Description
The project aims to extend and improve the lives of children with chronic illnesses and living in a poor social environment in Romania, so that their quality of life becomes decent. The additional purposes of the project are to prevent social exclusion for the beneficiaries and their families and to counter-balance the poor results in the cure of children cancer, caused by the lack of public awareness and late diagnosis. Every year, 500 children are diagnosed with cancer in Romania. We aim at creating an integrated social center with the mission to provide social, educational, psychological and medical services for 100 children with chronic illness and poor social backgrounds and to their families. Also, 50 families will be encouraged to develop their skills in order to self-advocate for necessary funds and to use the available legal facilities that can save the lives of their children. The project will include 4 promotional events in order to raise awareness on access to appropriate services for children with chronic diseases, to reduce risk of social exclusion, and to obtain the necessary needed funds for children integration.
Summary of project results
Over 40% of children in Romania are at risk of poverty and social exclusion. Every year, 500 children are diagnosed with cancer in Romania, out of which 40% die. The intervention proposed by the project not only completed the medical and social services offered by authorized institutions in Romania, but provided new opportunities to improve health and social integration for children with chronical diseases or coming from poor environments, and their families. The project was an opportunity for the Little Stars Centre run by the promoter to provide services in a more structured manner, following the case management procedures, as well as to extend the range of services and the number of beneficiaries. Within the project, 140 children have benefited from specialized and personalized assistance: psychological counselling, physiotherapy, art therapy, nutritional counselling, tutoring, recreational activities, non-formal education, summer camp etc. Over 100 parents benefited from support groups, medical counselling, legal assistance, trainings (home education, legal financial benefits for children with chronic diseases, fundraising, accessing medical and social support services, addressing the institutions), and support in implementing fundraising activities. A Guide for medical and social services for children and youth was printed in 600 copies and distributed to partner institutions, such as hospitals. Two fundraising events were organized by the promoter to raise necessary funds for continuation of project activities. A campaign to raise students’ awareness of the effects of marginalization and harassment (bullying) of children with chronic diseases was carried out by organizing information sessions and essay competitions in 15 schools and high schools in Bucharest (over 800 children targeted). One brochure with information on bullying (1.000 copies) and one which includes awarded essays of the students (1.500 copies) were printed and distributed in schools and high-schools. Children told their stories as victims or witness of bullying and appreciated a lot the opportunity to tell someone about their experiences. The campaign revealed that discrimination and school bullying are themes that should be constantly addressed in schools through quality interactions with pupils, such as developing essential social and emotional skills for a positive and balanced development.
Summary of bilateral results