Being guided by the mission to „Build characters and help people grow through holistic education and support so they can develop their skills and competences starting from kindergarten to employment”, Adina Stiftelsen Romania Foundation has been implementing for the last 15 years activities addressed to vulnerable children, youth and families in rural areas of Dolj County.
Since February 2021, the project „From Pupil to Employee: Advocacy and Training for Youth and Women at Risk in the County of Dolj” complements the existing programs implemented by the Adina Stiftelsen Foundation, addressing the problem of inactivity amongst youth at risk and women in rural areas due to lack of facilities and interventions by implementing two new programs V13 and Empo.
The transfer of competence is ensured by the two Norwegian partners: Stiftelsen Kirkens Bymisjon for the adaptation and implementation of the two V13 and Empo concepts, and Adina Stiftelsen Norway through training in advocacy / self advocacy techniques, but also support in creating a safe, motivational space to activate vulnerable groups.
The consultations held with representatives of the target groups helped the Norwegian partners to understand the challenges encountered by the beneficiaries and what are the opportunities to establish a social conscious that can lead to mentality change and increased awareness about the advantages of a responsible and active community.
All project activities have a strong participatory approach and can be seen as an exercise in community involvement that contributes to the creation of communities where each person is equally important and useful, communities that support the maximization of the potential of his members, understanding that everyone's life and well-being are essential for the wellbeing of the community.
The beneficiaries of the project feel more confident after participating at the workshops organized within the project and they consider themselves lucky to be able to participate to it. They say they return home more confident and are grateful to the volunteers who share their experience and competences. The workshops addressed various topics: personal development, professional orientation, digital skills development, culinary art, tailoring, knitting / crocheting, photography, practical skills, financial education, floral design, etc.
The success of the project is possible thanks to the total dedication of the hearty volunteers, whether they are members of the targeted communities, members of the Foundation's board, Norwegian partners – entities or individuals, or former beneficiaries of the Foundation's programs who later became volunteers, because isn’t it? - who knows better than them how important volunteering is – and to all the people in the communities who joined with enthusiasm and devotion.
"I am convinced that these workshops through their rich content of information, with concrete examples and comments, have managed to capture the attention of everyone, not just mine. It is a useful and necessary project, where you can learn or deepen a lot of knowledge. I'm happy to be able to attend these workshops."
"The Adina Stiftelsen Foundation offered me an unexpected opportunity for personal and professional development. I have met positive people here who change your mood and give you confidence in yourself. It's great to have people by your side who understand and support you unconditionally."
"I want to thank you for organizing this project. I am deeply grateful in every way. Involvement, seriousness, and professionalism are the strengths of the team. Thank you once again for your support."
"The problems at home often put me in difficulty and I was feeling that I could no longer resist. Since I started to participate in the activities in the project, I have learned to communicate better and to better understand my daughter's moods and attitudes at certain times.”
”Some time ago, I didn't value what I meant as a woman and as a mother of two. With the help of personal development workshops, I learned how to capitalize on my knowledge and qualities. I participate in activities with an open heart together with people dear to me."
"This project came to me as a blessing. Here I met dear persons with a big heart. It is the place where I can relax, I can learn new things, I can express myself freely without anyone judging me. The support of the team helped me to find confidence in myself."
"Adina House means a lot to me. I like the workshops I participate in, the discussions we have, but also the volunteers who get involved in the activities carried out especially for us. Thank you for all that you give us!"
"The people in this Foundation are doing a great job, both for young people and for us women. The most valuable thing I have learned here is communication, the more open you are, the more you make yourself understood and the confidence in yourself and in your own powers increases."
"I come to this project for the very good communication we have between us and for the wellbeing that is created when we meet."
