Successful Year for Children and FRCCF at Gherta Mica

Almost 100 children from Gherta Mica ended 2007 more self-confident, with better school knowledge and grades thanks to the fact that they took part in the educational and socialising activities organised by FRCCF throughout last year, at the “Licuricii” [Fireflies] Community Centre in Gherta Mica .

The purpose of “Licuricii” Community Centre is to help local families which have at least one member working abroad, to improve the school results of the children and contribute to their social integration mainly because almost 300 of these children are in the care of just one parent, a distant relative or a stranger. The centre targets these children as their adult carers are not able to give them the right help and education. Moreover, the centre also assists the other children from the community who have to cope with learning, emotional and behavioural problems as well as those who have been repatriated for various reasons.

During 2007, almost 100 children, aged between 7 and 14 years old, participated in the activities ran by the Romanian Foundation for Children, Community and Family. They benefited from homework support, recreational and socialisation activities, and they took part in several play work events and personal development groups. Last but not least, whenever needed, they could talk to a psychologist.

At the beginning of this year, FRCCF monitored the results of the Centre and of the children and found out its work made a difference to the little ones. The children are more self-confident; they pay more attention in class; they have better grades; they master the acquired knowledge better; they grew more tolerant to the others; and integration problems have significantly dropped. Twenty-one of all the children who received school assistance improved their overall average mark, and 12 got higher Romanian and Mathematics grades. Moreover, according to the FRCCF practitioners, the children are more motivated to go to school, they pay more attention and are more active in class.

FRCCF set up “Licuricii” Community Centre in partnership with the Town Hall of Gherta Mica Commune in 2006 as part of a project co-financed by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs within PROCOPIL Programme – the Support Fund for French County Initiatives Component. The overall project budget is of 41,740 Euro. FRCCF ended the second implementation stage, ran from the 1 st of January to the 31 st of December 2007 , while the next stage will be carried out in 2008. The second stage activities will continue and new ones (spare time, clubs) will be added to meet children's needs.