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.

As part of the Advocacy for the Roma Rights and Interests Program RDDA Sonce conducts researches on various topics regarding the situation of Roma, publishes reports, studies and other publications, establishes forums for various stakeholders regarding Roma issues to discuss possible solutions and to create base for joint work on these issues, presents the situation of Roma and their views and interests, as well as recommendations for improvement to various decision-makers regarding Roma issues on local, regional, national and international level. Besides this, RDDA Sonce conducts capacity building trainings for Roma and other stakeholders in order to enhance their position and ability for participation, practicing and protection of their rights and interests. Although the focus is on Roma, this program works with other marginalized groups in need of similar aid. As part of this program, RDDA Sonce is a partner organization of the SEE Program of Minority Rights Group International, Roma NGO network in Macedonia ‘RNGO Roma 2002’, Society Development Initiatives – another NGO network in Macedonia, and is constantly involved with groups and forums discussing the situation of Roma, as at the National Working Group formed for the needs of the Decade for Roma Inclusion.