Valea Viilor commune is an Old Saxon settlement in Sibiu County. Although it has been almost 40 years since a large number of Roma settled in the community, their economic and social integration is far from being achieved.
But not impossible ...
The Open Fields Foundation is present in the community and wants, together with the beneficiary families, to debate, study, and improve the social, economic, infrastructure, and public policy issues faced by the Roma community, young and vulnerable people.
„Planting together development and harmony in Valea Viilor” is the name of the project, and this mission is achieved through an innovative agricultural model: planting fruit trees and growing garden plants. This lucrative agro-horticultural activity attracts the energy of the whole community and contributes positively to economic prosperity and harmonious community interactions.
”Since the first meetings with the community we have been delighted with the openness of the locals towards development and harmonisation. As the seedlings sprouted and grew in the beneficiaries' solariums and backyards we saw how the project concepts and activities developed in the community, growing in intensity and impact as they were implemented. Regardless of age, beneficiaries were involved in all practical and theoretical activities (training sessions, meetings, classes, games and other community activities)."
The project focuses on the needs of the community and these are carefully studied.
„Through The Community Circle tool, we have established several areas of cooperation between locals. We also conducted a specific Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis with them which will be repeated at the end of the project to measure our impact in the community. We enjoyed the involvement and openness of the beneficiaries to find solutions to the challenges they face through cooperation and citizenship.” Marius Cobârzan, Project Manager
The close partnership with the partner, Valea Viilor Town Hall and with the direct beneficiaries of the project in Valea Viilor, Motis, Tarnavioara and Moșna is certainly an asset of the project.
Children and young people are the future of the community, so special attention is paid to them. Through advocacy activities and courses on topics such as "the continuation of studies" or "vocational training and employment", the importance of education and specialisation for a successful life and career is emphasized to young people.
Bridging the gap between the Roma population and other ethnic groups and their harmonious coexistence is the ultimate goal of the project. Through events dedicated to Roma culture, Roma linguistic and cultural heritage is promoted and young people are encouraged to carry on their inherited traditions and integrate them proudly into the multi-ethnic landscape of the Târnava Mare region.
„Planting together development and harmony in Valea Viilor” is an invitation to interethnic harmonisation and social integration of Roma minorities.
