Description
The project named aims to address the lack of services for children in need, aged between 6 and 14 in the area of Sângeorgiu de Pădure and the rural in Bălăuşeri, Fântânele, Ghindari in Mureş county. The implementation of this initiative is necessary because of the problems faced in these areas: financial and social problems, high absenteeism, parents leaving in order to work abroad. If not taken any measures, these problems will have a negative impact on the quality of life of children, affecting adversely their development, leading to social exclusion. The objective of the project is to increase the access of children in need to social services in order to prevent social exclusion. Social services will be provided for 11 months, simultaneously with activities that aim to involve public authorities in the process, providing community social needs analysis, and together with local stakeholders developing the local social strategy and action plan. The outcomes of the project will be: increased availability of social services and quality of life of beneficiaries, on individual level (by providing social services), as on community level as well.
Summary of project results
The project tackled the lack of services for children in difficult situations aged 6-14 from the city of Singeorgiu de Padure and the villages Balauseri, Fantanele and Ghindari (Mures county, Romania), where children are facing several financial and social problems, high school drop-out rate, parents leaving in order to work abroad, social exclusion. The project helped strengthen the relationship between child, parents, teaching staff, local institutions and provided social and basic services to children in difficult situations. Four social centres were established in locations provided by local authorities and endowed for after-school activities. 171 children (out of which 42 Roma) received different types of services: individual and family psycho-social assistance and counselling, information, social counselling, speech therapy, life skills development, mediation of the relation with authorities etc. Together with other 365 school colleagues, children were involved in occupational therapy and nonformal education activities. The provision of social services enhanced children’s adaptation to school-type activities and the development of social, emotional and cognitive competences, all these three contributing to their individual development and social integration. 20 workshops were organised for 50 parents that developed key parental competences in educating and raising children. 23 teachers participated in training courses which helped them better understand children’s difficulties and how to relate to children in difficult situations. An awareness raising campaign concerning child welfare was carried out, reaching 1,200 persons (parents, teachers, representatives of public institutions). A brochure with practical advice for a better parenting and posters encouraging inclusion and involvement of citizens in creating a better world for children were distributed in schools and other public institutions. An evaluation study of the social problems faced by targeted communities was carried out. Based on it, the local social strategy and action plans were developed and adopted by the local councils in the 4 locations, laying the foundation for measures to prevent social marginalisation of vulnerable groups, thereby enhancing their inclusion in the local community.
Summary of bilateral results