The project aims to trigger change both at the individual level – of disadvantaged children and adults, of staff in institutions (education, healthcare, authorities, etc.) and at the community level, starting from the premise that an important condition for the successful change is the creation of a favorable context. At the same time, the project aims to foster local community development through establishing strong partnerships.
In order to improve the educational level of children, a “School after school” center was set up. There children are supported to complete homework, they receive school supplies, a daily warm meal and attend training on topics such as: personal hygiene, healthcare, life skills development, financial education ("Aflatoun" program), prevention of human trafficking, of early marriages and teenage pregnancies. Children also participate in special events such as celebrations, summer camps or community events.
For adults, the project provides counseling and training on health/sanitation, personal hygiene and health care, raising and protecting children, human trafficking, early marriage, teenage pregnancy, protection from abuse and domestic violence.
The intervention also includes assistance for income generation and for improving access to the labor market, for supporting beneficiaries in identifying jobs, preparing the necessary documents and facilitating relations with public authorities’ representatives.
To increase the practical skills of Roma women, the project facilitated their participation in a tailoring course, after which the resulting products they created were put on sale, and women participated in events and product fairs. The project also supported beneficiaries
with food, personal hygiene products and home repair materials.
The project is carried out in partnership by NGOs and institutions (school, mayoralty), and within the intervention there is a dedicated committee, which includes the project manager, the school director, a representative of the mayor's office and a representative of the Roma community. They meet once a month or every two months to discuss community issues. Dorcas Aid Romania Association organizes community development courses for project members and other interested actors. It also participates in events aimed at creating partnerships on topics related to Roma inclusion, combating poverty and child protection.
ORGANIZATION’S VOICE
“We started the project in Tarian in 2012, and the intervention strategy focused on an analysis of the local context. The duration of a project is 3 years, so far we have initiated 3 projects in this community. All activities were planned according to the context analysis and the evaluations done at the end of the project.” (Representative of the Dorcas Aid Romania Association)
"Our big challenge has been educating the children, it was very difficult and it still is. We think about activities that they could really continue to learn from. Even during the state of emergency, there was always someone doing fieldwork, providing supplies and organizing mini-projects. I gave the children [supplies] to build with, glue or solve certain problems. They don't have tablets, phones, so the online school is out of the question."
During period 2019-2020:
− The social exclusion of marginalized people was diminished by improving the level of education, personal hygiene and nutrition for 82 Roma and Romanian children.
− The self-esteem and motivation of the 82 children participating in the courses and actively continueing their education has been increased.
− 82 children and 81 adults were counseled.
− 81 adults have better living conditions.
− 81 Romanian and Roma adults benefited from awareness services (materials, meetings, trainings, etc.).
− Basic needs were covered by providing food and personal hygiene products for 81 adults.
− 14 Roma women participated in the tailoring course.
− 222 people, marginalized and non-marginalized individuals, participated in community events.
− 350 people from the community were informed and encouraged to take responsibility for the poor and excluded Roma, by participating in events or by going through the materials within the project.
“We have children who represent the first generation to graduate the 8th grade. Two out of 5 even decided to go to high school.” (Representative of the Dorcas Aid Romania Association).
“For 8 years, since we’ve had the project, the children from grades I-VIII stay there to do their homework after school, excluding this pandemic situation. Usually Roma children do not even finish the 8th grade and drop out of school, it is a very common thing. The success is that they get to complete the secondary cycle, because they come from families with totally illiterate parents. ” (Representative of the General School no. 1 Tarian)
The approach must take into account the three levels of intervention: individual, community and society.
Counseling is important. It is also essential to develop a positive, trusting relationship with the beneficiaries.
It is necessary to have a system that allows vulnerable people to actively contribute to the project – the project does not encourage donations that do not lead to individual responsibility.
It is necessary to involve other partners who can contribute, with their expertise and experience, to the diversification of activities focusing on vulnerable Roma (for example: training for parents, actions to prevent human trafficking or the development of professional skills and counseling).
"It is necessary to involve other actors in the community. We strongly believe in working together to achieve lasting results.” (Representative of the Dorcas Aid Romania Association)
The income generation activity represents an opportunity to involve actors from the business environment.
Participation in various regional, national and international events can help identify new partners.
“Steaua Speranței” Regional rehabilitation center for disabled children and disabled young people, Iași
Star of Hope Romania Foundation
