Roma Democratic Development Association “Sonce” is a civil society organization, well established on national and international level, actively participating in the cilic and democratic integration, effective participation and equal practice of the democratic rights and opportunities of the Roma in the society, through capacity building, direct support and advocacy for the Roma. RDDA Sonce was established in 1996 as a Roma community self-help group. After the initial humanitarian work, in 2000 RDDA Sonce was transformed into a development organization working on sustainable projects and programs. By now, 33 projects have been realized and 1 is in process of realization. RDDA Sonce has participated in a number of projects as a partner organization. From 2001 by today, RDDA Sonce is institutionally supported by Roma Participation Program of the Open Society Institute, Budapest. With this support RDDA Sonce functions as a Roma community center in Tetovo, in which framework provides educational support to the young Roma, administrative support to the Roma, cultural events, etc. RDDA Sonce is a local partner of Minority Rights Group International, is one of the founding members of RNGO Roma 2002 and the network Society Development Initiatives, and it also cooperates with many civil society organizations, as well as local and state institutions, media, etc. RDDA Sonce’s working priorities are the following: to participate in the implementation of the action plans of the Decade for Roma Inclusion and the National Strategy for Roma, as well as their monitoring and evaluation; to lobby and advocate for the rights and interests of Roma, particularly for realization of human / minority rights, in front of local, national and international actors; to build and develop dialog in the communiy in relation to the issues of Roma interest; to build the capacities of the community, particularly through organizational capacities in all aspects of organizational work. RDDA Sonce works on its priorities through three programs: Roma Rights and Interests Advocacy Program, Education and Culture for Youth Program, and Local Cooperation Program.
The Education and Culture of Youth Program includes initiatives for improvement of the education of Roma, as courses for computer skills, languages, literacy, etc. This program also organizes cultural activities, as dancing, music, performance and other groups. The program organizes traditional New-Year’s theatre play, as well as other cultural events. There is a volunteers program functioning within this program, which brings together young people eager to contribute to their community. This program builds the capacities of the volunteers in various fields, as organizational management, public relations, communication, etc. Volunteers are organizing and delivering grass roots activities and events.
