Acceder : Economic Empowerment in the Roma Community of Caceres, Spain

Abstract

The author provides a historical context of the Roma community in Spain followed by a close look of the Acceder program in which he worked during study abroad. The author reflects on the Acceder program and its positive impact on the Roma community of Caceres and the rest of Spain as an effective tool in breaking the cycle of poverty that exists with the Roma. He then transitions to a more theoretical modern framing of Roma identity and activism both by Roma and non-Roma academics and activists as transnational/EU and national-within the nation state and how this activism is responsible for instituting social change across the EU and in Spain in the form of social well-being programs launched of which Acceder is a part of. In conclusion, the author follows up on the personal experiences at the foundation by offering some recommendations for improved performance and policies.