Description
In the city of Hunedoara, 2,200 out of 10,000 children and young people (6-26 years), are considered at risk of social exclusion, of whom 1,600 are Roma. Due to poverty, many families have migrated to the outskirts of the city, forming poor neighborhoods with unsanitary conditions. The main objective of the project consists in reducing risk situations for children and youth in these areas by developing initiatives that support dropout prevention, reducing inequalities, social exclusion and other methods of complementary education, by setting up an interactive center. The centre will promote non-formal and volunteering educational methods. Socio-educational animators, Roma experts and specialists will provide educational activities to the target groups in order for them to adopt a healthy and responsible life style. The beneficiaries are 154 children (108 Roma), 50 youth (35 Roma), 50 parents/tutors and 20 professionals/volunteers (5 Roma).
Summary of project results
The project was a public-private partnership, between Hunedoara city hall as Project Promoter and a local NGO, a 20 months partnership. The ideea of this project came from the need for non-formal activities for the children from disadvantaged families, identified in Hunedoara city. Statistics showed that these children from poor families, with risk of school dropping, are also at risk of antisocial behaviour, drugs and alcohol, as the schools offers are limited, concerning extracurricular activities. There are a few organizations in this city, with social activities profile, which can only provide for these children food and clothes, for their basic needs. Hunedoara Interactive Centre for Non-formal Education and Volunteering activities developed through this project is the only facility in the city regarding services provided and the number of beneficiaries. The Centre offered the possibility for spending after school time in a professional and safe environment, under the supervision of professional staff, where they learned about being responsible, to be part of a team, to contribute at the team wellbeing, to get involved in voluntary activities, to learn communication skills etc. The project beneficiaries also have access at education, sport, nutrition and healthy life activities. The location is a creative space, being close to a ZOO. Socio-educational animators, experts working with Rroma and volunteers worked together with children and young people, during the project activities. 154 children, including 116 Rroma children where direct beneficiaries, and 50 youth including 35 Roma. 50 parents were involved in counselling activities and about 20 specialists were trained in working with vulnerable groups.
Summary of bilateral results