University of Bucharest Summer School: Risk Groups and Social Support Services

The Faculty of Sociology and Social Work of the University of Bucharest launched its first summer school on the provision of medical and social services to vulnerable groups, including Roma, drug users, sex workers, incarcerated persons, and street children. The program was developed in partnership with the Romanian Harm Reduction Network and other NGOs, including Roma organizations.

Out of 130 applicants, course organizers accepted 28 students from different faculties and universities.

The summer school provided an opportunity for students to share information on evidence-based approaches, as well as directly observe service delivery. The students visited outreach and drop-in centers where they observed HIV prevention and care services, drug treatment, and HIV testing and counseling.

The students also had the opportunity to visit the Jilava Penitentiary, where harm reduction services are provided to prisoners, and a needle exchange project located in the Roma neighborhood of Ferentari in Bucharest—which was the first such project in the country and is run by the Roma Center for Health Policies Sastipen, an OSI grantee.

During the course, students and faculty debated sensitive issues, such as working with people who use drugs and sex workers. Participants discussed how to address stigma and discrimination against marginalized groups, enforce the rights of drug users, and ensure access to treatment.

The summer school received support from the Public Health Program's Roma Health Project and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.