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Description
According to the EU Council Recommendation 2018 / C 189/01, "skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, ability to cooperate, creativity, computational thinking or self-regulation are more essential than ever in the context of our rapidly changing society". The association "Aici pentru tine" proposes a strategic and integrated intervention for disadvantaged interethnic groups in rural areas, with a focus on children and young people from Budila and Tărlungeni. The innovation of this intervention consists in enhancing the psycho-pedagogical tools, advocacy and public communication with the development of independent living skills, through the work of showbiz stars, such as Alina Eremia and Liviu Teodorescu. The scope of the projects is development of Romani inclusion capacity in underserved areas, with emphasis on 80 children and young people from Budila and Tarlungeni, following the development of psycho-social skills through integrated psychological counseling activities, nutrition workshops, vacations on the Romanian coast. At the center of the intervention is a psycho-educational program dedicated to groups of 80 children and young people, which takes place constantly for 12 months. To ensure family support, the project considers parenting counseling for the parents of these children. The development extends on two sides: independent life dependencies for the beneficiaries to learn to cook, but also the reward element: holidays in nature with a component of digital skills development and meetings with celebrities. The results of the project on the mental side consist of increasing the level of self-esteem, emotional intelligence, overcoming traumas / reconciling with the past, developing critical thinking (by analyzing abusive situations), developing the capacity for dialogue, broadening horizons by confronting new situations and places. In the long run, this project offers a glimpse of the future that these children can achieve!
Summary of project results
Since the deficient standard of living is both the cause and effect of poor education, young Roma people lack social, civic, and life skills, struggling to relate to both their peers and teachers. School absenteeism and dropout rates are high. The lack of education subsequently leads to difficulty in finding employment, perpetuating the cycle of poverty and social marginalization.
The project aimed to increase the quality of life of 100 disadvantaged people from the Budila and Tarlungeni communities so they can develop independent life skills.
This project included various activities for the beneficiaries aimed at developing different skills and abilities. Among the activities carried out during this period are psycho-educational activities, nutrition workshops, educational trips with a biodiversity specialist guide, group meetings for parent counseling, professional training, and networking.
For a year, the psychologist within the project visited the disadvantaged communities (Budila and Tarlungeni) twice a week to conduct activities with children divided into groups. The activities carried out were designed to meet both group and individual needs, aiming at developing cognitive, emotional, and behavioral skills. The parents also benefited from 14 parent counseling group sessions. Through these group meetings, the psychologist documented the abuses and other problems the people in these communities are facing and beneficiaries were invited along with some local leaders to talk about them and advocate for their needs.
In the nutrition workshops, the young beneficiaries were informed about the basic principles of proper and quality nutrition and were guided to acquire the skills necessary to optimize their lifestyle.
The project included 8 hikes for children, accompanied by a guide specialized in biodiversity; the themes of the hikes were: recognition of plants, recognition of birds, and encounters with a bear.
During the implementing period, the organization aimed to progress in terms of connections and trained staff by looking for new future partners/sponsors and trainings for the team,
The main results consist of 80 children benefiting from psychoeducational activities and 20 parents participating in parent counseling group meetings. Through these activities, and with the help of the specialists included, it was targeted a shift on the psychological side of the target group, focused on self-knowledge, self-mastery, motivation, empathy, social skills, and integration. Progress has been noted in the attitude of the beneficiaries and how they approach daily activities, including interactions with the social worker, school counselor, and teachers, with whom a consistent collaboration has been maintained throughout the activities.
Among parents, successes have been recorded as they have been open to counseling sessions, the implementation of new parenting models tailored to the specificities of each situation, and even seeking our support in certain family situations.
For the networking activity, there were signed one partnership agreements that ensured a flow of student volunteers involved in the activities of the project and 6 partnership agreements with the private sector to ensure a constant product donations for the basic needs of the beneficiaries.