions (Information and awareness-raising actions for the Roma and the general population) 5.3 Social Integration (Fight marginalization) 5.4 Other Actions (Corporate Social Responsibility, Operation of the Roma support service system, Support Services, Develop collegiality - participation)

5.2 Implemented Actions – Initiatives in the target area

Roma and Minority Groups Support Centers In East Macedonia & Thrace nine medical-social centers have been operating (since 2005), serving more than 10,000 people, with a key role both in the process of social integration and the implementation of the National Operational Plan in the Region. The purpose of this initiative was to operate some structures that provide medical and social care. Through the medical-social centers primary health care and social protection of vulnerable groups was promoted aiming at their social integration. Specifically in our area there was a medical- social center operating since 2006 in Meleti, Municipality of Eghiros, serving more than 600 people.

Now, in 2014, Support Centers for Roma and Vulnerable Groups are the evolution of the medical-social centers and now there are two Support Centers for Roma and Vulnerable Groups operating in the Municipality of Komotini, one in the Community of Meleti and one in the Alan Kougiou settlement at the end of Adrianoupoleos street in Komotini. These are interventions for the social and economic integration of the Roma population. In particular, the main goals are to provide medical-social care, to strengthen social integration and to promote the employment of individuals of vulnerable social groups who experience multiple social exclusions and live in unacceptable living conditions (living by or below the poverty threshold, etc.), giving priority to the target group of the Roma population. This goal will be fully achieved when the services and amenities of the national health and social care system will be used appropriately and the target group manages to become familiar with the state’s public services.

A further target was that Centers would operate as advisory service providers. Nowadays, along with the services provided to Roma people, Support Centers offer specialized and horizontal services to the wider population. Beneficiaries of this action are not only Roma people living in the areas where the centers operate, but also those people belonging to immigrant, repatriates and refugees target groups, who suffer from social exclusion and live in the Centers’ wider area.

The Roma relocation plan The Municipality of Komotini has been trying, for several years, the relocation of the Roma population living in the area of Alan Kougiou to a new demarcated area. But there were some problems, as some property owners in the area were against their property’s expropriation and submitted appeals in order to cancel the process. After several years of efforts, the residents’ request was rejected and the expropriation will be normally preceded. Eventually, in October 2014 the new relocation area was defined and approved by the Greek government. The City Council proceeded to the approval of the urban planning study and the declaration of the new expropriation area of about 100 acres close to the Kikidio village. This will lead to the creation of a local urban plan for the new relocation area with a view to drafting implementation studies for the projects and the funds that will be needed. After judicial decision was obtained, compensations were deposited by the Municipality for the expropriation of the area. The Municipality has already started to implement further studies. The actions’ cost estimation for the implementation of the entire project, by the services of the Municipality of Komotini, is analyzed as follows:

Studies (altitude, topography, etc.) = 150.000 €

Road construction projects – street lighting = 1.200.000 €

Construction of water supply and sewerage projects = 1.250.000 €

Construction of 280 dwellings = 22.400.000 €

Public utility projects (Elementary School, cultural center, sports facilities, lawns etc.) = 3.000.000 €

TOTAL = 28.000.000 €

Along with the construction projects, the Municipality of Komotini will develop and implement an operational plan to implement health, culture and education actions in the area, in collaboration with the Region of East Macedonia and Thrace. This project, because of some complexity and legal issues, will be implemented in the long term.

6. Local Support Group The Local Support Group was formed in order to work creatively and systematically at the level of coordination of all activities and actions, having as a final aim the preparation of this Local Action Plan, which includes axes and initiatives that will develop the target area at every level (economic, social, urban planning, cultural).

The Members of the Local Support Group are presented below:

Last Name Name Organization Member State Arseniou Spiridon Region of East Macedonia and Thrace Not Active Gkaranis Ioannis Municipality of Komotini Active Centre for Welfare and Solidarity – Gourtzioti Irene Active Municipality of Komotini Damianidis Pavlos Region of East Macedonia and Thrace Not Active Intermediate Administrative Authority – Ioannidis Chrisostomos Active Region of East Macedonia and Thrace Ispikoudis Dimos Κ. Karatheodori S.A. Active Kallinikaki Theano Democritus University of Thrace Active Kandilaki Agapi Democritus University of Thrace Active Karanika Chrysoula Region of East Macedonia and Thrace Active Kareliadou Aphrodite Region of East Macedonia and Thrace Active Kosmidou Zoe Municipality of Komotini Active Lepidas Vasilios Region of East Macedonia and Thrace Active Panagiotopoulou Despina Region of East Macedonia and Thrace Not Active Papadopoulou Christina Κ. Karatheodori S.A. Active Passou Despina Municipality of Komotini Active Pouspourikas Michael FM-Epixeirein Active Tsatsikou Archontoula Municipality of Komotini Active

7. Identifying Problems in the Target Area The abovementioned Local Support Group initially proceeded on an analysis regarding the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for the intervention area (SWOT Analysis) and then focused on the issues / problems identified in the area, in order to clarify their causes and the impacts they bring in the residents’ everyday lives. Through a number of meetings the members of the LSG managed to identify more clearly the problems of the area, to set overall objectives for their resolution and propose possible actions to achieve the objectives.

The SWOT analysis for the target area is presented below:

SWOT Analysis Strengths Weaknesses Many large public infrastructure (municipal Key property issues between the public and sports center, multicultural primary schools and private sector, as there are areas that have been kindergarten) violated Just 1 km away from the center and all major Trend to destroy public infrastructure and facilities city services (hospital, police station, public Lack of sense of safety for people living or visiting services) the area - violations conducted by the Roma Great access to public transport, linking the area population have been reported in the past with the city center and the suburbs Lack of basic infrastructure in some parts of the Modern private facilities (two hotels, private area (water supply & sewage system) clinic, sports center, 2 gyms) Lack of resources for the implementation of Low rents that can help young families settle in strategic planning & urban integration has led to the area the degradation of modern building facilities Mainly modern buildings (less than 15 years) Risk to public health deriving from the Roma that provide good insulation and low living cost population (large number, hygiene habits) 1 active NGOs (PERPATO) and several local Lack of communication and social solidarity associations dealing with the provision of social between social groups in the target area care and working to improve living conditions in Unclear legal framework regarding potential areas the city for the relocation of the Roma population Saturday’s open market, which attracts many people from the surrounding areas

Opportunities Threats The 2014-2020 programming period includes Problems emerging due to current economic substantial investment subjects of social recession (unemployment, criminality, social integration and urban development – funds that isolation and inequality problems) can be used to address aforementioned issues Significant financial resources shortage for public Major projects regarding unemployment are authorities that are responsible for investments in about to be launched targeting individuals of the the area local population (Roma, migrants), a fact that Further abandonment of the area’s facilities may will reduce unemployment rates and will cause their permanent decay contribute to the development of the area Lack of private investments as an outcome of the Large, open unused spaces next to public current situation in this part of the city facilities that if used effectively, can attract Possible disease outbreaks can lead to major private housing or entrepreneurship setbacks in the whole planning-effort. New means of public governance with the Insufficient funding for the operation of facilities in participation of local population can lead to the area (sports center, multicultural kindergarten social solidarity and cohesion. etc) may result in their gradual depreciation The consequences of the economic crisis on The Bulgaria borders’ opening and the influx of family incomes may lead more families to cheapest workforce may cumber the improvement choose the area in order to find a house of employability in the area (because of low rents). This will gradually contribute to the improvement of its image and reputation

8. Actions Conducted under the Implementation of the Local Action Plan

8.1 LSG Meetings

1st LSG Meeting: 17/6/2013, Headquarters of the Regional Unit, Komotini Main Topics Discussed: 1. Description of the URBACT II program

2. Description of the target area

3. Identification of problems to be solved

4. Key objectives and actions

Peer Review Meeting: 16-17/9/2013

Some of the project partners attended this meeting. They were offered a guided tour around the city and the target area in order to get to know the area, its residents and their living conditions and to record problems, weaknesses and capabilities of the area. When they returned back to their countries and identified the problems of our target area, they suggested us some solutions and recommendations and cited a number of good practices in order to assist us in resolving the issues at stake (e.g. upgrading of the area).

2nd LSG Meeting: 17/10/2013, Headquarters of the Regional Unit, Komotini Main Topics Discussed: 1. Possibility of expanding LSG with local residents and the Democritus University of Thrace

2. Social inclusion of the Roma population and improvement of their living standards

3rd LSG Meeting: 6/11/2013, Headquarters of the Regional Unit, Komotini Main Topics Discussed: 1. The General Urban Plan of the city of Komotini and a list of technical infrastructure projects that have been carried out, as well as their future design

2. Actions for the support and integration of Roma people which can be achieved through proper social policy that needs to be conducted by the Municipality of Komotini. 3. The participants were given a draft in which the present situation, the area’s problems and goals which the LSG must focus on were recorded.

4. The participants suggested the possibility the next meeting takes place somewhere in the target area so that local residents and stakeholders (public bodies, private organizations) attend and an exchange of opinions and suggestions can be achieved.

4th LSG Meeting: 17/3/2014, Headquarters of the Regional Unit, Komotini Main Topics Discussed: 1. Analysis and validation of the draft that was submitted to the participants on the third meeting

2. Expression of objections about the draft and further discussion on them

3. The social inclusion of the Roma people and not just their relocation or the upgrading of the area they currently live in

5th LSG Meeting: 8/7/2014, Headquarters of the Regional Unit, Komotini Main Topics Discussed: 1. Information about the timetable of the planned activities, which body/bodies should be responsible for each action, as well as an indicative type of funding

2. Submission of proposals concerning the reduction of social exclusion, such as: i. Creating a group to collaborate in undertaking common activities in order to reduce prejudice against the Roma ii. Painting / drawing or composition competition in a school in the target area on "How I dream of my neighborhood" iii. Presentation of the subject to the mass media iv. Cooperation between the department of Social Administration and the department of Architecture of the Democritus University of Thrace in order to make some artistic intervention in a neighborhood of the target area

6th LSG Meeting: 23/7/2014, Discussion with residents of the target area, Events Hall of 2nd Elderly Open Care Centre, Gr. Marasli 1 - Multipurpose Center of Municipality of Komotini

In the meeting with the local residents that took place, we discussed issues related to their daily life and problems they face. The main problems of the people living in the target area, as they described them in this fist meeting were the following: i. The road connecting Greece with Bulgaria passes through their neighborhood and it is not designed properly, which raises significant residents’ safety issues ii. Lack of cleanliness in the surroundings of the target area

iii. There are sporting facilities that are not used or used partially

iv. In the Roma settlement there is no access to clean water, the living conditions are very poor, there is high unemployment rate and poverty, medical care is minimal, there is a very high rate of school dropout and children play in the street, sometimes dangerously, both for themselves and the passersby

The LSG announced the proposals that have been agreed as far as the following subjects are concerned:

i. Infrastructure Issues ii. Cooperation between the area’s residents

iii. Improving the living conditions of the Roma population – Social Inclusion

7th LSG Meeting: 13/11/2014, Conference Room of the main building of the Region of EMTH Main Topics Discussed: 1. Improving and developing the quality of the environment 2. Fighting poverty 3. Identify solutions focusing on low costs and high social benefit 4. Land trespassing 5. School dropout 6. Promoting the participation and cooperation of local residents 7. Presentation of the Local Action Plan (LAP) a. 1st axis: Infrastructure Target: Solving the problem of land trespassing, improving road signs, construction of a water-drainage system, renovation of buildings in the area and installing new heating systems, promoting and utilizing existing infrastructure and organizing various activities.

b. 2nd axis: Social Cooperation Target: improve cooperation, communication and networking among all social groups residing in the area, through creative and educational activities.

c. 3rd axis: Social Integration of the Roma population Target: achieve their social integration through their employment in Social Cooperative Enterprise (SCE), improve their relationship with health services and children’s relationship with education, through actions such as strengthening the medical-social center, activities with children et cetera.

8. Analysis of the contribution of the Democritus University of Thrace in the program’s actions: a. Cooperation of a group of postgraduate students who will work with the 6th grade of primary school to set up various experiential activities with the children and record any possible observations

b. Another postgraduate students group, which will also include a musician, will work with the 4th grade of the primary school

c. Moreover, one group will provide assistance and support to schoolchildren’s parents

8.2 Action at school in the target area (7th Primary School of Komotini): The planned action in the primary school of the target area, having as key pillar two main groups of students, was successfully accomplished. The fourth and sixth grades of primary school were selected to take part in this action, each of which was coordinated by two postgraduate students of Social Administration from the Democritus University of Thrace. Three meetings were held with each students group within school hours.

With the 4th grade’s students, a familiar nursery rhyme was used in order to put the students both in the role of the duck and the mouse and to express and discuss the feelings one can experience, on both occasions, on the one hand when they receive criticism, rejection and marginalization, and on the other hand when someone gets friends and socializes despite the difficult experience of isolation. The main feelings expressed by the children were these of sadness, distress and anger regarding the position of the mouse before the coming of the duck and joy, friendship and optimism after that. Children were urged by the coordinators to express some words about how they imagine the perfect neighborhood. These words were used as lyrics for composing an original song of the group, which they recorded in the end. Students were very excited for all the activities they participated in the meetings, such as the discussions, the games, the painting and they were really excited for their group song for the perfect neighborhood.

However, during the meetings the coordinators realized that a holistic and systematic intervention that has to do with the treatment and the attitude among the minority students, concerning not only students, but also their families, the school environment and the broader community is required. It should be noted that the three Roma children were absent from the last meeting due to illness and possibly due to bad weather (rain, which caused flooding and mud in the Alan Kougiou settlement).

In the case of the 6th grade, in all three meetings with students, discussions took place either on issues raised by the coordinators in order to mobilize students or issues that concerned students themselves. Some key issues discussed were about diversity, uniqueness, developing friendship and improving communication between people belonging to different social groups. In order to strengthen the harmonious coexistence between

students and accept each other’s difference, a key requirement was to develop some communication, cooperation, teamwork and trust skills between them. For this reason, students were asked to work experientially and the coordinators attempted to provide relevant messages in order to show them that multiculturalism is an opportunity for cooperation and not an obstacle. It is worth noting that the two Roma children were present only in the first meeting. Students seemed to be particularly pleased with these meetings and the whole cooperation between them during the activities. They expressed their interest about the Re-Block project and the possibility the things they discussed during the meetings can come true, such as the park they designed and painted in the last meeting and as they said, they can’t wait for its construction in their neighborhood.

9. Axes of Intervention The axes of intervention discussed below were selected based on the experience of the Local Support Group on the Re-Block project and the needs of the city of Komotini about effective interventions that will change the society. Infrastructure, social cooperation and social integration of vulnerable social groups are a challenge for the city of Komotini. It will invest on these axes in the next few years wishing to highlight the area into a model of development and social coexistence.

9.1 Infrastructure The image of an area tends to be highly affected by its reputation and is very important for its acceptance both by residents who live there, and the rest of the population. Moreover, it affects the probability of being used for public and private investments that will eventually contribute to the improvement of this image. Although this target area fulfills a number of important conditions (very close to the city center, good transportation, low rents, etc.), it does not have the appropriate acceptance or equal treatment like other areas in the city and seems to be a place that people would not chose to live.

The LSG members realized that the image of the area concerned is affected by a wide range of factors, which also includes the area’s infrastructure. After a number of visits to the area, the LSG identified some key problems to the existing infrastructure of the area, such as lack of basic infrastructure in some parts, illegal building, non-connected residential complexes and unused public infrastructure (buildings and open spaces), whose appearance of abandonment creates a negative effect on the overall image of the area. These problems lead to a number of negative consequences, such as decreased market value of the area and extremely limited private investments. Moreover, these particular infrastructure problems make the residents feel that there is lack of interest for the specific area by governmental agencies, which produces feelings of inferiority and unequal treatment. New families do not have the target area as their first choice of residence, despite the low rents, a fact that does not resolve but exacerbates the problem, resulting in a vicious cycle.

The LSG members started planning actions in an attempt to reform and improve the image of the area, believing that, on the one hand, this will help improve the living conditions of the

residents and, on the other hand, to upgrade the fame and acceptance of the area by residents of the rest of the city. Furthermore, investors will be attracted to the area, something that can reduce the unemployment issue and make local residents feel as equal as residents living in other areas, help them gain higher self-esteem and love their area.

Therefore, one of the priorities of the Local Action Plan was defined and analyzed as follows:

Objective 1: Improvement of basic infrastructure in the area

1st Subject: Unclear ownership status – land trespassing in the area inhabited by the Roma people (Alan Kougiou)

Targets: To resolve the problem of land trespassing To clarify property titles between public & private sector

Proposed Actions:

1. Initiations concerning the integration of the area (Alan Kougiou) in the city plan 2. Relocation of the Roma settlement of Alan Kougiou in an area near Kikidio village

2nd Subject: Lack of clear signage and road markings in the internal road network in some parts of the area

Target: To improve road marking and the internal road network

Proposed Actions:

1. Urban planning studies so that the area gains a local street plan

2. Expansion of the electricity network in underexposed areas, which creates a favorable environment for infringing behavior and produces a sense of insecurity for local residents

3. Repair parts of the streets within the target area, which are damaged, so as to reduce the likelihood of accidents and damage to vehicles

3rd Subject: Old residential complexes, non environmentally protected (mainly in the areas of social housing) with individual and non-energy heating systems

Target: To renovate and modernize buildings in the area, particularly those inhabited and install new, energy heating systems, in order to attract new tenants in the area.

Proposed Actions:

1. House energy efficiency upgrades (possibly subsidized) that will result in saving

energy and reducing CO2 emissions, concerning the protection of the environment:

a. door and window frames replacement and shading systems installation for less heat/cooling loss

b. thermal insulation placement on every surface of a building

c. hot water heating system upgrade

2. Installation of new electrical, plumbing and sewerage systems

4th Subject: Outdated or unused public infrastructure (sports fields, open spaces, buildings), which are sub-used due to the poor reputation of the area

Target: Renovation & better use of existing infrastructure by organizing activities and events

Proposed Actions:

1. Finding energy solutions for the operation and cost reduction of the swimming pool 2. Creating an environmental education park 3. Upgrading and modernizing the sports area (basketball court) a. Parquet repair, where there is damage b. Locker rooms renovation c. Heat insulation placement d. Converting heating system to energy efficient one e. Low consumption lighting placement f. Construction of a mountaineering wall

9.2 Social Cooperation The LSG members directly realized that the problems in the target area are exacerbated by the lack of cooperation and association among social groups living in the area as well as by the very limited involvement of local residents in creative activities.

Specifically, the area’s residents can be mainly divided into three categories – Christians, Muslims and Roma.

The different cultural and social background of these groups as well as their different culture often leads to attitudes of mistrust and prejudice regarding communication and cooperation on a variety of everyday issues, between all three groups. This area is difficult to be treated as a whole, due to the above mentioned conditions, a fact that hinders its development and its possibility to influence local government. Furthermore, local residents do not have the opportunity to participate in creative activities that could both enhance collaboration and communication between them and help them discover their talents and skills.

It should be mentioned that, in the past, very few attempts had been made to connect these different groups of the area. Moreover, local residents are clearly disappointed by the fact that state / municipal announcements made in the past, never proceeded.

The LSG members decided that efforts concerning the interaction between local residents and their involvement in creative activities will help in creating a state that will contribute to their acceptance and their participation in any projects carried out in the area and thus will increase the likelihood of social and private investments. Furthermore, the residents’ involvement in creative activities, beyond their relationship with each other, will have positive effects on their mental health and their willingness to offer to the public community, and will enhance their integration possibility into the labor market.

Therefore, another priority of the Local Action Plan was defined and analyzed as follows:

Objective 2: Improving cooperation, communication and networking among all social groups residing in the area

1st Subject: Lack of significant ties between social groups living in the area, because of their different cultural, religious and economic backgrounds preventing common activities

Target: To take actions and make attempts so that local residents come into contact with one another

Proposed Actions:

1. Making a sports team with Roma children and other groups living in the region

2. Form a music band with a mixture of different types of music genres

3. Create a theater/film group, organize them to participate and watch theatrical plays, (weekly afternoon lesson-game) in order to cultivate their spirit and help them acquire knowledge and stimuli

4. Recreational weeks within school hours (e.g. one week at sports camp, in a campsite, creativity week, construction week (e.g. recyclable materials), theater / cinema week)

5. Establishment of specific events dates (e.g. establishment of "ROMA" feast with music, food, dancing etc.)

2nd Subject: Inadequate social action and lack of pure social bodies with specific orientation to the area

Target: To embed and improve the available social services that will aim at enhancing the networking of social groups

Proposed Actions:

1. Creative activity courses

2. Psychosocial advisory support (skill enhancement)

3rd Subject: Low residents’ involvement in activities, which leads to lack of self-confidence, goals, inability to identify activities that fit them and lack of information about job opportunities – long term increase in unemployment levels

Target: Enhance the involvement of residents in various creative activities

Proposed Actions:

1. Highlighting and developing new professional skills of the population

2. Enhancing Roma cooperation in infrastructure construction in the area (e.g. playground, park, etc.)

3. Working with people with special needs

4. Establish volunteering and social cooperation days (e.g. decorating their area, cleaning, landscaping, tree planting, days of food / events / celebrations in the neighborhood)

5. Development of small-scale entrepreneurship, starting up a Social Cooperative Enterprise

Starting up a Social Cooperative Enterprise can help encourage the participation of people from all different social groups living in the area. An ideal outcome will be hiring people of the area and specifically Roma in order to put them on projects such as landscaping of the area or cleaning the sidewalks and parks or even specific neighborhoods. Thereby, the cooperation between Roma and local residents or residents of different social status will be strengthened, which will gradually lead to their integration into the wider society. In this context, an enterprise under the name “Re-Block Social Cooperative Enterprise” could be set up. The following could be some indicative independent activities:

a. Create an organized network of waste pickers for collecting recyclable materials b. Help people with special needs c. Help at home

9.3 Social Integration of the Roma Population The most degraded part of the target area, both in terms of infrastructure and in terms of social integration and acceptance is the Alan Kougiou settlement, where Roma people live.

This specific part of the area includes some public lands, but the majority of properties are privately owned, which have been illegally trespassed over many years by the Roma people and apart from a few cases of normal houses, the majority of them are makeshift dwellings that accommodate large number of people in very small spaces. Since parts of the region have no clear ownership, basic interventions such as roads and water supply as well as sewerage system and electricity supply are impossible to be implemented. This serious lack of infrastructure creates major risks for public health.

Moreover, the overall way of life of the Roma people and the way they confront key everyday issues (problematic relationship with healthcare prevention and education) generates problems towards their acceptance by other residents and towards their social integration. Incidents of infringing behavior are often reported, fact that raises some residents concern about their interaction with them. The economic crisis has exacerbated this problematic situation, as the very high unemployment rates in this social group lead to committing further acts of infringement.

For all the above mentioned reasons, the Local Support Group decided that including actions focusing on the integration of the Roma social group in the target area are crucial and essential for reforming the image and the reputation of the area.

Therefore, the most important priority of the Local Action Plan was defined and analyzed as follows:

Objective 3: Solving basic problems concerning the particular social group of Roma and achieving their social integration

1st Subject: Increased risk of infectious diseases transmission by the particular social group, because of their way of life (problematic relationship with healthcare services, not insurance, neglect of preventive examinations and children’s vaccination)

Target: To help these individuals gain a better relationship with health services and to appreciate the value and importance of prevention and avoidance of substance abuse

Proposed Actions:

1. Information days for the Roma population about their rights and use of healthcare services as well as about the rational use of these services

2. Mobile Vaccinations Units, primary health care and mental healthcare, medical women surveillance

3. Continuous Experiential Local Interventions (Sex education, hygiene conditions, addictions to substances, etc.)

4. Strengthening and operation of the existing structures for the prevention and treatment of healthcare diseases.

2nd Subject: Integration difficulty of Roma children in school & early school dropout, which leads to partial illiteracy and lack of sufficient understanding and behavior as autonomous entities in everyday issues – problem with the relationship between them and other children at school.

Target: To help Roma people achieve a better relationship with education even through special education programs (second-chance schools, illiteracy programs, etc.)

Proposed Actions:

1. Fight school dropout

Fighting school dropout will form the basis for tackling many negative effects in the society and the economy. The anticipated results, however, by reducing school dropout will appear a few years later. These will clearly improve Roma’s educational level and intellectual culture, which will help in the way of thinking and understanding issues emerging in their everyday life. The children of today who are the adults of tomorrow will be able to read and write; something in which most of the Roma people lag at the moment. They will be able to complete job applications and get employed. They will develop their skills through education and as a result higher living standards will be achieved. A consequence of all these will be the reduction of infringement which, as is known, appears to a greater extent in cases where parental education is low to inadequate.

As part of collaboration between the Municipality of Komotini and the 7th Primary School of Komotini, where Roma children attend, a theater group could be created. This will be composed of Roma children and children from other social groups. An Acting Teacher will be the manager, who will coordinate the weekly rehearsal, the team and the roles children will play. It is recommended that the group travels to other cities, visits theater venues and watches theatrical plays in order to come in contact with various artists and acquire as many stimuli as possible concerning acting and the operation of a theater.

2. Strengthening the relationship of Roma families with school and highlighting the

positive effects of education on Roma lives

3. Social skills enhancement programs for Roma toddlers with a view to promoting smooth school integration

4. Provide appropriate training material in kindergartens with Roma students so that they build a love of learning at a young age

5. Develop extracurricular activities focusing on specific skills (e.g. music, dance, mathematics), to develop their skills and find their inclinations

6. Adult schools for learning the Greek language

7. Establish annual awards to top Roma students for the successful completion of each training course

3rd Subject: Difficulty of Roma employment integration because of their reduced educational level and lack of basic education

Target: To achieve stable and long term business cooperation relationships in the social group of Roma, since the integration in stable working framework has been shown to be effective in many cases.

Proposed Actions:

1. Local targeted actions to promote employment and entrepreneurship

2. Empowerment and professional specialization of occupations in which they are traditionally directed (retail trade, street markets, music, dancing)

3. Activating Corporate Social Responsibility for companies wanting to contribute to the improvement of this phenomenon

4. Training Seminars

4th Subject: Infringing Roma behavior ranging from simple, everyday issues (driving without a license, unauthorized pursuit of their occupation) to more serious ones (desertion from the army, pending judicial decisions) and exploitation of the privileged and allowance support granted by the State

Target: To increase respective incidents prevention policies and to diversify penalties that will be imposed and will contribute to a smoother return to social reality

Proposed Actions:

1. Provide information in addressing infringing issues through experiential seminars

2. To develop a university pilot action with the intervention of social workers to students and parents, in order to fight against inequalities and discrimination

10. Proposed Actions and Interventions

Timeframe of Organization Type of Identified problems/ Activities to be linked Organization Intended Target the activity/ in charge of financing Definition of issues Aim to Achieve Planned activities with (to ensure in charge of Outputs group/s frequency of implementati &estimated to be tackled integration) coordination the activity on amount (EUR)/*

Proposed Interventions Built Environment Objective 1: Improvement of basic infrastructure in the area Initiations concerning To resolve the the integration of the Launch legal or 1. Unclear ownership problem of land region (Alan Kougiou) administrative 2020 status – land trespassing in the city plan Utilities be procedures for Roma trespassing in the encouraged to determining ownership population Municipality of Municipality of area inhabited by the Relocation of the invest in the and relocation of Roma living in the Komotini Komotini 28.000.000 To clarify property Roma people (Alan Roma settlement of area to another area, in target area titles between Kougiou) Alan Kougiou in an cooperation with the 2020 public & private area near Kikidio Municipality of Komotini sector village

Timeframe of Type of Identified problems/ Organization Activities to be linked the activity/ Organization financing Definition of issues Intended Target in charge of Aim to Achieve Planned activities with (to ensure frequency of in charge of &estimated to be tackled Outputs group/s implementati integration) the activity coordination amount (EUR)/* on

Proposed Interventions

Built Environment Objective 1: Improvement of basic infrastructure in the area Urban Planning The area Urban planning Department of gains a local 2018 studies the street plan Municipality of Komotini To implement the Reduce projects defined by the 2. Lack of clear incidents of General City Plan, signage and road To improve road infringing which include street Residents markings in the marking and the Expansion of the behavior Municipality of ROP of EMTH configuration plan and living in the internal road network internal road electricity network in 2017 Komotini Technical 2014-2020 internal road network target area in some parts of the network underexposed areas Services Reduce the improvement in parts of area Department of sense of the area where it is the insecurity for required Municipality of local residents Komotini Reduce the Repair parts of the likelihood of roadway within the accidents and 2015 target area damage to vehicles

Saving energy and reducing To renovate and Inspection and CO2 3. Old residential modernize recording of the area emissions and complexes, non buildings in the and the buildings greenhouse environmentally area, particularly conducted by agencies Energy efficiency gases protected (mainly in those inhabited and technical experts Residents Municipality of Municipality of upgrades for the areas of social and install new, will contribute to the living in the 2018 Komotini and Komotini and residential and public NSRF 2014-2020 housing) with energy heating recognition and target area individuals individuals buildings individual and non- systems, in order Improving the discussion, on the spot, energy heating to attract new living of the problems the systems tenants in the conditions of experts observe and the area. local residents local residents face

Organization Type of Identified problems/ Activities to be linked Organization Intended Target Timeframe of in charge of financing Definition of issues Aim to Achieve Planned activities with (to ensure in charge of Outputs group/s the activity/ implementati &estimated to be tackled integration) coordination on amount (EUR)/*

Proposed Interventions Built Environment Objective 1: Improvement of basic infrastructure in the area Reopening Finding energy and cost solutions for the reduction of Cooperation of the operation of the the swimming Municipality of Komotini swimming pool pool with residents and Municipality of sports clubs 2017 4. Outdated or Attract more Komotini for the optimal use of The whole unused public Upgrading and children and the existing population of infrastructure (sports Renovation & modernizing of the people infrastructure Komotini and fields, open spaces, better use of sports area interested in Municipality of ROP of EMTH the buildings), which are existing (basketball court) learning Komotini 2014-2020 surrounding sub-used due to the infrastructure various sports areas poor reputation of the

area The park turns Municipality of into an ideal Contact with local Creating an Komotini, destination for channels for the environmental 2018 Local NGOs, school trips - promotion of these education park Local environmental actions Associations education

Activities to be Organization Identified problems/ Organization Type of financing Intended linked with (to Target Timeframe of in charge of Definition of issues to Aim to Achieve Planned activities in charge of &estimated Outputs ensure group/s the activity/ implementati be tackled coordination amount (EUR)/* integration) on Proposed Interventions Social Environment Objective 2: Improving cooperation, communication and networking among all social groups residing in the area Cooperation with Department of Create a theater/film the Department of Social group Social Administration To get Roma Administration of DUTH and the Democritus children and Residents of Department of University of children of other the area Sports Clubs, Physical Thrace groups living in focusing on Department of Education of the 1. Lack of significant ties Making a sports team the area the Physical Democritus between social groups To take actions cooperate so as participation Education of University of living in the area, and make to create a of Roma DUTH because of their different attempts so that friendly Thrace ROP of EMTH children 2015 cultural, religious and local residents Form a music band atmosphere Municipal and 2014-2020 economic backgrounds come into contact with a mixture of which favors the Regional preventing common with one another different types of cooperation Painting/compositi Theatre of activities music genres between them on competition Komotini in order to (how they dream Municipality of achieve an of their area and Komotini optimum what they would The whole Recreational weeks outcome like to change) 7th Primary population of within school hours School Komotini

To strengthen the sense of common effort Establishment of and the concept Organize a Department of specific events dates of meeting with Social Policy (e.g. establishment of "neighborhood" representatives of of the "Gypsy" feast with as a whole and all social groups Municipality of music, food, dancing not being in the area Komotini etc.) divided in social groups.

Proposed Interventions Social Environment Objective 2: Improving cooperation, communication and networking among all social groups residing in the area Municipal Company of To embed and Creative Activity Public Benefit improve the Courses for Culture- 2. Inadequate social Employment of available social Education- action and lack of pure Skill recognition social workers to Residents services that will Municipality of Sports ROP of EMTH social bodies with and deal with major living in the 2016 aim at enhancing Komotini 2014-2020 specific orientation to the development problems of local target area the networking of area residents social groups Psychosocial advisory Medical- support Social Center

Enhance the Highlighting and Organize some Increase self- involvement of development of new creative and Department of confidence and residents in professional skills of educational DUTH Social identify activities various creative the population activities in the Administration that suit them activities area

Starting up a Social Chambers, Cooperative entrepreneur- Chambers NSRF 2014-2020 3. Low residents’ Carrying out Enterprise Increase of ship bodies involvement in social information Residents participation in activities and lack of programs about living in the 2018 Enhancing Roma various information about job employment target area cooperation in activities ROP of EMTH opportunities Provide them programs that infrastructure (voluntary, 2014-2020 information about focus on granting Municipal construction in the seasonal, job opportunities entrepreneurship Company of area permanent) and for individuals Municipality of Public Benefit reduce belonging to Komotini for Culture- unemployment Establish volunteering groups with fewer Education- levels and social opportunities Sports cooperation days

Proposed Interventions Social Environment Objective 3: Solving basic problems concerning the particular social group of Roma and achieving their social integration

Information days for the Roma population about their rights and Municipality of Medical- ROP of EMTH To help these use of healthcare 2015 Komotini Social Center 2014-2020 individuals gain a services as well as Reinforcing Roma Improving the better relationship about the rational use approach living conditions 1. Increased risk of with health of these services procedures and as well as their Roma transmission of infectious services and to positive influence health (mental & population diseases by the Roma appreciate the regarding the physical) of living in the population, because of value and Mobile Vaccinations value of people of a target area their way of life importance of Units, primary health prevention and Medical Medical particular social prevention and care and mental insurance Association of Association of group avoidance of healthcare, medical coverage Komotini Komotini 2016 substance abuse women surveillance

Welfare Experiential Local Municipality of Services of NSRF 2014-2020 Interventions Komotini the

Strengthening and Municipality of Empowerment of operation of the Komotini the multi-clinic of existing structures for the area with the prevention and more staff & treatment of equipment healthcare diseases

Activities to be Organization Identified problems/ Organization Type of financing Intended linked with (to Target Timeframe of in charge of Definition of issues to Aim to Achieve Planned activities in charge of &estimated Outputs ensure group/s the activity/ implementati be tackled coordination amount (EUR)/* integration) on Proposed Interventions Social Environment Objective 3: Solving basic problems concerning the particular social group of Roma and achieving their social integration Strengthening the relationship of Roma Providing Public families with school Fight against breakfast and Ministry of Administration and highlighting the school dropout meeting basic Education for Primary positive effects of needs Education 2. Integration difficulty of education on Roma Roma children in school lives & early school dropout, which leads to partial Social skills Improving the illiteracy and lack of enhancement Department of understanding of Roma REMTH sufficient understanding To help Roma programs for Roma Social Roma towards Find space that population NSRF 2014-2020 and behavior as people achieve a toddlers with a view 2015-2017 Administration many everyday will serve as a living in the autonomous entities in better relationship to promoting smooth of DUTH social behavior reading room target area everyday issues – with education school integration issues during the problem with the even through DUTH afternoon, as in relationship between special education Provide appropriate most homes them and other children programs (second- training material in Roma there is no Centre for at school chance schools, kindergartens with place that children Welfare and illiteracy programs, Roma students so may study Solidarity – etc.) that they build a love Municipality Municipality of of learning at a young of Komotini Komotini age

Develop extracurricular Department of activities focusing on Social specific skills (e.g. Administration Development of music, dance, of DUTH their skills and mathematics) capabilities for job placement Adult schools for (due to higher learning the Greek level of REMTH language education and Supplementary Establish annual more proper teaching and awards for the behavior) activities provided successful Municipality of by students of the completion of each Komotini Democritus training course to top University of Roma students Thrace

Activities to be Organization Identified problems/ Organization Type of financing Intended linked with (to Target Timeframe of in charge of Definition of issues to Aim to Achieve Planned activities in charge of &estimated Outputs ensure group/s the activity/ implementati be tackled coordination amount (EUR)/* integration) on Proposed Interventions Social Environment Objective 3: Solving basic problems concerning the particular social group of Roma and achieving their social integration Local targeted actions to promote employment and entrepreneurship Reducing Creating special To achieve stable unemployment employment Empowerment and and long term rates among the subsidy programs 2017 Centre for professional business Roma for Roma in Welfare and cooperation specialization of population enterprises Municipality of Solidarity – ROP of EMTH 3. Difficulty of Roma relationships in the occupations in which Komotini Roma Municipality of 2014-2020 employment integration social group of they are traditionally population Komotini because of their reduced Roma, since the directed living in the educational level and integration in target area lack of basic education stable working Activating Adult participation NSRF 2014-2020 framework has Volunteering and in training been shown to be Corporate Social programs and effective in many Responsibility seminars in cases. Skills professions that 2016 Development suit their Manpower Natural skills training inclinations and Employment seminars temperament (music, technical Organization occupations, etc.)

Organizatio Activities to be Organization Type of Identified problems/ n in charge Intended linked with (to Target Timeframe of the in charge of financing Definition of issues to be Aim to Achieve Planned activities of Outputs ensure group/s activity/ implementati &estimated tackled coordinatio integration) on amount (EUR)/* n Proposed Interventions Social Environment Objective 3: Solving basic problems concerning the particular social group of Roma and achieving their social integration 4. Infringing Roma behavior To increase ranging from simple, respective everyday issues (driving incidents without a license, Better Driving lessons, prevention Centre for unauthorized pursuit of their Provide information in adaptation of training and Roma policies and to Welfare and occupation) to more serious addressing infringing Roma to social information about population Municipality diversify penalties 2018 Solidarity – ROP 2014-2020 ones (desertion from the issues through behavior and legal living in the of Komotini that will be Municipality army, pending judicial experiential seminars socialization infringements target area imposed and will of Komotini decisions) and exploitation issues effects contribute to a of the privileged and smoother return to allowance support granted social reality by the State

11. Recommended Funding Programs In this section we have listed some financing tools that can be used to successfully implement measures and actions that will aim at the landscaping and the development of the area, but will also promote the active participation and effectiveness of institutionalized and non-institutionalized bodies towards creating a new and modern image of the city of Komotini.

11.1 URBACT URBACT is a European exchange and learning program promoting sustainable urban development.

It enables CITIES to work together to develop solutions to major urban challenges, reaffirming the key role they play in facing increasingly complex societal changes.

Topics:

o Innovation and creativity

o human capital and entrepreneurship o disadvantaged districts o active integration

o urban regeneration

o living in a good quality environment o metropolitan governance o port cities

11.2 MED Cooperation Program The MED Program is a transnational program of European territorial cooperation. Its main objectives are: o To improve the area's competitiveness in a way that guarantees growth and employment for the next generations (Lisbon strategy) o To promote territorial cohesion and environmental protection, according to the logic of sustainable development (Goteborg strategy)

11.3 EUROPE 2020 «Europe 2020» Strategy focuses on achieving: o Smart growth, through efficient investment in education, research and innovation o Sustainable growth, thanks to a decisive move towards an economy of low CO2 emissions o Inclusive growth, with particular emphasis on job creation and poverty reduction The Union has set five ambitious objectives in the areas of employment, innovation, education, social inclusion and climate/energy to be reached by 2020.

11.4 HORIZON 2020 Horizon 2020 is the financial instrument implementing the Innovation Union, a Europe 2020 flagship initiative aimed at securing Europe's global competitiveness. The new H2020 focuses more on innovation ranging from research up to the production of goods and trade. It includes all types of innovation (technological, non-technological organization, social innovation, etc.) and focuses on the social challenges European society faces (e.g. health, clean energy and transport). The main priorities of H2020 are the following: 1. Excellent Science 2. Industrial Leadership 3. Social Challenges 4. Diffusion of Technology, Participation Extension 5. Science with and for the Society

11.5 PROGRESS The PROGRESS program is a financial instrument supporting the development and coordination of EU policy in the following five areas: o Employment o Social inclusion and social protection o Working conditions

o Anti-discrimination o Gender equality

11.6 NSRF 2014-2020 The National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) 2014-2020 constitutes the reference document for the programming of EU funds at national level for the period 2014-2020. Main axes:

o Enhancing the competitiveness and outward orientation of enterprises o Development and utilization of human resources skills - active social integration

o Environmental protection - transition to a environmentally friendly economy o Development - modernization - completion of infrastructure for economic and social development o Improving institutional capacity and efficient public administration

11.7 Regional Operational Plan of East Macedonia and Thrace 2014-2020

The Regional Operational Plan (ROP) of East Macedonia and Thrace 2014-2020 will support the Region's development strategy AMG, and will contribute to both the National Strategic Reference Framework 2014-2020 of Greece and to the "Europe 2020" European strategy. The general objectives of ROP AMG include: 1. Expanding economic activity 2. Increasing employment 3. Strengthening social cohesion and 4. Improving the attractiveness of REMTH as a place of residence and production The four priorities of ROP of EMTH, in order to achieve the above mentioned objectives, are categorized as follows:

1. Improving the competitiveness of the local economy 2. Improving the area’s attractiveness as a place of establishment for enterprises and people 3. Infrastructure for human resource development and strengthening social cohesion 4. Human resources development and social cohesion

An additional objective of the ROP is to strengthen, by priority, actions contained in the "Operational Action Plan for the Integration of Roma populations living in degraded settlements in the Region of EMTH".

The contribution of the ROP 2014-2020 to the objectives of “Europe 2020” Strategy is the following:

Regarding social exclusion, actions planned by the Centers for Vulnerable Groups include:

support and social integration services: integration into Greek society, women support and activation, adjustment of welfare demands and legal issues pending, providing primary health care, etc.,

services aimed at promoting employment: supporting Young Self-Employed (Y.S.E.), partnerships and social economy enterprises, etc.,

Awareness and public information services: removing stereotypes and prejudice, carrying out surveys etc.

11.8 Establishment of Regional Strategy for Social Integration and Fight against Poverty of East Macedonia and Thrace An important the initiative of the REMTH is the Regional Strategy for Social Integration and Fight against Poverty (ReSSI). This strategy tries to solve vital problems of the Region where we can find issues we encountered in the data processing under the Re- Block program and it can be used as a tool for solving social problems and improve the daily lives of citizens who confront social exclusion and extreme poverty.

«Operational Axes» of ReSSI: Operational Axe 1. Fight against extreme poverty Operational Axe 2. Prevention and fight against children’s exclusion Operational Axe 3. Promote integration Operational Axe 4. Good governance of integration policies

12. Time Scheduling of Interventions

12.1 Immediate interventions

Year of Implementation Immediate Interventions 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Built Environment

Repair parts of the streets within the target area +

Social Environment (Cooperation)

Creating a theater/film group +

Setting up a sports team + Form a music band with a mixture of different types of + music genres

Recreational weeks within school hours +

Establish volunteering and social cooperation days +

Social Environment (Integration) Information days for the Roma population about their rights and use of healthcare services as well as about the rational + use of these services

12.2 Short Term Interventions

Year of Implementation Short term Interventions 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Built Environment

Expansion of the electricity network in underexposed areas + + + Finding energy solutions for the operation of the swimming + + + pool Upgrading and modernizing of the sports area (basketball + + + court) Social Environment (Cooperation) Creative Activity Courses + + Psychosocial advisory support + + Social Environment (Integration)

Mobile Vaccinations Units, primary health care and mental + + healthcare, medical women surveillance

Continuous Experiential Local Interventions + + Strengthening and operation of the existing structures for + + the prevention and treatment of healthcare diseases Strengthening the relationship of Roma families with school and highlighting the positive effects of education on their + + + lives Social skills enhancement programs for Roma toddlers with + + + a view to promoting smooth school integration Establish annual awards for the successful completion of + + each training course to top Roma students Local targeted actions to promote employment and + + + entrepreneurship Empowerment and professional specialization of + + + occupations in which Roma people are traditionally directed

Activating Volunteering and Corporate Social Responsibility + + Natural skills training seminars + +

12.3 Mid-term Interventions

Year of Implementation Mid-term Interventions 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Built Environment Initiations concerning the integration of the region (Alan + + + + + + Kougiou) in the city plan Relocation of the Roma settlement of Alan Kougiou in an area + + + + + + near Kikidio village Urban planning studies + + + +

Energy efficiency upgrades for residential and public buildings + + + +

Creating an environmental education park + + + + + Social Environment (Cooperation) Highlighting and development of new professional skills of the + + + + population Starting up a Social Cooperative Enterprise + + + + + Enhancing Roma cooperation in infrastructure construction in + + + + the area

Establish volunteering and social cooperation days + + + + Social Environment (Integration) Provide information in addressing infringing issues through + + + + experiential seminars

13. General Policies Within the URBACT and the ReBlock framework, where some axes are prescribed, we propose the following policies-practices. One of them involves the city's image and its gaining of comparative advantage while the other has to do with the active civic involvement and participation of citizens (society).

13.1 City Image/Branding City Branding refers to activities undertaken in order to transform a city from a simple "location" to a "destination". The purpose of this is to highlight the comparative advantages a city may have. Positive highlight elements of a city can be its history, lifestyle quality, culture and diversity.

«Komotini, a city for everyone» In societies having a strong element of multiculturalism there is significant lack of social cohesion, which affects social ties and the interest in politics of a community.

There are two theories concerning the interaction and coexistence of people of different cultural and social groups. According to the "theory of contact" the more time one spends with people of the same cultural background, the better he understands them. According to the "conflict theory", the interacting with each other causes tensions and conflicts (Robert Putnam, Bowling Alone, 2000).

Komotini is characterized as a multicultural city, which consists of abundant and diversified groups of people. Regarding the religious background of the people, they mainly belong in two religions: Christian and Muslim. They interact with each other every day, despite the different characteristics, habits, needs, customs and traditions they may have. Komotini is the only city in our country presenting those characteristics, which can be transformed from a just social phenomenon into comparative advantage and good social cooperation and cohesion practice.

Thus, we suggest organizing an event called "Action of Friendship and Social Cooperation" in an effort to promote this diversity and cooperation between these different groups living in the same city.

During the event some common cultural activities are going to be carried out. These will range from art exhibitions, projection of movies, theater plays with groups composed of children belonging to all social groups, music groups with traditional music and dances of each culture, up to a solidarity kitchen. It will be a call of meeting and getting to know traditional products that will be bring out the cuisine and culture of every social group. The attendees will be able to taste or directly buy anything exposed during the event.

All these can positively contribute to the city’s economy and to highlighting local artists.

Furthermore, a presentation of each different social groups’ customs in such an open event leads people to understand some other’s culture characteristics and therefore to respect it more.

An advertisement or information provided by the media could positively contribute in such an action.

For this reason, the event could take place in September-October for three or five days, a period when there is no other feast taking place in the area, but will create a pleasant and positive impression for the city of Komotini for its residents, visitors, and new entrant students to the university, who constitute a large part of the city's population.

Proposal: Title: «Komotini, a city of social cooperation»

Season: September – October of each year

Coordination: The Municipality of Komotini will be in charge of the event’s coordination in cooperation with some Cultural Associations and local bodies.

Actions: Theater groups: The person who will be in charge of the theater groups will have to make sure that the plays that will be presented will include players from all different social groups.

Concerts: In concerts people with different musical tradition, of all the social groups participating, will cooperate with each other forming duets and mixed choirs.

Cuisine: During the event exhibition of products will take place. A chef (probably with his team) will create dishes with elements of recipes from each different culture, making the "New Kitchen of Komotini"

Art Exhibitions: The exhibitions will include paintings, photography, sculpture, etc., from which some common projects will arise, with the cooperation of the parties involved.

Promotion: The promotion of this specific event can be achieved with the help of the media, through the internet and specifically through social media (facebook, twitter, etc.), through communication and notification of the international bodies about this event so that they better promote it, but also by creating a logo about social cooperation.

Result: The intended result of this action is Social Cooperation with the projects produced going on tours around Greece and abroad by strengthening Komotini’s City Branding with its main focus being on Social Cohesion.

13.2 Community Involvement When people feel that gain greater control over their environment, they get engaged more easily in a participatory process of social change, which can gradually lead to the wider development of their area.

Encouraging and developing dialogue is the heart of communication for social change. Communication in turn is a key ingredient for the success of any program within work or politics.

The basic assumption is that people understand reality much better than experts and thus they can become the drivers of their own change. In a few words, people should learn to participate in decision-making, because their contribution can help finding useful solutions to problems such as housing and education, which constitute an integral part of their daily life

What we suggest is:

1. A Local Support Group should be formed and take action continuously over time

2. A Local Urban Observatory should be developed for the city of Komotini

Coordinators and managers will be defined by individuals or groups of individuals who will be involved in the decision making process. These are people who are interested in politics and they want to express their opinion. Every citizen should be involved in the decision making process at local level because, in one way or another, he or she can influence the policies implemented by the government.

Public participation is not a seasonal event and should be part of everyone’s everyday life. It is the right and duty of every citizen to participate not only during the pre-election time, but in periods between elections too. The transmission of information concerning policies and current issues can be achieved with an upwards movement, i.e. citizens express their concerns, as well as a downwards one, i.e. government representatives inform citizens about policies being developed, their rights and their responsibilities.

The Local Urban Observatory will be updated regularly in order to provide information about the city, its data, any problems faced by citizens and it will basically promote cooperation between forces of the local community. The indicators used will reflect the

level of life and sustainability so that urban development projects in areas of social and economic life have a creative effect in terms of sustainable development of a city. This can be implemented through an online/interactive platform, where the user will be able to answer a series of questions regarding a current issue of each time.

People need time to learn about a subject and how they can influence the decision making process. It takes time to look into an issue, to make meetings and organize campaigns. Citizens need to be patient and not get disappointed if there are not any visible and tangible results within a few weeks. Sometimes it takes months to see tangible results.

In order to have an effective participation of citizens, they have to be aware of all the valuable information needed. These should come both from the general public and from the local leadership. The mass media play an important role in citizen participation, because the information can be disseminated to the wider population in a very simple and effective topic. Local media, in particular, play a crucial role in the process of citizen participation at local level.

Our main objective is to promote and intervene in the bottom-up and top-down communication:

Bottom-up communication (from citizens to local authorities) is when citizens express their needs, concerns, perceptions and views on certain issues. This helps municipalities or relevant stakeholders involved to select and adapt their programs and policies in order to meet the specific needs of their city’s residents. Top-down communication (from government to citizens) occurs when the government informs citizens about the development policy, as well as their roles and responsibilities (through information centers, public officials and local media)

The LSG is the one who will mediate among politicians and citizens and will seek and implement effective communication strategies that will increase public satisfaction. So, gradually, a communication culture will be created, which will be characterized by the sharing of knowledge and views of people belonging to different social groups. As a result, people will be possessed by a sense of participation and satisfaction because of their contribution to the public good.

APPENDIX

Photos from the LSG Meetings

Photos from the action that took place in the 7th Primary School of Komotini