Description
The “Coalition - equal rights and representation for children with disabilities" project, implemented by Star of Hope Romania, in partnership with Star of Hope Norway, aims to alleviate the marginalization problem and insufficient organized and integrated representation of children and adults with disabilities. The overall aim of the project is to develop and strengthen the organizational capacity of the Federation of Parents with Children with Disabilities to achieve greater inclusion of local / regional bodies and better representation of children and adults with disabilities in front of decision makers. The initiative is a premiere for Romania. There are many networks of organizations, active in the field of disability, although none of these cover all categories. This is the only federation of parents which addresses children with various disabilities. The project addresses a group of 30 parents’ organizations; indirect beneficiaries are children with disabilities, including Roma children, and their families.
Summary of project results
The project aimed at tackling marginalization and the lack of organised and integrated representation of children and adults with disabilities, by strengthening FOPCD - the federation of organisations of parents who have children with disabilities. In order to achieve this, trainings for organisations of parents with children with disabilities were organised. They offered the opportunity to develop the participants’ competences in such fields like advocacy and fundraising. The organisational development activities created the premises for a better representation towards decision-makers. For example, the elaboration of the Strategy and the Action Plan of the federation were the result of 5 consultative workshops, held in 5 cities. The document was presented at the National Conference held in Iasi. The skills acquired during this project stood behind the initiative of amending articles of the Tax Code. The federation and its member organisations also learned, in the framework of the project, to take position on some initiatives of the central and local authorities that are not supporting and including children and young people with disabilities. The digital advocacy tool, the advocacy instruments and the general mobilisation have all contributed to increasing the professionalization of FOPCD in formulating amendments to existing laws, monitoring public / legislative policies and communicating with the public. The 4 workshops and the 4 information sessions dedicated to students were important not only for raising awareness but also for identifying new members for the Community Based Rehabilitation informal network (CBR). The 10 Open Doors Days are contributions in transforming local communities into inclusive communities that are responsive to the needs of all their members. 11 organisations from these communities were assisted in writing activity reports and using them in promoting their actions and raising awareness among community members and other stakeholders. Overall, representatives from over 30 parents' organisations or organisations that are active in promoting and protecting the rights of children and young people with disabilities attended project activities.
Summary of bilateral results
Star of Hope Romania (SHR) and Star of Hope Norway (SHN) have been working together for over 20 years, a long collaboration based on mutual respect, trust, professionalism and transparency. SHN facilitated and organised a study visit in Norway, having NGOs, parliament representatives, social services and educational experts as participants. Six members of FOPCD - federation of organisations of parents who have children with disabilities - participated in the exchange. SHR benefited of transfer of know-how and best practice on the experience of the Nordic countries in advocacy techniques, especially regarding the protection and promotion of the rights of people with disabilities. Also, the Norwegian partners were impressed by the dedication and the involvement of the parents in Romania in fighting for the rights of their children. The organisational development and advocacy expert Kristen Folde (Star of Hope, Norway) contributed with his expertise in strategy development, in the benefit of FOPCD members. Moreover, in April 2016, SHR members received consultancy from an expert from Norway on methods of working with disabled children. This project was an opportunity to strengthen the partnership between Romanians and Norwegian NGOs in the field.