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Description
Romania still holds a top position among the EU countries where school dropout rate, functional illiteracy and unemployment among the youth are very high. According to the EU country report, school dropout rates in Romania are at 16,4%, in rural areas reaching even 25%, or even higher in the Eastern rural areas, where poverty is more common. In accordance to the same study, at present some 100. 000 long-term unemployed people are officially registered in Romania, 88% of these residing in rural areas, with 90% being considered with very low perspectives to gain employment. Lack of education and professional training leads to the young people from rural areas who do not complete their education to become dependent on social benefits, incapable to become active in the development of their own communities, and be easily lead by politicians’ interests. FSC has been implementing for over 16 years educational programs in the Eastern rural areas of Bacau County, at the border of Vaslui County, one of the least developed regions of Romania. According to the official data from the Ministry of Labour, at the end of 2018 Bacau was the second County in respect of the number of social benefits countrywide. The project will develop the educational activities implemented by FSC in 3 Day Centres, by implementing a component of civic education and community involvement, personal development activities, etc., of approx 150 children and young people from rural areas. This is achieved through educational activities in the day centres, civic education and community participation, developing independent living skills. The expected outcome focuses on improved school achievements and personal skills, decreasing the school dropout rates and decreasing the gap between urban and rural opportunities. The project partner will carry out activities with marginalized adolescents and will conduct a study on "Solutions for the development of rural communities in Romania''''.
Summary of project results
The project was launched to address critical challenges in rural Romanian communities, where civic engagement was low, educational opportunities were limited, and families often lacked the resources and support to thrive. Many young people faced difficulties identifying career paths or participating in democratic processes, while parents struggled to provide the guidance needed for their children''s development. These issues were compounded by a lack of access to community resources, perpetuating cycles of poverty and disengagement and highlighting the need for a multifaceted intervention.
To tackle these challenges, the project implemented a comprehensive suite of activities over its duration. Weekly sessions at day centers supported 130 children, helping them with homework, personal development, and civic education, while a summer program, "School for Democracy," engaged 462 children and high school volunteers, fostering creativity and democratic awareness. Seventy young people participated in non-formal education sessions to explore career options and enhance life skills, while 55 parents attended monthly sessions designed to strengthen family dynamics and improve parenting practices. Civic initiatives included 12 “Photovoice” sessions, which encouraged children to reflect on the importance of community involvement. The project team also received training in democracy-related topics, drawing on expertise from the Norwegian partner. Furthermore, the partner contributed to a study titled “Solutions for Sustainable Development of Rural Communities in Romania,” which offered insights into fostering long-term growth. Organizational development activities, such as social media training, further enhanced the project’s reach and sustainability.
The results were transformative. Over 460 children and 70 young people acquired vital knowledge and skills, enabling them to actively participate in their communities and consider diverse career paths. Parents reported improved family dynamics, contributing to a more supportive home environment. Civic education and volunteering initiatives ignited a greater sense of responsibility among young people, while the study provided a valuable roadmap for sustainable development in rural areas. An unexpected but positive outcome was the strengthened collaboration between local stakeholders, which fostered a more cohesive and engaged community.
Summary of bilateral results
The project greatly benefited from having Change the World as a Partner, as their experience in civic engagement, youth volunteering, and community development added valuable expertise. Their involvement ensured well-structured planning, effective thematic development, and meaningful ecological and civic education activities. The partner contributed to training the project team, provided real-world examples from previous initiatives, and actively engaged in knowledge-sharing sessions, enhancing the project’s overall impact.A notable achievement was the training session conducted by Change the World, which engaged scholarship recipients through practical examples and interactive discussions. Additionally, the partner’s visit to Romania facilitated the documentation of a study on sustainable rural community development, which was later published and shared. Future plans include expanding joint initiatives in civic education, sustainability, and youth empowerment and organizing additional training sessions and study visits. This partnership''s success has demonstrated the value of cross-border collaboration.