Social Cooperative Enterprise “Energoi Roma”
Energoi Roma is a social cooperative entity dedicated to promoting social inclusion and equal opportunities, with a particular focus on the Greek Roma community. Our mission is to build a framework in which every individual, regardless of background, can participate fully and equally in social, economic and cultural life—free from stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination. Guided by the principles of social cohesion and solidarity, we work systematically to address social exclusion and combat all forms of discrimination that continue to disproportionately affect Roma individuals and families. Our initiatives are designed to empower young Roma women and men by providing them with the tools, opportunities and support necessary for their personal, professional and social development. At the same time, we actively support the preservation and dissemination of Roma traditions, customs and cultural heritage, recognizing that cultural identity is both a vital component of personal dignity and an invaluable part of our broader societal fabric.
A key pillar of our work is the promotion of employment and economic participation within the Roma community. We invest in creating new job opportunities, fostering vocational training and combating unemployment by encouraging skills development, social entrepreneurship and access to modern professional pathways. Through these efforts, we aim to enhance economic independence and long-term sustainability for individuals and families.
Education is another central focus of our activities. We implement actions and support programs designed to reduce school dropout rates and improve access to quality education for Roma children and youth. Through awareness-raising initiatives and preventive interventions, we also strive to eliminate the phenomenon of early child and adolescent marriage, ensuring the protection of children’s rights and fostering equal opportunities for both girls and boys.
Furthermore, we actively promote sports participation among Roma children and young people, recognizing the transformative power of sports as a tool for social inclusion, confidence-building and the development of essential life skills. Participation in sports helps strengthen resilience, teamwork, discipline and self-esteem—qualities that support holistic development and social integration.
Project Contribution
Energoi Roma serve as representatives of the Roma community and work daily to address the issues and needs that arise in the everyday lives of its members. Our role includes maintaining ongoing communication with citizens, organizing general assemblies and providing regular updates through action-oriented seminars, empowerment initiatives and awareness-raising activities. Through these structured engagements, we ensure that community voices are heard, concerns are addressed, and collective solutions are developed in a transparent and participatory manner.
Since 2018 and continuing through 2025, we have been actively involved in a wide range of social inclusion programmes aimed at supporting the integration, empowerment and advancement of Roma individuals and families. Our consistent participation in these initiatives reflects our long-term commitment to promoting equal opportunities, strengthening community resilience, and fostering cooperation between public authorities, local actors and the Roma population.
Within the framework of the Roma-GEM project, we hold the official role of community liaison, acting as the primary bridge between the Roma community and the programme’s institutional partners. In this capacity, we facilitate communication, ensure mutual understanding and contribute to the effective implementation of activities that address real needs on the ground. Our mission is to represent the community with integrity, advocate for its rights and support its sustainable social inclusion.
Across all our work lies a steadfast commitment to the protection and advancement of human rights. We believe that respect for dignity, equality and fundamental freedoms is the foundation of a just and inclusive society. Every action, program and partnership we undertake is grounded in these values. Through consistency, collaboration and a strong sense of social responsibility, our organization continues to work toward a future where equality, respect and human dignity are not aspirations, but realities accessible to all.