Description
Seeking to promote participation and encourage partnerships between NGOs and public institutions in the defence of Human Rights, especially the rights of minorities, disadvantaged and risk groups, the project aims to enhance active participation of these groups in society and on the organizations who support them. A set of actions and activities directed towards the reduction of the risk of social exclusion of children, youth and their families, will be implemented in Évora. The project will include the training of technicians who accompany children at risk and their families; the setting up of an office where the psychological follow-up will take place; and also workshops and training/awareness-raising sessions with parent groups, which will encourage the creation and development of partnership networks. The partner entities possess strong local experience and are working towards reinforcing already existing synergies, as well as fostering the creation of new partnership networks that will address this problem.
Summary of project results
The Commission of Protection of Children and Youngsters in Évora (Alentejo) published a report in 2010 on children and youth at risk in the region and on the main challenges in that regard (parental neglect, deviant behaviours and school failure). The response to this social problem should be an integrated one involving both parents and young people and including non-formal education on citizenship and civic participation and on promotion of minority rights (as part of the disadvantaged and risk groups belong to ethnical minorities). The project has intensively monitored and assisted 147 vulnerable or at risk children and youngsters and their families in the region, thus meeting its initial targets. In addition to these activities, the project has promoted a series of meetings with parents; and awareness-raising activities on citizenship and gender equality for the entire population, particularly in schools. Addressing this challenge through the empowerment of the target groups in this region, as well as the bolstering of the promoter’s technical capacity for dealing with vulnerable families, has made an impact on many people’s lives.
Summary of bilateral results