Mobile volunteer service

Description

The limited mobility of volunteer services, especially inclusive ones, caused by pandemics and natural disasters, prevents volunteers from becoming more actively involved in supporting vulnerable groups and citizens living in earthquake-affected areas, especially in rural areas.

The objectives of the project are: to organize a mobile volunteer service in the earthquake-affected area; strengthen the Petrinja Volunteer Center for the implementation of volunteer activities that will provide insight into the current needs of the local community, create methods for their application and transfer knowledge to stakeholders in the local community.

Activities:

1. Organization of regular field work of the mobile volunteer service

2. Mapping the needs for support in the educational process of children, with special emphasis on children and youth with disabilities

3. Reporting on the collected data and proposing methods of organizing support to children and youth in the area of the City of Petrinja and Sisak.

The direct beneficiaries are volunteers of the mobile volunteer service, civil society organizations and institutions in the area of the City of Petrinja and Sisak.

Indirect beneficiaries are children of the general population and children and young people with disabilities involved in the educational process from the area of the City of Petrinja and Sisak.

The applicant will ensure the field work of volunteers, send their mobile volunteer services to the field (needs mapping), prepare a report on the results of mapping, propose support methods based on the results of mapping and assistance and support the regular work of the Volunteer Center Petrinja.

The partner will develop a plan for mapping the needs of end users, implement mapping of needs in the field with the help of applicants, coordinate field work of the mobile volunteer service and participate in the preparation of reports on mapping results and distribution to NGOs and institutions.

Summary of project results

The project aimed to address several critical issues in the aftermath of the December 2020 earthquake that severely impacted Sisačko-moslavačka County:

1. Loss of Spaces for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs):

• Many CSOs lost their operational spaces due to the earthquake, which hindered their ability to carry out essential activities. These organizations play a key role in promoting civic engagement, addressing community issues, supporting vulnerable groups, and contributing to societal development. The project sought to create alternative spaces or solutions for these organizations to resume their work.

2. Displacement of Citizens:

• A large number of residents in the affected area lost their homes and basic living conditions, creating a dire need for both short-term relief and long-term support. The project aimed to assist these citizens, particularly those in vulnerable situations, by addressing their immediate and ongoing needs for shelter, infrastructure, and access to essential services.

3. Support for Vulnerable Groups:

• Vulnerable groups, particularly children and young people with developmental disabilities, lost crucial support systems after the earthquake. This included a lack of adequate educational resources and support for overcoming obstacles in the education process. The project specifically targeted the needs of these groups, aiming to provide tailored assistance for their inclusion in educational programs, especially remote learning.

4. Volunteer Engagement and Support:

• While there was significant initial interest in volunteerism from outside the region, the enthusiasm began to wane over time, compounded by logistical challenges such as accommodation and food for volunteers. The project aimed to address these issues by establishing a mobile professional volunteer service, operating for three months in the affected region, to provide hands-on support and engage in field activities.

5. Data Collection and Needs Mapping:

• One of the main goals was to assess the specific needs of the local community, particularly those of children and youth with developmental disabilities. The project included mapping the current conditions of these groups and collecting data on their educational needs, access to information and communication technology (ICT), and participation in distance learning. This data was crucial for understanding the extent of the issues and formulating appropriate interventions.

6. Support for Education and Technology Access:

• With many children and young people struggling to access education, particularly remote learning due to a lack of resources, the project focused on understanding these educational challenges. The data gathered would inform the development of new support models, including solutions for better access to ICT, which is vital for students participating in remote education.

7. Proposed New Models of Support:

• Based on the data analysis, the project aimed to propose new, feasible models of support, which could be implemented through collaboration with volunteer services and other relevant organizations. These models would focus on ensuring the rights of children with disabilities and young people with special needs, whose rights were severely impacted by the earthquake.

8. Advocacy for the Rights of Children with Disabilities:

• The project aimed to raise awareness and advocate for the protection of the rights of children with disabilities, which had been significantly undermined post-earthquake. The proposed new models were intended to address these rights and provide much-needed support to this vulnerable group.

In conclusion, the project aimed to address both immediate needs (such as housing, educational support, and volunteer coordination) and long-term recovery efforts, particularly for vulnerable groups in Sisačko-moslavačka County. It also emphasized the importance of gathering data to inform future strategies and ensure that the region’s recovery efforts are inclusive and focused on the most affected populations.

The project focused on addressing the urgent problems caused by the earthquake in Sisačko-moslavačka County, particularly the displacement of civil society organizations, the destruction of homes, and the lack of support for vulnerable groups. The activities and outputs of the project aimed to provide immediate relief and long-term support, while also ensuring the rights and needs of affected individuals were met.

Key Activities:

1. Establishment of a Mobile Voluntary Service:

   • The project secured a space for the mobile volunteer service, ensuring their continuous operation in the affected area.
   • Provided necessary field equipment to support volunteer activities.
   • Formed a professional volunteer service consisting of 3 local volunteers, plus 7 volunteers from across Croatia.
   • Volunteers worked directly in mapping the needs of the local community in Petrinja and Sisak.

2. Mapping of Needs:

   • Conducted a comprehensive needs mapping in the cities of Petrinja and Sisak, focusing on the needs of children and young people, particularly those with developmental disabilities.
   • Collected data about the challenges faced by affected children in the educational process and their access to educational resources, including ICT for remote learning.

3. Data Analysis and Report:

   • Analyzed the data collected from the mapping activities, focusing on the educational and social needs of the target population.
   • Produced a report detailing the findings and recommendations for future work with children with disabilities in schools and civil society organizations (CSOs) in Petrinja and Sisak.
   • The report was shared with 20 relevant institutions and CSOs in the affected cities to inform ongoing and future interventions.

4. Transfer of Knowledge and Methodology:

   • The project aimed to transfer knowledge and methodologies from the Local Volunteering Center Zvono to other volunteer centers and organizations.
   • The focus was on improving the capacity of organizations to support children and young people with disabilities, especially in the context of post-earthquake recovery.

5. Creation of a Sustainable Support Model:

   • Proposed a model for ongoing support for the affected communities, particularly children and youth with special educational needs.
   • The model would leverage the involvement of volunteers and civil society organizations, ensuring that the local community remains empowered and supported in the long run.

Target Groups:

• Volunteers (LVC Zvono and others): Volunteers played a crucial role in revitalizing the area by mapping needs, collecting data, and helping shape the future support strategy. The project gave them an opportunity to contribute their skills and knowledge.

• Civil Society Organizations and Institutions: Local CSOs and institutions in Petrinja and Sisak were directly supported by the project’s activities, gaining new insights into how to address the needs of vulnerable groups in post-earthquake conditions.

• Direct Beneficiaries:

  • Mobile Volunteer Service Volunteers: They were directly involved in mapping needs and formulating support strategies.
  • Children with Disabilities and Vulnerable Youth: Particularly those in the educational system in Petrinja and Sisak, who benefited from the data collection and proposed models for ongoing support.

• Indirect Beneficiaries:

  • Broader community members, including children from the general population, who would indirectly benefit from improved educational systems and social support.

Outputs:

• Needs Mapping Data: Comprehensive data collection on the needs of vulnerable groups, especially children with disabilities.
• Needs Analysis Report: A detailed analysis based on the collected data, offering recommendations for future interventions and methodologies to support the target groups.
• Recommendations for Future Work: A report with actionable steps for schools and CSOs on how to support children with disabilities and ensure their rights are upheld post-earthquake.
• Increased Volunteer Engagement: The establishment of a professional and sustainable volunteer network in the region, with increased collaboration between different sectors.

Through these activities, the project made a significant contribution to the recovery of the affected areas, particularly in terms of providing essential services, supporting vulnerable groups, and empowering the community to continue their recovery journey.

The project achieved significant results that impacted both the direct and indirect beneficiaries, particularly focusing on strengthening civil society, enhancing volunteer engagement, and supporting vulnerable groups, particularly children and youth with developmental disabilities, in the areas affected by the earthquake in Sisačko-moslavačka County.

Outcomes and Impact:

1. Engagement of Volunteers:

   • Volunteers from the Local Volunteering Center (LVC) Zvono had the opportunity to contribute to the revitalization of Sisačko-moslavačka County by engaging in volunteer activities on the ground.
   • Volunteers were provided with travel, accommodation, and work opportunities, including fieldwork, collaboration with partner organizations, and the mapping and analysis of needs.
   • Impact on Volunteers: Volunteers gained practical experience working in post-disaster conditions, enhancing their skills in mapping needs, analyzing data, and supporting vulnerable groups. They contributed to strengthening democratic culture, civic awareness, and engagement, as well as increasing the sustainability and capacity of civil society in the region.

2. Support for Local Volunteers:

   • Local volunteers from Petrinja were involved in fieldwork, collaborating with other volunteers to conduct needs mapping and support various activities.
   • Impact on Local Volunteers: Local volunteers were trained and sensitized to work with children and youth with developmental disabilities, thus enhancing the effectiveness of the Petrinja Volunteering Center and improving its capacity to address specific needs in the community.

3. Direct Beneficiaries – Civil Society Organizations and Institutions:

   • Organizational Support: Civil society organizations and institutions in Petrinja and Sisak directly benefited from the project’s activities. They were involved in the mapping process, data collection, and the creation of models for supporting children with disabilities.
   • Institutional Awareness: The project helped raise awareness among public institutions and CSOs about the deteriorated human rights situation of children and youth with developmental disabilities in the affected areas, emphasizing the urgent need for support.

4. Indirect Beneficiaries – Children and Youth with Developmental Disabilities:

   • Impact on Vulnerable Children and Youth: The project aimed to support children and youth with disabilities by mapping their educational and social needs in the aftermath of the earthquake. The data collected helped to identify gaps in support and services, leading to improved strategies and recommendations for future interventions.
   • Awareness and Advocacy: The project also played a key role in advocating for the rights of children with disabilities, especially their right to education and rehabilitation. It raised public awareness about the challenges these children face and the importance of providing ongoing support.

5. Survey Results and Data Analysis:

   • The project conducted surveys that provided valuable insights into the state of the affected areas, particularly regarding the needs of children and youth with disabilities.
   • Data Utilization: The data collected from the surveys helped to assess the actual needs of the community, the opinions of local institutions, and the challenges faced by children with disabilities in accessing education and other services.
   • Reporting: The findings were shared with relevant stakeholders, including CSOs and institutions, to inform future actions and policies aimed at addressing these needs.

6. Public Awareness and Civic Engagement:

   • The project emphasized the role of volunteering and civic engagement in post-disaster recovery. It actively engaged the local community, public institutions, and CSOs in ongoing efforts to provide support and raise awareness about the needs of vulnerable groups.
   • Impact on Civic Engagement: The project highlighted the importance of continuous support and involvement, even months after the earthquake, underscoring the role of volunteerism in fostering community resilience and solidarity.

7. Strengthened Partnership:

   • The project fostered collaboration between different organizations and volunteer centers, enhancing the partnership between local and national actors.
   • Long-Term Partnership Development: The partnership developed throughout the project has set the foundation for future collaborative efforts in supporting vulnerable populations and promoting human rights.

Summary of Key Results:

• Volunteer Engagement: Increased involvement of local and national volunteers in disaster recovery and support for vulnerable groups.
• Data and Needs Mapping: Comprehensive understanding of the needs of children and youth with disabilities in the affected areas.
• Awareness and Advocacy: Raised awareness about the human rights issues faced by children with disabilities, promoting advocacy for their needs.
• Strengthened Civil Society: Enhanced the capacity and sustainability of civil society organizations in the region, particularly in supporting vulnerable children and youth.
• Community Impact: Improved collaboration between various stakeholders, including CSOs, institutions, and volunteers, to address the challenges faced by vulnerable groups.

By focusing on these areas, the project contributed to long-term recovery efforts, empowering local communities, promoting volunteerism, and ensuring that the needs of vulnerable groups, especially children with disabilities, were met.