Description
In Tulcea in Romania, public nurseries are currently operating over their maximum capacity, and requests from parents to enroll their children are on the rise. There is a particular need for additional childcare services in the eastern part of the town. In this area there is a large community of Roma people, including families with many children. According to the Community Nursing Department of the Protection and Social Assistance Directorate, 253 Roma children aged between 0 -3 years, are without nursery places. The project will establish a new day care center for children aged between 0 - 3 years, to facilitate equal access for all children, promote social inclusion of Roma children, and respond to the needs of Tulcea community through solving difficult situations which are affecting people / families who have children under their care aged 0-3 years. In addition to regular day care, the centre will provide age-appropriate early education programs. The project aims to target especially those belonging to vulnerable families and to increase public awareness of the importance of equal opportunities and gender. The target group consists of 70 children aged between 0 and 3 years from Tulcea municipality, of which 20 children are Roma.
Summary of project results
Tulcea municipality, opened a center that hosts 50 children, out of which 20 Roma, and had a grant value of 354.739 euros. "Sibell" Early Childhood Care and Education Center provides real support in helping families surpass a crisis by facilitating the equal access of all children, and beneficiaries to the services of the center. The center hosts children from vulnerable families, Roma children, children whose parents are resuming their activity after child-care leave or who are looking for a job but also children whose parents are informed and are aware that early education and socialization with other children is beneficial for their development. The main activities carried out in the center focus on the care, health care and hygiene of children, ensuring the necessary nutrition for children, early education, counseling and support for parents / legal representatives of children, identifying risk situations, informing and supporting parents to exercise parental functions. It is also making parents aware and responsible of educating their own children.The main benefits are found in increasing the number of parents who have resumed their work or have accessed a job. Parents can carry out professional activities, and the child is provided with a safe environment to develop in, so that the benefits are reflected both on the child and on the family. Simultaneously with parental support, the activities and services provided reduce the social gaps, contribute to the inclusion of vulnerable people and increase the quality of life. Throughout the implementation of the project 20 awareness campaigns were held at a local level, and 2 seminars discussing gender mainstreaming and access to equal opportunities. This new service represents an added addition to the sustainable development of the community as a result of investment in human, social and economic capital, and the decision-makers from the Tulcea community have assumed responsibility by providing the necessary funds for the newly established center which, through the services provided, supports social development and is a result of the involvement and development of institutional capacity. For this promoter, the execution of the works was delayed due to administrative problems (the Local Council meeting was held later due to the local elections).
Summary of bilateral results