Best Practices
#1 - YOUTH CENTER – BRĂILA YOUTH HUB
https://obiectivbr.ro/content/eroii-cr%C4%83ciunului
https://obiectivbr.ro/content/campania-%E2%80%9Cghiozd%C4%83nel-pentru-%C8%99col%C4%83rel%E2%80%9D-peste-200-de-ghiozdane-d%C4%83ruite-copiilor-din-%C8%99ase
https://obiectivbr.ro/content/de%C8%9Binu%C8%9Bii-de-la-penitenciarul-br%C4%83ila-au-donat-rechizite-pentru-elevi
https://obiectivbr.ro/content/ghiozdane-cu-vise
Humanitarian campaigns at local and national level
1. National Christmas Festival
2. Schoolbag for pupils
“National Christmas Festival”: year after year, the volunteers coordinated by Mr. Gabriel ION reach children, young people and disadvantaged people around the winter holidays Braila municipality and county. As part of this humanitarian campaign, those in difficulty receive gifts, help, but also all the necessary things. From 2018 until now they have over 56,000 children, young people and people with disabilities were helped, all through work the heroism of young people from Braila.
“Schoolbag for pupils”: another campaign, which in the last 3 years, has collected over 1600 schoolbags equipped with all the necessary for the poor children and young people who were helped.
How do these campaigns work?
First of all, we identify the needs and look for viable solutions to help those who will benefit with everything necessary. Within both campaigns, we have 5 major directions:
1. we collaborate with county and city institutions (Local Councils, City Halls, County Councils, Schools)
2. we collaborate with parishes (churches, community priests, diocese)
3. we collaborate with the private sector (sponsors, partners, etc.)
4. we collaborate very closely with mass media for promotion and community involvement
5. volunteers are indispensable, without them, the projects would be impossible. But together with the volunteers we make the IMPOSSIBLE to be POSSIBLE
How do we manage the campaign?
We have several small campaigns within the program:
– poor and disadvantaged children/young people send us letters that we give to the sponsors and they must bring us the gift/bag with everything written in the letter
– we have lists of beneficiaries who need help from town halls and partner institutions, especially schools
All the information included in the MOOC courses https://mooc.csoproject.eu/course/view.php?id=2 are useful for young people to learn more details about what a non-governmental organization is, what are the stages of training, what are the details in the legal field, how can they disseminate and promote all categories of data and information, etc.
#2 - ROMANIAN YOUTH FORUM / YOUTH CENTER – BRĂILA YOUTH HUB ION GABRIEL FLORINEL – President
“Summer School”, which had a significant impact: in July 2021, over 80 workshops dedicated to children aged 3-13 and young people aged 14-25, have brought together over 2200 participants. during the period 11-26 July 2022, the second edition of program, included 157 workshops dedicated to children and young people of all ages between 3-25 years, bringing together over 6557 participants. In the third edition that took place between July 10-29, 2023, 10,093 beneficiaries participated, an impressive number of participants who took part in over 250 workshops, courses, camps and activities dedicated to children and young people. We mention that through the institutional partnerships we have and community involvement, the entire program is FREE.
What happens during the program?
THOUSANDS of children and young people between the ages of 3-25 participate in hundreds of workshops, activities, camps and free programs dedicated to them. All activities within the program are coordinated by teachers in the respective field, Olympic students and students with outstanding results, experienced people who become life models for participants, experts and qualified trainers, institutional partners and sponsors. These people participate voluntarily and free of charge for the betterment of the community, and through our program we build new opportunities for the children and young people of the community, for this reason we want everything to remain free.
What is the program format?
I thought of the program as a start for the community and for the whole school/university year. During the summer, participants can take part in the activities of the program, but this program is extended from September until the following summer. How do we do this? Example: within the Summer School let’s say we have personal development courses or robotics courses. We don’t just stop at the Summer School, but once we find participants we invite them to join the Brăila Youth Hub and we made the decision to establish clubs in various fields, according to the example, we established the Personal Development Club, the Robotics Club, etc. Thus, the mission of the program is extended and does not stop at all, the activity continuing throughout the year for free in our center.
I mention that all our programs are possible because of the volunteers with whom we work as a united family!
The MOOC courses on the platform https://mooc.csoproject.eu/course/view.php?id=2 will be studied by these young people and with certainty the information included in the chapters will be useful for the future activity. The dissemination of information is clear, especially if we refer to the several hundred young people who participate in the events.
#3 - Galati Community Foundation
We are an independent non-governmental organization with a clear purpose and a deep commitment to the development and prosperity of our city. We dedicate ourselves to transforming and improving the local community by mobilizing resources and human potential, bringing together people with common visions and the desire to make a positive difference in the lives of those around us.
Our mission is simple yet powerful: we support the transformation of Galati into a city where every resident feels at home and is actively involved in building a better future for our community. We aim to be a catalyst for change, a trusted partner for all those involved in the life of our city.
What sets us apart from other organizations is our transparent and innovative approach to addressing community issues and mobilizing local resources. We are more than just funders – we are curators of opportunities, facilitators of collaboration, and promoters of local philanthropy.
We take action in various ways to achieve our goals. We organize educational, cultural, and sports programs that promote values such as education, health, solidarity, and respect for the environment. We support innovative initiatives and encourage civic engagement, always seeking to find creative and sustainable solutions to community problems.
Diverse Community Programs:
At the Galati Community Foundation, we are committed to offering diverse and relevant programs that cover essential domains such as sports, education, and civic mobilization. From sports and educational events to civic mobilization initiatives, our activities are designed to improve the quality of life in Galati and promote social cohesion. Here are some of our programs:
Științescu Galați: An innovative program that encourages passion for science and technology among young people in Galați. We organize workshops, competitions, and interactive events to stimulate curiosity and interest in the scientific field.
Galati Half Marathon: A large-scale sports event that brings the community together to run and raise funds in support of important local causes. The half marathon not only promotes a healthy lifestyle but also strengthens solidarity and teamwork in the city.
Local Civic Initiatives: We actively engage in civic initiatives and projects aimed at addressing various community needs and issues. From environmental projects and urban revitalization to social inclusion programs and support for vulnerable groups, we strive to build a better city for all its residents.
The connection between the Galati Community Foundation and the CSO-Admin project can be made by highlighting that this initiative promotes strengthened partnerships and experience among young people, better preparing them to lead or engage in community projects with significant impact. Thus, this initiative provides young people with the tools and resources to become leaders in the community and to get involved in projects that address social and environmental issues, such as social inclusion, environmental protection or support for vulnerable groups.
#4 - Association “Ajutati un Ghiocel”
The association is established in order to obtain funds to start all useful steps for the minor Ghioc Marius Răzvan to carry out: physio-psycho-motor recovery, the necessary investigations/interventions in order to obtain a diagnosis and the appropriate treatment for the symptoms he has (generalized hypotonia, hemiplegia, mixed specific developmental disorders, microcephaly, ventriculomegaly, protein-energy malnutrition, gastro-esophageal reflux, hydroelectrolytic disorders, etc.).
The purpose of the Association:
a) Health and recovery of the child;
b) Presentation of the child to various medical/hospital units both in the country and abroad in order to submit him to analyses, investigations/interventions including surgical and appropriate treatments;
c) Physio-psycho-motor recovery both in the country and abroad (Oro facial massage, psychotherapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, massage therapy, vojta therapy, Bobath therapy, Masgutova therapy, Castillo Morales therapy, BRMT Method, multifunctional therapy, therapy Bowen, JKA therapy, Osteopathy, ABM therapy, including other therapies that will be necessary for the child’s recovery);
d) Therapeutic collaboration for recovery;
e) Growth support, health care, physical, psychological and intellectual development, education, training and professional training of the child;
f) Supporting treatments, interventions and medical consultations and other related expenses (accommodation, transport, etc.) of the child and his companions;
g) Social integration of the child.
As a relatively young association, founded in 2021, it can play a role in establishing a dedicated center for these diseases in the Braila-Galati region. Once this center is established, the association can attract funds that will be used to facilitate physio-psycho-motor recovery through various therapies in Romania and other countries. To achieve our objectives, we will also develop a website to assist parents facing similar challenges to Răzvan’s.
#5 - Association for Non-formal Education „D’ACCORD”
Association for Non-formal Education ,,D’ACCORD” is a young NGO, founded in 2010, based in Corabia, in southern Romania, 500 meters from the Danube.The purpose of our organization is: to formation, modernisation and dissemination of a new dimension of the attitude and value of the human personality, students, young people, the general public, with the help of the non-formal education, dimension which should lead to a better educational, social and professional integration. Association ,,D’ACCORD” initiates and carries out informational projects (campaigns) which raise awareness or carries out ability and competence or formation projects in various domains such as: social inclusion, European citizenship, media, entrepreneurship, environment, cultural inheritance, technologies, sports. The members, of our association have various competences: project management, teacher-trainers, coaches, methodologists, event organizers, instructors in various fields and work to ensure the success of our association without any pay. Established by experienced teachers and community leaders who participated in various projects in their capacity of experts, consultants and lecturers. Having generous goals, the old and new activities carried out by ,,D’ACCORD”are related to non-formal education of young and elderly people, using current methods and approaches as well as tools of creative and critical thinking. Association ,,D’ACCORD”has experience in using various ways of learning, specific to the non-formal field, such as: Open Space, Photo Voice, Inside-Outside, energization methods, Theatre Forum, Public Cafe, role play, including training, workshops, seminars, conferences, campaigns for raising audience awareness, festivals.
In addition, “D’ACCORD” has expertise in creating electronic / digital media, such as the magazine “HELP, DU!”, The DVD “Common Roots” or the brochure “Innovative non-formal education methodology on non-discrimination ,,of gender ”etc. All the activities and projects, including the European projects, heve been carried out according to European values, as follows : non-discrimination regarding: gender, education, race, religion, social status, studies, well-being.
The organization carries out activities for young people, pursuing the development of general management skills such as marketing, organizational management, obtaining European and national funds.
For example, the organization Association for Non-formal Education “D’ACCORD” has initiated and carried out a series of projects, at every level, destined, especially, to young people, such as:
-1 European project-,,The dialogue of generations”-2020-1-RO01-ESC31-079722- discrimination, on different criteria, between generations, knowledge, valorization and respect for the intangible cultural heritage; “AGREE” – APPLICANT-2020;
Last but not least, the organization wants to contribute to the development and improvement of young people’s digital skills.
#6 - Curba de Cultură
Curba de Cultură is an association that works with young people from rural areas, located in the center of Romania, in Izvoarele commune, Prahova county. This NGO organizes the “Ruralypics Festival”, the first rural youth festival, which takes place every year in the first weekend of August and reached its fourth edition in 2023. It is organized by both local and international volunteers from different European countries and beyond. In three days, the festival gathered around 800 people who participated in the games with a rural theme and, from what the participants told us, they also had a great time. The young people learned a lot from this experience, but the most important acquired qualities were communication and teamwork, which they learned to use further in other experiences.
Another event that young people contributed to the organization was the International Conference entitled “Paradigms in working with young people”, an event that was focused on educating people who have to do with young people. The young people used their acquired skills or were trained to acquire other skills: for example, they used their talent as photographers or image editors to facilitate communication within the event or provided logistical support to orient the artists and the public in the conference venue.
The Curba de cultură focuses on adolescent and youth development. The goal of the organization is to use non-formal learning as a complementary method to the formal education system for young people. In order to improve the development of young people and their more appropriate integration into their respective communities, the organization wants to build facilities. It seeks to raise awareness that young people are active members of their own culture at home and in foreign countries.
Four key pillars were established in the “Curba de cultură” strategy for the period 2018-2022.
– to provide safe spaces for young people to spend their free time, to facilitate personal development with an emphasis on non-cognitive skills;
– to offer young people opportunities to participate in activities in the extended area of Izvoarele commune.
– advocating for youth rights and opportunities to local and regional stakeholders
– enhancing the youth sector’s capacities at local, national and EU level.
#7 - Youth on a Caravan – YOAC - Project no. 101051363
SUMMER SOCIAL SCHOOL
Training and coexistence activities began in Fittà di Soave, a small town in the province of Verona. The first week was dedicated to the Social Summer School, with a series of meetings, discussion sessions and exchanges of ideas with national and international experts on current political and social issues.
Discussions were held about democracy and human rights with Jessica Cugini, journalist, and the phenomenon of migration was addressed together with Jacopo, from the One Bridge To Idomeni Organization. Also, meetings related to environmental protection were organized in Lessinia Natural Park, discussing with the mayor of Soave. The young people were therefore together, sharing not only theoretical aspects, ideas and discussions, but also many aspects and activities of everyday life. All these are elements that turn school into a real life experience!
CARAVAN
After the training activities, the young people set off for their new adventure, in caravans, for 14 days. They travelled through places relevant to the social and political issues addressed during the Summer School and training activities in recent months. The itinerary crosses Italy, reaching significant places, among which are the Way of the Italian Constitution in Barbiana, Naples (Scampia) and Riace Mare, Cinisi-Palermo-Capaci, symbolic places of the fight against the mafia, Lampedusa, the island where the migration dramas take place, Cinquefondi (Reggio Calabria) and finally the famous Rome. The activities included not only visits to places of political interest, but also meetings with prominent personalities. In this way, a concrete connection was created between young people and those with decision-making power at local and European level in the participating countries.
The project contributes to the improvement of the European Society by supporting youth, while the specific one is to offer training for young people. Dissemination events will be held in each country of the partnership to inform, train, and promote the project and its results. Besides, there will be a non-formal meeting with personalities in the participating countries.
#8 - Young People Communicate Through Traditions (YPCTT)
The Young People Communicate Through Traditions (YPCTT) project approaches the learning of cultural traditions and folk dances from Romania, Italy and Turkey and the creation of a bridge of communication and social inclusion of young people with special needs using the specifics of different religions.
The target group consists of two categories, as follows:
– 20 young people with special needs, aged between 13 and 26. They will participate in the workshop activity and the implementation stages of the artistic craft activities. The partners from Romania and Turkey involved in the project will select 10 young people with disabilities to work with.
– 10 young people from disadvantaged areas or minorities from rural Romania, where the mobility internship of the project will take place. They will be selected by the local organizer with the help of the local authorities.
The target group consists of 2 categories, as follows:
– 20 young people with special needs, aged between 13 and 26. They will participate in the workshop activity and the implementation stages of the artistic craft activities. The partners from Romania and Turkey involved in the project will select 10 young people with disabilities to work with.
– 10 young people from disadvantaged areas or minorities from rural Romania, where the mobility internship of the project will take place. They will be selected by the local organizer with the help of the local authorities.
On the internship in Italy, the young people involved in the project from Romania and Turkey learned to dance the Tarantella from a dance school in Avola. The show was attended by young people with special needs from Antalya and Bucharest.
Young people from Italy, Romania and Turkey carried out lucrative olive and almond picking activities in Avola, Italy and learned the olive oil manufacturing process. We noticed that young people with special needs can get involved in productive activities just as much.
The project aims to promote and support young people with special needs in artistic craft activities. The target group is learned to dance and trained and the activity management in an olive oil manufacturing process, to encourage young people to get involved in productive activities just as much. The social interactions are also encouraged and the active participation of the members of the target group.
#9 - ASSOCIATION FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN ROMANIA
The Association for Entrepreneurship in Romania has as main purpose the creation of an elite entrepreneurial community that has the power to develop the business environment in Romania and proposes beneficial legislative changes for it.
The Association is present at key events for the entrepreneurial environment and actively participates in identifying and debating situations in the SME sector and in developing recommendations necessary for the implementation of programs and measures to stimulate the establishment and development of small and medium-sized enterprises as members of the Consultative Committee for the Development of Small and Medium Enterprises within the Ministry for Business Environment, Commerce and Entrepreneurship.
It promotes entrepreneurship education among pupils and students, in order to prepare and train a new generation of entrepreneurs.
The main mission is to play an active role in increasing the quality of the business environment in Romania, creating a positive impact on the behavioral change of entrepreneurs and the society we live in. It supports entrepreneurs who seek to generate evolution and an innovative approach to business culture.
She organizes workshops dedicated to the development of entrepreneurial skills, networking events, seminars and conferences on entrepreneurial topics.
There are multiple links between APAR and CSO Admin, as they can be common or complementary goals through partnerships, sharing resources and expertise, and promoting entrepreneurial initiatives in disadvantaged communities.
The association is based on project resources, which can provide entrepreneurs and future entrepreneurs with the management plans of a CSO, a plan that can be viewed within the MOOC platform.
APAR can get involved by providing trainings, mentoring or access to resources to support local entrepreneurs to grow their businesses through courses and workshops conducted within the project.
Working with APAR can bring benefits for both economic development and social progress of communities as it can create strong synergies and maximise positive impact on society.
#10 - ASSOCIATION "AGROSMART CLUSTER" BRAILA
The main purpose of the Association is the planning and carrying out of services and research activities in the field of agriculture and horticulture, which aims to promote and develop support mechanisms for the entire south-eastern area of Romania, in the long term, as a leader in the agriculture and horticulture sectors , the monitoring of climate changes, the digitalization and robotization processes of agriculture, the exploitation of natural resources for the manufacture of BIO fertilizers and the increase of soil fertility, as well as consultancy and education in the field of agro-horticulture.
Another goal of the association is to participate in international networks as a partner or project coordinator to increase the competitiveness of organizations in the Association, through national and international cooperation.
AGROMASTER CLUSTER can establish strategic partnerships with civil organizations that share its values and goals. These partnerships can be oriented towards joint initiatives or rural development projects.
This can provide opportunities for collaboration, exchange of best practices and increased visibility of the project within the community.
The project meets the association’s requirements because its young people can participate in the open and free course on entrepreneurial associativity, including aspects related to the establishment and management of a non-governmental organization (NGO), using the MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) method.
This method allows access to educational content in a flexible and easy way, since the course is available exclusively online, and participants can access the materials and interact with their colleagues and teachers through a virtual campus, a method that is especially useful for young farmers who are involved in the specific activities of farms.
The CSO Admin project fits very well with the Association’s requirements because within it more than 50% are young graduates who can easily use and apply the information made available to them.