Description
The project responds to the local need of increasing the degree of involvement of the inhabitants of Pufesti community in the decision making process. The present situation leads to the following identified needs on which the project is based: The manifestations of civil society are non-existent. Until the applicant association was founded, there was no NGO in the community. Civil rights are unfamiliar to the inhabitants. Our goal is to influence the local decision making process by training the local leaders and also by animating the community and involving it in making decisions. Project objectives: • the increase of responsiveness and accountability of elected officials and the public authority from Pufesti Community (Vrancea) in relationship with citizens through community involvement in this project, • the involvement of the leaders from Pufesti Community in the process of decision-making, • increase the involvement of citizens in decision-making by identifying needs and setting priorities, • capacity development of applicant association to engage citizens in community mobilization for the common good, increasing its visibility in the local community.
Summary of project results
This project aimed at increasing civic participation of citizens in the rural community of Pufesti, regarding direct involvement in the decision making process at local level. The main activities and results of the project are: the „Solutions for my community!" study was finalized and published; it tackled all the important areas of social and community life - population, education, health, infrastructure, agriculture, economics, public administration, and also gave some solutions and ideas for development. „Vocea Pufestiului” newspaper was published in three editions and distributed within the Pufesti community; it comprised of 120 articles and 80 volunteers contributed to the making, publishing, and the distribution of the newspaper. 2 public consultations were organized, with the participation of 166 members of the community. One of these meetings focused on the draft decision regarding the installation of photovoltaic panels, in order to reduce the cost of electricity and heating of public institutions and also the cost of public lighting (project submitted to and approved by the local council). The second meeting focused on the local budget debate for 2016. At this consultation, every citizen who wanted to participate had the opportunity to propose various budget amendments, but also discuss on the already proposed budget lines. 1 workshop with the local public authorities was held, 22 people attended this workshop and its theme was related to proposals for a proper development strategy for Local Action Group Siret Verde, which includes Pufesti community as well. Finally, "The community is you!" event was organized at the end of the project. This event was attended by 86 citizens and leaders of the community together. The event was organised as a Best Practice Gala. The involvement of citizens in the decision making process at local level has increased tangibly, the local authorities now organise public debates and consultations with the community members.
Summary of bilateral results