Description
The main objective of the project is creating a network for a coherent intervention for the benefit of children from vulnerable groups (children from child welfare system and children from vulnerable families, including Roma). The network includes public institutions, NGOs, companies and encourages the involvement of policy makers, professionals, volunteers, parents and children. Out of the 21 localities forming the initial VIP network, over 57% are with high percentage of Roma population. 260 people will be trained: 50 decision makers from local authorities, more than 100 teachers, 40 social educators, 20 mediators, 35 social workers, 20 volunteers. Social solidarity and volunteering will be developed in all community members of the VIP Network. The project will contribute to a more effective collaboration between the social and educational sectors.
Summary of project results
In Ialomița County, 57% of localities have a percentage of Roma population over the national average. Same problems present among Roma population at national level are also present in this county: poverty, low education and employment, low school attendance (only 37% of pre-school age children attend kindergarten), illiteracy (21% of Roma youth over 16 are illiterate) etc. The socio-economic problems have incidence also among the specialists working in social assistance, education and administration, because the salary levels do not allow for investments in continous training. The project aimed to increase the chances of educational and social integration of children at risk from Ialomița County – from child protection system or from vulnerable families, including Roma – by promoting a network intervention model that mobilises local resources, initiatives, team work and social solidarity. A “VIP Network – Volunteerism, initiatives, professionalism” was set up and tested in 35 localities, out of which over half have a significant Roma population. The network includes public institutions, NGOs, companies involved in the social and educational integration of vulnerable children. A total of 207 persons have become volunteers in the network, while 37 public and private structures have received the „VIP promoter” label. Mobile teams of volunteers have been active in the network schools, monitoring with a specific tool the school situation of children at risk of school abandonment. 273 specialists – teachers, school mediators, specialists from social assistance services, NGOs, working with vulnerable children, have been trained on issues like facilitation of access to services of children from the residential system and children from vulnerable families, including with parents migrating for work, non-discrimination, team work at community level for prevention of school abandonment. 7 training and support materials (course materials, guides) have been designed and piloted in the project. 500 children from vulnerable groups, out of which 200 Roma, have been involved in the practical training of teachers, educators and community teams. The project contributed to an increased social solidarity in Ialomița County in the promotion of educational and social integration of children at risk and an increased degree of professionalism and cooperation between specialists working in child protection, public social assistance services and the school system.
Summary of bilateral results