Description
The Mihai Eminescu Trust in partnership with the Center for Social Development CEDES aims, by the implementation of the project “Multiculturalism - engine for sustainable development”, to reduce social disparities and raise community cohesion in six ethnic communities in Transylvania, by increasing their capacity for involvement in the decision-making process, strengthening the local multiethnic identity and supporting entrepreneurial capacity. The project will be implemented in 6 villages with population of different ethnic origins, the main two being Romanian (77%) and Roma (15%). Project objectives will be achieved by involving local people in the process of drafting a public policy document, through involvement in social and cultural activities and attending professional training courses. The main results are 857 people involved in the project, two partnership agreements signed with the local authorities and 40 qualified persons. The implementation of the project will enhance the social capital and participatory democracy of local communities, contributing to the sustainable development of Romanian rural countryside.
Summary of project results
Nowadays, the traditional Transylvanian multicultural landscape is threatened by poverty, lack of opportunities and different economic interests that may affect its traditional character and uniqueness. The problems identified in the two targeted communes (Biertan and Mosna, Sibiu County) were the low level of professional, as well as overall development of rural interethnic communities, compared to the potential for sustainable development of the area. The project’s aim was to reduce social disparities and increase community cohesion in six interethnic communities from Mosna and Biertan communes, through increasing community members’ capacity for engaging in the decision-making process, strengthening the local multi-ethnic identity and supporting entrepreneurial capacity. These objectives were achieved by involving locals in the process of drafting a public policy document, as well as engaging them in community actions, voluntary work, social and cultural activities and attending professional training courses. The project combined in harmonious way activities for children and adults, meant to increase the civic participation, volunteerism and level of professionalization in rural interethnic communities. The main achievements of the project include: 857 people involved in the different activities that have now an increased level of civic participation and two local development plans elaborated in a participatory process that were embraced by the communities and local authorities. Also, the six community actions, involving 87 volunteers for addressing community needs, created a model of civic participation and interethnic cooperation. About 160 Roma and non Roma children improved their social skills by participating in creative workshops and cultural events and 62 qualified locals now have higher opportunities to find decent jobs or to start their own businesses. During the project, one local association (Discover Rural Transylvania) was set up by participants at the tourism course. The project enhanced the social capital and participatory democracy of local communities, contributing to the sustainable development of Romanian rural countryside. Referring to the initial situation, the main benefit of the project is communities' engagement in making decisions and the creation of instruments for participatory democracy in the community.
Summary of bilateral results