Description
There are no spaces for quality free-time activities for youth and children in Plaški. This makes them worse off in comparison to youth in urban Croatia and Europe. The proposed action contributes to the general programme outcome of ''strengthening the development of civil society'' as well as to the Grants' outcomes by empowering of vulnerable groups. The action involves youth voluntary work on renovation of a public space for youth activities and fosters youth solidarity and joint action on developing of social capital coordinated by a local civil society organization. The result is a renovated and equipped space for youth in the former kindergarten building. This space will be used for informal education and activities of the proposed action and will in future be primarily used by youth for their quality free-time activities and other youth activities in the community as well as for other civil society activities and citizen actions. The said space will be equipped for socializing, informal education and youth entertainment.
Summary of project results
Youth and children in Plaški now have a space where they can spend quality free time and engage in non formal learning and entertainment activities. The fact that it has been fixed up by children, youth and adults in the community in a joint voluntary work action makes it thier pride. The needed funding to cover material costs was secured from EEA and Norway Grants. It was all possible due to good cooperation with the local authorities and support from a parther organisation which also provided volunteers for the ‘’fix up’’ activitiy. The new space was immediately used for workshops that enabled development of creativity and learning about recycling and renewable sources of energy. It comprised decoupague, photo and solar panel construcion workshops. Partners and other associates in this local action have been inspired to cooperate in future activities tailored for children, youth and others in this small community. Children and youth in Plaški have been empowered by this new opportunity to take part in creating options for their own growth and the growth of their community by strengthening its social capiatal and by taking part in activities that develop and contribute to solidarity. As a result children and youth in Plaški are now less worse off in comparison to thier peers in rural Croatia and other parts of the EU comminity. Slobodna škola, the promotor of this action is now commited to continue working on community developmet projects and especially those addressing the needs of youth and children, as well as of other vulnerable groups.
Summary of bilateral results