Training your minds
for the future
Why?
If there would be a perfect time for using community resources to develop infrastructure, employment for Roma people, as well as for breaking down negative stereotypes surrounding them, then the right now time could not be stressed enough. The road to accomplishment for all of these points goes straight through education in Săcele, Romania. That is why “Windows to the Future” project becomes an amazing example of the potential cooperation between public and private sectors.
The aim
Windows to the Future is envisaged to be an exemplary Vocational Training Centre aimed to equip 350 disadvantaged children and youth with skills and confidence for a successful career. The project is also geared towards encouraging individual economic enterprises within the Roma communities in Săcele area. The objective involves thus regional development through education for livelihoods programmes for different age groups in the region of Săcele housing programmes, as well as through carpentry and window-making workshops.
Project
Timeline
The project received approval from Velux Foundation grant proposal and from then on it started to knit its own story about involvement, action and community life in a very large, old and disused building in Săcele.
FAST Săcele is accredited as a social enterprise and continues with new and more official powers to rethink the way communities are build.
Vocational Training Centre officially opens its doors, after so many years of construction and hard work, with a full day of workshops where eematico was also present.
Important people
and resources
FAST team members
Who worked hard throughout all the phases of the project.
ERSTE & SIMPACT
Gabor and Csaba trainings and consultation sessions.
Velux Foundation board and project officer
Achievements
Through a diverse non-formal educational curricula, “Windows to the Future” proposes an integrated approach for young people’s needs and wishes, therefore preparing and training them not only in the multimedia and job topics, but providing the Roma youth with the needed personal and professional skills as well.
Challenges
Lack of human resources capable, willing and prepared to work within Roma communities
“We need local people / Romanians (regardless of their ethnic background) who are motivated enough to understand the challenges that Roma settlements face and to get actively involved in helping them, in investing time, energy and resources for their development.”
Ruxandra Oprică, project coordinator.
Legislation
Finding the best way forward in a constantly changing Romanian legislation, in what youth training is concerned.