Description
Just like the rest of Romania, the population in Caransebes is rapidly aging. Statistics estimates that in less than two decades, 1 in 5 person in Romania will belong to the senior population. The current population of Caransebes is 21,932, out of which 4000 are children under the age of 5. The main objective of the project is to increase awareness of gender issues among the Roma population in Caransebes. Moreover, the project seeks to improve the balance between work and private life by establishing a center of education and child care aged 0-3 years, and by conducting public debates and organizing a seminar. The project will establish an education and care center for children aged 0-3 years; Sf. Vasile cel Mare Education and Care Center. which will be located in Caransebes. It will be equipped with the necessary facilities/materials. Direct beneficiaries of the center will be 25 children and parents out of which we estimate that 10 will belong to the Roma community. Information and awareness raising campaigns will be carried out through brochures and flyers as well as the organisation of a seminar and 4 working groups. The project is expected to change the mentalities of the decision makers from the Roma community and also to change attitudes among Roma women as regards labour market participation. The target groups are children aged 0-3 years and their parents who live in Caransebes including members of the Roma community.
Summary of project results
Caras Severin county, through a grant of 323.085 euros opened a center for 25 children, out of which 10 Roma, aged 0 to 3 years old. The center has raised interest at a local level and it offers during the day services of child care, supervision and education, according to the specific needs of the children. The environment is organised in such a manner that it protects the wellbeing of the children without restricting their movement. The space is designed to be welcoming and attractive and is organized in such a way that there are: group rooms, open-air rooms, reception rooms, dining area, sleeping areas and possibly parent / parents' room / center. The services that are provided at the center are established following discussions with the parents of the children and inserted in a contract between the parent / legal guardian of the child and the management of the unit, which establishes the rights and obligations of the parties. Consultation of parents in the provision of services is done in order to know the individual particularities of the children so that the services offered are tailored to their needs. During the implementation, the promoter held 4 workshops and a seminar in order to raise awareness on gender discrimination and equal opportunities reglardless of ethnicity, social status or gender. There were deviations from the initial planning of the activities due to administrative factors (during the planned period for carrying out some acquisitions, the Caras-Severin County Council had no leadership, respectively president and vice-president). Also, it was necessary to redraw the technical project in order to meet the requirements of the Public Health and Fire Directorate (there have been legislative changes as a result of which other requirements were requested than those stipulated at the beginning of the project) requirements that led to the necessity of amending the budget.
Summary of bilateral results