Description
Romania lacks an inter-generational approach regarding volunteering and active citizenship, especially in rural areas. In Raducaneni area were identified barriers such as unequal conditions for developing local volunteer activities; underestimating the importance of volunteering activities from community members, low participation of the elderly in social networks. The project aims to diminish barriers to development of voluntary activities in rural areas by creating a comprehensive and effective volunteer services system, able to facilitate solidarity between generations in order to promote social inclusion of older people with chronic diseases and/or disabilities. The project is expected to encourage solidarity between generations, focusing on youth involvement at its maximum potential in volunteer activities, and to create favorable conditions for sustaining active aging, focusing on the contribution of older people to the development of the community and we will create a volunteer center in Raducaneni, for young students and elders, that will provide opportunities to engage in flexible, punctual, practical activities.
Summary of project results
In Romania, people in rural areas are exposed in a higher extent to poverty, inequalities and social exclusion. At the same time, there are insufficient volunteering opportunities in rural areas, leading to the loss of important opportunities for community development. Located in North-East part of the country, Raducaneni commune has 8000 inhabitants (out of which over 1500 are students). In 2012, there were registered 6000 applications/social inquiries for social benefits or social assistance. A Socio-Medical Assistance Unit is run for over 30 elders with chronic diseases and/or disabilities. They are socially isolated due to the loss of mobility, have a reduced access to social/family networks and limited opportunities for leisure time activities. The project diminished barriers to development of voluntary activities in rural areas by creating a Volunteer Centre which facilitated solidarity between generations. Within the project, 64 young volunteers and 13 elderly volunteers were mobilized, trained and involved in socialization workshops for 54 institutionalized elders (activities such as poetry, memory, painting, crafts and gardening were carried out), decreasing their isolation and exclusion. Special events such as Photographic Exhibition, The Day of Older Persons, Volunteers Festival were organized within the campaign "When volunteering means involvement, old age does not mean to give up" which promoted social inclusion of older people with chronic diseases and/or disabilities. A Consultative Working Network (NGOs and institutions with responsibility in education sector) was established and drafted a school curriculum proposal on volunteering, to serve as a model to other schools. The Volunteer Center acquired legal personality as the Association for Community Services and Volunteer Center "Feel 4U". A "Best practice model on volunteer centers" was produced and training was delivered to volunteers in order to ensure the smooth functioning of the Volunteer Center and its continuity.
Summary of bilateral results