The ongoing Programme of Economic and Social Development in Spišský Hrhov, Slovakia, is a successful integration example for the Roma community. This initiative reduced unemployment by 80% for the local Roma community, and greatly improved their living conditions. The project, launched in 1998, is a social enterprise that only employs Roma. It focuses on construction, and was a direct response to the hesitation of private business owners to hire Roma.
As the construction business grew, the company began to address local housing issues and to repair the homes and unsafe settlements inhabited by Roma community members. Being employed, doing meaningful work, and receiving a regular income has had a significant, positive effect on the local Roma community. A sense of ownership was especially crucial in their success. However, this wasn’t the only positive outcome; a noticeable improvement was made in the perception of the importance of education. Unemployed parents tend to value education less, while employed parents put more emphasis on the education of their children as a means of future prospects. The employed members of the Roma community serve as positive role models for children, proving their efforts in school will pay off when they can advance themselves and find jobs with their degrees.