More information
Description
Romania has made modest progress in effectively involving children in decision-making on issues affecting them, despite its obligations in this area under the international treaties to which it is a party. According to a study by World Vision Romania, children do not feel that their opinion is taken into account. Particularly in rural communities, young people feel that institutions are not interested in understanding them and meeting their development interests.
The project proposes a set of actions to improve the institutional processes of consultation and to stimulate children''s participation in decisions of public interest, which will involve local public administrations in 3 disadvantaged rural communities and which can become a model for other administrative units in other counties and regions of the country.
The project will be implemented in partnership with the World Vision Romania Foundation, as they are the most active NGOs in serving the 3 selected rural communities: Iara, Valea Ierii and Băișoara. The activities aim at training teachers, representatives of public authorities and civil society, as well as more than 100 young people and children (aged 12-18 years) to improve the participatory inclusion of minors in community life. The added value of the project lies in the diversity of its activities: training of decision-makers and other trainers to encourage children''s participation, training and stimulation of children through the organisation of a competition to initiate civic proposals for community development, carrying out campaigns for environmental responsibility and sustainable development, building structures to support institutional consultative mechanisms. The Little Super Hero for My Community is a proactive and flexible concept, adapted to democratic society and designed with the interest of future generations in mind.
Summary of project results
The "Little Superhero for My Community" addressed issues related to youth inclusion, environmental protection, and climate change, as well as the strengthening of the promoter’s capacity and sustainability in three neighboring rural communities in Cluj County.
This project responded to significant and long-standing challenges faced by the communities in Iara, Băișoara, and Valea Ierii, such as the lack of involvement of children and young people in the decision-making processes of public institutions and the absence of mechanisms provided by these institutions to encourage active participation of youth.
Three awareness campaigns on climate change and three environmental cleanup campaigns were conducted. Additionally, three sessions of meetings between students and local decision-makers were held, focusing on the involvement of children and young people in decision-making processes that concern them. The project included nine thematic workshops, three in each school, covering topics such as civic engagement, human rights, identifying community needs, and mechanisms for solving problems. The "Little Superhero" competition was organized with the participation of students from the three schools, and as a result, data was collected on the main relevant issues faced by the communities. Two meetings were held with the children representing the "shadow board" (children’s advisory council), and three mini-projects proposed during the competition were implemented. At the same time, the management capacity of the promoter''s team was significantly developed.
The project succeeded in achieving its objectives, directly involving 100 children from the three schools, 30 local decision-makers, teachers, local councillors, and other relevant stakeholders.