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Description
The project contributes to the empowerment and social inclusion of the vulnerable communities from the Pata Rât, Stephenson and Meșterul Manole areas of Cluj-Napoca.Pata Rât is an Marginalized Urban Area according to census map 549841404 of the Atlas of Marginalized Urban Areas / 2016. The area is severely deprived according the human capital, employment and housing criteria. The relative poverty index is 45.7% (Eurostat), the median poverty gap is 44.1% of the at-risk-of-poverty threshold. The project also addresses marginalized areas Meșterul Manole Street and Stephenson Street, 72% of the inhabitants of the target areas are Roma (FSAS/UBB study, 2017)
Using a horizontal approach, the project contributes to 1. the empowerment of the target communities in terms of: access to information, self-expression, self-representation, self-organization, social participation and resilience (with special focus on youth), 2. combating rasism and discrimintation, 3. promoting the respect for human rights, 4. fighting antigypsysm and steretypes.
In order to reach its goals, the project implements Radio Pata - a 24/7 streaming community radio co-created by the target communities (Pata Rât: 1400, Stephenson: 80, Meșterul Manole: 150 persons).
Radio Pata delivers: community self-organization instruments, an accessibility tool to the social services provided by the city, free internet access points. The project develops a methodology ensuring its portability. Through horizontal co-decisionmaking processes, members of target communities define programme structure and content, share information regarding community self-organization and city public services.
Project partner Community Association of Roma from Coastei provides community facilitation. DGASPC Cluj tests streaming of social services through the radio. Centre for the Study of Democracy provides impact studies. Theater Bergen contributes to the international dissemination / promotion of the project.
Summary of project results
The project addressed the severe social and economic marginalization of communities in Pata Rât and other underserved areas of Cluj-Napoca, where poverty, systemic racism, and a lack of basic services perpetuate intergenerational inequality. In Pata Rât, residents face additional challenges, including exposure to a toxic landfill, stigmatization, and physical isolation from public social services, cultural facilities, and recreational spaces.
Radio Pata, an online community radio station, became the centerpiece of the project. Over two and a half years, it produced and streamed a variety of content designed to inform, empower, and engage the community. Through news programs, advocacy campaigns, and talent competitions, the project offered an accessible platform for sharing information, showcasing talent, and organizing collective action. A collaboration with a Norwegian partner inspired further innovation, including the creation of the Khetane Community Center and Festival Khetane. These initiatives provided physical and cultural spaces for interaction and expression, bringing visibility to marginalized communities.
As a result, over 1,100 community members benefited directly from the radio and related activities, improving their access to information and opportunities for self-expression. The Festival Khetane gained national and international attention, raising awareness about the realities of marginalized communities.
The project has strengthened the communities’ capacity for advocacy and self-organization while reducing stigma and promoting dialogue with broader society. Its importance lies in showing how marginalized communities can use communication and cultural tools to challenge inequality and build resilience. In the long term, it provides a model for inclusive, community-driven development, with a lasting infrastructure to support continued progress.
Summary of bilateral results
The partnership brought valuable expertise and resources, significantly enhancing the project''s cultural and artistic impact. Their support in identifying methodologies and best practices helped improve project implementation, particularly in organizing a planned festival. The Norwegian partner also assisted in identifying relevant resources and professionals, contributing to the overall quality and sustainability of the initiative.Additionally, the partnership led to productive exchanges, including a visit to Bergen where exhibitions, public debates, and live radio shows were organized in collaboration with Radio Multe, Bergen’s community radio station. Discussions were finalized regarding the development of a community center and the organization of the Khetane Festival.