Monday, May 21, 2007

When it can't be solved by money or can it ?

In the Mehediniti County there are approximately 3000 private active companies and about 2-6 workers in each of these private companies - no large industry and many state companies, but like all state companies, too much work and too little pay (the worker's mentality all over the world). The population is approximately 312,000 people (including children), 120,000 able workers and about 10% unemployment rate (9.4% to be exact of which 80% of this unemployment is in the country and 20% is in the cities in Mehedinti).

Majority of the unemployment comes from:
  1. Rromi population. Not motivated to work or be integrated.
  2. Overall weak economy. Not much revenue pouring in (not much of a tourist area as well).
  3. Not enough enterprises as stated before no large industries and very few small private companies.

So is my (Mehediniti county's) problem, the weak economy or the Rrom population not wanting to integrate, or simply both.

When I say it 'can't be fixed by money', I mean the motivation of people, not necessarily to work but to want to be able to contribute to society as opposed to be a decadent or be happy with just getting by, or even worse, getting by by scamming others. Majority of the people including Rromi are happy with the current state of living/lifestyle on a day to day basis, not motivated to do much else, let alone improve the lifestyle of their kids and generations to come.

Another issue, many Rroma are able to make a lot of money one or two days and not have to work tomorrow, the next or next couple of days. Do some work now (i.e. sing at celebrations make good money) and not worry for awhile. Sound good? Sounds good to the Romanian kids now, why go to school and work hard when I can make money now and not have to worry about the next couple of days. Not exactly setting the right example.

So if you were Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, the President of Romania, President of the United States, Bono, or Steve Manio, how would you motivate people to want to work, contribute to society or more importantly integrate into society so they can slowly start getting rid of these terrible stereotypes. How do you start? with the kids? There are some Rroma families that have huge lavish houses, the best cars, and a lot of money but yet they (same peope that own this) still continue to beg and even sleep outside of the house (in the backyard). How do you fix that with cash if they already have it, or if it is a way of life do you even try to fix it.

I'm looking for different perspectives from anybody. So if you have any ideas or need to correct me, please let me know. Just trying to learn as much as possible. Thanks

2 comments:

Unknown said...

I really love your blog. It is so interesting to see the thoughts as someone who desires to make a difference in the world is overwhelmed at the task.

That feeling will pass. If I might be so bold my advice is to stop, breathe deeply and get to know the population. Find out what they want and start from there. They can solve their problems if empowered. You are there to empower them.

It is hard to read tone on a blog but I want to encourage you. Don't be discouraged. You'll adapt and thrive.

Steve said...

Thanks, those are well advised words that I will take. Don't want to get discouraged to early in the game.