A complex methodological presentation of the work of "Bagázs" PublicBenefit Association supporting roma settlements

Emőke Kinga Both – Áron Máté Szilveszter

Abstract

"Bagázs" Public Benefit Association implements Roma integration programs with the involvement of volunteers in two Roma settlements in Pest County, Hungary. The aim of the association is to create a professional and organisational model program for Hungarian Roma integration. The Roma integration process focuses equally on the Roma population in segregated housing and in mainstream residential areas, as well as on the professional helpers and our volunteers. It is the meeting of these two groups that starts the inclusion process. The foundation of working with volunteers is training and professional support based on learning and understanding the complex approach to the inclusion process. In supporting our clients, our guiding principle is that the difficulties of the client cannot be addressed on their own without the support of their closer and wider environment; therefore, we work with each client's family, community, local educational, administrative, and social and health institutions to make a real difference in their own future. This case study details the "Bagázs" Association's Home Developmental Program, which is the foundation of our children's programs and the professional and organisational support system built around volunteers. The study shows that complex social problems can only be solved by complex responses without which it is impossible to consider inclusion and equal opportunities in a meaningful way.

Keywords: Roma integration, volunteering, complex approach, equal opportunities, education, developmental sessions, segregation, Roma settlement