Description
The project deals with a problem people are less aware of – insufficient involvement – but which, once its members have been pointed at it and become aware of it, may lead to a shift in mentality and a proactive approach in solving the immediate needs and in developing the communities. Objectives: To increase the level of participation of the rural interethnic community members to NGOs; To increase the level of involvement to decisions making at local level; To develop the financial resources of the 2 NGOs involved in the project. Results: 60 people involved, 3 training sessions, 34 trained people, 3 new NGOs, 3 local development strategies created, 27 planned meetings, 4 plans to develop income-generating activities. Addressing the challenges: informs about the importance of the NGO in the development of rural interethnic communities; trains 9 people and supports the start of 3 NGOs; informs about the importance of local development strategies; trains 15 people in community strategic planning; offers support to create 3 development strategies. Direct beneficiaries: 60 people from the interethnic communities Catane, Calopar and Cotofenii din Fata.
Summary of project results
The lack of engagement in the decision-making process at the local level shown by the members of the selected communities (Catane, Calopar and Cotofenii din Fata) was the reason to implement this project. The main objective was to increase the participation and the engagement of the interethnic rural community members in the decision making process at the local level. Therefore three inter-ethnic NGOs were created - 1 in each community - in order to stimulate engagement in decision-making processes and community development. Thus, 30 people were involved in information activities about the role of NGOs in the development of rural ethnic communities. Also 9 people received training on setting up and managing an NGO. 30 people in 3 communities were involved in information activities on community responsibility, the importance of local development strategies and opportunities on fundraising in the next period. Also 15 people from the community (formal and informal local leaders, Roma and Romanian local stakeholders from business and educational environment), out of which at least 3 Roma have received training on community strategic planning and they were involved in the drafting 3 Local Development Strategies, with focus on socio-economic integration of Roma people. The members of the communities were also involved in designing and monitoring local development strategies (15 persons trained - 9 persons who are members of the newly established NGOs, 6 representatives of the authorities and other locals). Other 10 members of NGOs benefited from increased capacity to carry out income generating activities. 14 people were trained in fundraising and 3 fundraising campaigns and 4 business plans were developed. The members of the communities were convinced to take action and get more involved in decision making processes at a local level by an awareness campaign that pointed out the opportunities to improve the quality of their life.
Summary of bilateral results