More information
Description
Families with children living in Narva City in North-Eastern often face difficulties in obtaining services and assistance from local government. There is little cooperation between organisations and institutions responsible for the well-being of families with children and flaws in information flow. The aim of the project is to launch a cross-sectoral cooperation network dealing with children and families in Narva, which will bring together organisations operating in the social, health and educational fields from both the public sector and civic associations and will promote the well-being of children and families in Narva. In the course of the project, organisations whose main target group is children and families will be mapped in Narva and the necessary information guide will be compiled from the collected data in electronic form on the website of MTÜ Sotsiaaltöö Arenduskeskus. Information about the network will be shared by all members of the network in the future. In the course of mapping, potential members of the network are identified, everyone''s knowledge of network-related topics is harmonized, teamwork training is carried out and a framework agreement for network cooperation is drawn up to ensure the systematic nature of joint activities. The final beneficiaries of the project and children and their families living in Narva City. In establishing the co-operation network, the Latvian Gulbene City Government and the representative offices of civic associations in Kaunas, Lithuania will be involved in sharing experiences.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address several complex and interconnected issues related to the well-being of children and families in the city of Narva. One of the primary challenges was the lack of systematic, cross-sector collaboration between organizations operating in the social, health, and education sectors. Although many organizations in the area work directly or indirectly with children and families, their efforts were fragmented, and there was no established framework for consistent cooperation. As a result, many organizations were attempting to solve similar problems independently, often with limited information and inefficient results.
Another issue was the lack of comprehensive and accessible information about organizations working in this field. Many schools, kindergartens, and other stakeholders were unaware of the full range of resources and services available, including those offered by Narva’s family doctors and mental health services for children and youth. In some cases, the activities and operational principles of key institutions were unclear to potential partners.
Resource limitations and the absence of opportunities for exchanging best practices further complicated efforts to support children and families effectively. Schools and kindergartens expressed a strong interest in participating in a collaborative network, seeing it as a way to access additional resources and address their challenges more effectively. There was also a significant need for regular meetings, systematic information exchange, and public access to information about organizations working with children and families. Additionally, the importance of gaining fresh perspectives and learning from organizations outside Estonia was emphasized, as this could bring new ideas and innovative approaches to the region.
The project sought to address these issues by establishing a cross-sector cooperation network that would bring together organizations from the public sector and civil society. This network would facilitate collaboration, improve information sharing, and create a unified approach to solving common problems. Ultimately, the project aimed to enhance the effectiveness of support services, reduce duplication of efforts, and improve the overall well-being of children and families in Narva.
The project''s activities were carried out in alignment with the planned timeline, although some initial organizational challenges arose due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine instigated by the Russian Federation. These events caused delays in organizing the opening seminar and subsequent activities, including roundtable discussions, training sessions, visits to Latvian and Lithuanian partners, network meetings, and the closing seminar. Despite these disruptions, all planned activities were successfully completed within the project period.
The participating partners unanimously affirmed the project''s importance for the city of Narva. It provided an opportunity for representatives from various organizations to come together, discuss pressing issues, and view challenges from different perspectives within the context of child well-being. This collaborative environment offered practical benefits and broadened participants'' understanding of how to approach children and their families while identifying problems that require attention. As a result, the roles, functions, and competencies of different partner organizations became clearer, improving coordination and cooperation in addressing various cases and concerns.
The project also facilitated the exchange of experiences with professionals from Latvia and Lithuania. A particularly significant aspect was learning about the Latvian Orphans’ Court, a body that coordinates child welfare in cases involving children’s misconduct or neglect within families that fail to provide a nurturing and supportive environment. This insight provided valuable knowledge on how to manage such cases more effectively.
One key outcome of the project was the development of a programmatic document titled "Child Well-Being Profile". This comprehensive framework is designed to enhance the urban environment for children and their families by addressing various aspects such as playgrounds, recreational areas, bike paths, and traffic safety. Additionally, it emphasizes improving conditions in education and social sectors by reviewing the quality of services provided by hobby schools, social workers, speech therapists, and physiotherapists. The document aims to serve as a holistic guide to improving all facets of child well-being in Narva.
The project raised significantly the profile of the Social Work Development Center (MTÜ Sotsiaaltöö Arenduskeskus or STAK) as a key organization within Narva, especially in the context of working with children and organizations that support them. The project facilitated the development of collaboration with specialists providing essential services, such as speech therapists, psychologists, and physiotherapists. Through these efforts, STAK has established itself as a central hub for uniting the public sector, social services, educational organizations, and local CSOs to improve the well-being of children and their families while effectively addressing complex cases.
As a result of the project, other organizations have begun turning to STAK for coordination and guidance, recognizing its role as an activity coordinator in Narva. This marks a significant step in creating a unified network of support and cooperation among organizations working in this field.
The project’s outcomes are highly positive, contributing to the overall well-being of children in Narva by fostering a more proactive and informed approach to addressing challenges. It has encouraged greater societal engagement, enhanced collaboration among relevant organizations, and improved the services available to children and families.
One of the project''s key deliverables, the "Child Well-Being Profile" document, provides a long-term framework for ensuring a sustainable living and learning environment for children in Narva. This comprehensive document serves as a guide for improving children’s quality of life and creating a more supportive and effective urban and educational environment, with lasting benefits for the community.