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Description
The economic and social transition in Romania after communism had mixed implications in the education of children with special needs. Although efforts have been made to solve the problems of children with disabilities, there is still no system developed for permanent rehabilitation and assistance at national / regional level. The families of these children are facing the lack of specialised institutions, lack of knowledge about rights; and the lack of a supportive community.The current project with a duration of 18 months aims to increase the quality of rehabilitation / recovery and assistance services for 75 children with special needs, aged 0-6 years from the Tg Secuiesc and surroundings. The activities of the project involve rehabilitation works of the interior of the building received in the loan from the applicant from the Local Council of Tg Secuiesc. An awareness process will be realised among 200 parents, recovery services will be improved, an awareness campaign will be organised segmented for 6 months for: 30 teachers from the community; with 20 family doctors in the area. A one-day community picnic will be organized, involving about 450 locals; 3 presentations will be held for 150 students from 3 local high schools. The organizational capacity of the Pro Pectus Association will be developed, through a know-how process carried out with the partner organisation Prosperitas Vitae Egyesulet Association from Miercurea Ciuc in order to increase the professional knowledge of the members and volunteers of the association.The organisational visibility will be increased with the development of a web page. The Local Council of Tg Secuiesc, Bod Peter High School, Nagy Mozes High School, the local Reformed High School from the public sector and the Pro Sanitate Foundation, Kendu Association, Zold Nap Association and the College of Physicians from the civil sector will support the awareness process and the implementation of the activities proposed by the applicant.
Summary of project results
Despite the progress made in Romania, no comprehensive system for their rehabilitation and support exists, especially in smaller communities like Târgu Secuiesc. Families face limited access to specialized institutions, a lack of awareness about rights, and minimal community support. Covasna County alone has 648 children with disabilities, yet no dedicated centers for children aged 0–6 years. The only nearby private facility is 45 kilometers away and insufficient to meet demand. This project sought to address these gaps, particularly for low-income families, by offering free rehabilitation services.
The project renovated a recovery center, improving conditions with insulation, heating, and accessibility. It launched therapies tailored for children with autism, ADHD, speech disorders, and physical disabilities, benefiting 117 children. Parent education sessions informed families about their rights and helped them navigate support systems, while local awareness campaigns engaged students and teachers to reduce stigma. Team members received specialized training, and a website was created to enhance visibility and outreach.
The initiative significantly improved infrastructure, enabling better therapy services. The number of children receiving rehabilitation doubled compared to previous years, and 55 parents were empowered with critical knowledge. Although some planned activities, such as informational brochures and community events, were incomplete due to challenges like the pandemic, the project succeeded in fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment.