Nominaliyare Portret de Voluntar 2010€¦ · Web viewExploring the links between voluntary organization, ... The non profit-making nature of the activity. Acting as volunteers

This magazine has been published with funds from the European Commission, under LLP program. This publication reflects only the views of the author and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made on the information contained there in.

Elder’s Solidarity in Local CommunitiesGRU-11-GIVE-12-DJ-iT

’CULTURAL ELDER’S SOLIDARITY Senior Volunteers’ experience in Europe’’

Elder’s Solidarity in Local CommunitiesGRUNDTVIG

Senior Volunteering Project

GRU-11-GIVE-12-DJ-IT2011-2013



PROJECT INFORMATION:

Coordinator: TOTIUS MUNDI UNA DOMUSPresident: DORINA COCA COMAN

Partner: Orizont Cultural T, Craiova, Romania

Title: Elder’s Solidarity in Local CommunitiesRef. Number: GRU-11-GIVE-12-DJ-IT

PROJECT WEBSITE:http://orizontculturalt.wordpress.com/projects-7/ by Roxana Gabriela Timplaru

Elder’s Solidarity in Local Communities it’s a Senior Volunteer Project, exchange of 6 volunteers, financed by Union European commission under the Grundtvig Programme.

From: 01/08/2011 to 31/07/2013

Beneficiary organizations: Totius Mundi Una Domus-Italy & Orizont Cultural T-Romania

Project coordinator: Dorina Coca Coman –Messina, ItalyPartner coordinator Rodica Victoria Miala, Craiova, Romania

International project coordinator organization: Totius Mundi Una Domus-Italy

Project coordinator email address: <[email protected]>

Project coordinator telephone number: (0039)3394921066Partner coordinator organization: Orizont Cultural TProject partner telephone number 0040723390602

Copy right-GrundtvIg SVPThe document may be freely copied and distributed provided that no modifications are made, that the

http://orizontculturalt.wordpress.com/projects-7/



source is acknowledged and that this copyright notice is included.

Table of Contents

1. PROJECT INFORMATION……………………………………………………………….….22- ABOUT GRUNDTVIG- Senior volunteering projects……………………………………….33. SUMMARY…………………………………………………………………………….……….44-PROJECT GENERAL AND SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES…………………………………….55. TARGET GROUPS………………………………………………………….….……………...66- PROJECT APPROACH.............................................................................................................77. PROJECT OUTCOMES & RESULTS.....................................................................................88. INTRODUCTION, MISSION, VISION……………………………………………………....99. PARTNERSHIPS .......................................................................................................................1010. Social and civic competences for senior volunteers…………………………………..1211-Partnership activities………………………………………………………….....1312- The values of volunteering ……………………………………………………..1513- Preparation of volunteers…………………………………..................................1614. Evaluation.............................................................................................................18 15. The role and tasks of the volunteers……………………………………,……….1916. The volunteer's profiles and interests…………………………………….….…..1917. ADDED VALUES………………………………………………………………….….………2018. EVALUATION ………………………………………………………………………….……2319. CERTIFICATE.....................................................................................................................…...2420. QUESTIONAIRE./ ANNONCE,ENTS…………………………………………………..….…2521. COMMENTS, DISEMINATION, ……………………………………………………………..2821. Articles in Romanian language,………………………………………………….…………….3022. 2012 "European Year for Active Ageing"……………………………………....4123. 2013 ‘’ The European Year of Citizens 2013 ……………………………………………………………….42



ABOUT

Grundtvig Senior Volunteering Project:The objectives of the action are to:

enable senior citizens to volunteer in another European country for any kind of non-profit activity, as a form of informal (and mutual) learning activity

create lasting cooperation between the host and sending organisations around a specific topic or target group

enable the local communities involved in the exchange of volunteers to draw on the potential of senior citizens as a source of knowledge, competence and experience

Senior volunteering projectsThis action gives European senior citizens the opportunity to take part in volunteering projects in a European country other than their own, allowing them to learn and share their knowledge and experience.

Projects support partnerships and exchanges of senior volunteers between local organizations located in two countries participating in the EU’s Lifelong Learning Program. Each organization sends and hosts up to six volunteers during a two-year project. Volunteers, who should be aged 50 and over, will usually, spend from three to eight weeks abroad working for projects in fields including social protection, the environment, sport and culture.

The program funds a range of activities, including particularly those supporting adult learning staff to travel abroad for learning experiences, through exchanges and various other professional experiences. Other larger scale initiatives involve, for instance, networking and partnerships between organizations in different countries.

BENEFITES:This action gives volunteers the opportunity to:

increase personal, linguistic, social and intercultural skills and competences contribute to the development and implementation of non-profit activities, and beyond this,

contribute to the community as an active citizen learn and/or share specific task-related skills (this learning will be given appropriate

recognition by the participating organizations.

The hosting and sending organizations and their communities will get the chance to:

exchange experience, knowledge and good practice, develop European collaboration around a particular theme develop a greater European outlook

Funding is provided as a lump-sum grant to each of the two organizations taking part in the project.



The level of the grant is based on pre-defined flat rate amounts which depend on the number of volunteers, the length of the visits and the countries involved.

Coordinator’s profile: Association of volunteering “TOTIUS MUNDI UNA DOMUS” was founded in 2009, is a member of local and regional Volunteering Bodies, has a long experience in local volunteering, particularly among young people and elders. Throughout the years we have developed many contacts at European Level that enable our members to participate in different projects and initiatives. Our cooperation with rural areas has given us the opportunity to work with several target groups that need social support such as the elders and young people. We carry on activity in the field of human solidarity and integration of foreign persons at risk of marginalization, not integrated or those on way of integration, living in Messina (Italy). Our purpose is to make them feel at home, by using social, cultural, educational and administrative means in order to contribute to their integration. We organize various activities with foreign communities in Messina: meetings, workshops, seminars, cultural multi-ethnic celebrations etc.. Our volunteering activity targets, especially, people arrived in Italy for job, family, political, social or other reason, migrants, disables, orphans, disrupt families, refugees. We organize with the foreign communities many meetings near the place where they live to give them comfort and hope, taking concrete actions in order to insure them good living conditions, inform them about legal documents, health assistance, education and a good place in the community. Overall, we try to help them integrate in our civil society. Many of them do not know Italian language and they need somebody to understand them, to communicate with. Our volunteers speak their language and help them in preparing documents to legalize their stay in Italy, register for medical assistance, enroll to education system, etc.. In the period of festivities (Easter, Christmas, New Year Eve, etc.) they search places where to meet together and we organize these events with them. We try to be there when they need us and to break the barriers of language, culture, mentality, religion, education, etc. for an unique aim: to stay better together, to form a sole entity.Our association also cooperates with academic establishments such as national research centers and Universities. It also encourages local communities and NGOs to participate actively in EU projects and gain valuable experiences. Towards this aim, the organization provides technical support, project management and training in a broad array of subjects in order to improve the technical and administrative capacity of local communities and NGOs.In addition, the organization coordinates seminars, educational activities and produces research reports on European Issues and policies. Several of our staff and members have participated in the EU “Youth” program and young people from volunteering organizations in rural areas had the opportunity to participate in educational activities abroad. We have extensive knowledge of the Youth EVS program, SVP program and other Volunteering opportunities that we present in lectures.

Partner’s Profile: ORIZONT CULTURAL T is a cultural association from Craiova, Dolj (Romania).We had developed intergeneration programs for learners, young and adults, living on the eastern platform of the city and in rural area, a socially and economically disadvantaged area, due to the concentration of “disadvantaged” people and to the recent closing of many factories.Target groups are young-adults, learners, young-parents, grandparents, people with low level of education, unemployed, immigrants, refugees, gypsies, minorities and people with special needs, interesting to develop new competence or to adapt in the new context of European integration, persons at risk of marginalization, to be educated, to get equal chances to information, to become active European citizens.We’ll act to raise the level of their knowledge to educate them to bring in their hands the pleasure of rediscovering the place of the role of culture in every day’s life. We are in partnership with Medical Centre, old persons without families, Special Centre for pupils with disability, Prison of Minors. In some of our cultural events, we have to ask and receive a special acceptance and we invited ‘’ young from prison’’ to present spectacles, chorus, guitar players, for pupils, parents, community people.These type activities want to educate adults to be tolerant, to give the second chance for an easier integration in the society, a good example for what never to happen again. The activities also have an educational effect for the students and their parents, since they have the chance to understand better the integration.We have some Centres in rural area for farmers, women and men, adults, pensioners, lonely persons, ethnic minorities, gipsies, far from the urban area. Our volunteers are organising cultural events in rural area, teaching them to discover the beauty of working handicraft, carpets, goblin, also to prepare, to cook different sweets, cakes, using natural vegetables and fruits, to prepare for the family or for selling on the open free markets. Our volunteers helped persons from villages that lost all under inundations, initiation for donation companies, and also successful company’s donations for supporting vital operations or very expensive treatment in hospitals abroad, to cure or ameliorate the impact of suffering.



SUMMARY: Elder’s Solidarity in Local CommunitiesThe project aims to provide solidarity among elders in our communities through the active participation of Volunteers, within the local environment of the participating organizations. Participants will be engage in volunteering activities organized by our institutions that will benefit seniors acquiring knowledge and experiences from volunteering in a different country, within a different cultural framework and traditions.

They will learn working methods and approaches in dealing with people of different nationalities, generations, backgrounds, with special needs, lonely, getting a new experience in the benefit of our communities in Messina and Craiova. Both groups of Seniors will offer their volunteering services and engage in cultural activities, learning each others’ traditions, languages, family’ events, religious ceremonies, discovering similarities and differences, and being active as European citizens.

Senior Volunteers will teach each other and elder guests on the health benefits of herbs and healthy food, having the opportunity to use local products and cook traditional food from both countries.

The approach of this project is to provide solidarity and support to elders in the local community through the active learning of Seniors. In this way, Seniors will feel that they contribute in a good cause while they gain knowledge, skills and pride.

The project focused on strengthening the solidarity between senior volunteers, raising the enthusiasm and motivation, improving the quality of life of the less fortunate, giving back their resources to the society. The 6 senior volunteers, Italian and Romanian had learned from each others, using their experience, knowledge, to make an important contribution as active European citizens, GIVING back, GETTING pride, STAYING ACTIVE, discovering new innovative resources, common interests, improving conditions that allow seniors to participate more intensively in society, BUILDING TEAMS, ENGAGING SENIORS in non profit actions, FINDING OUT about the way they can maintain their independence in all countries of the European Union. Our project had raisin seniors’ awareness of social shortcomings, to motivate them to seek solutions, to convey the broad range of European possibilities – particularly in view of its enlargement – for remaining active and performing volunteering working up to advanced old age, strengthening the solidarity between young and old through best practices in our countries and elsewhere.In both institutions there were organized learning events like workshops, learning each others’ languages, cultural shows, and presentations in Power Point, making albums, posters, face to face activities with target groups from economic-socially disadvantaged areas –medical centers, homeless children, imprisoned minors, cultural houses, libraries, educational centre from the rural area. For exchange experience of both institutions was planned from the beginning to participate 6 senior volunteers. From Totius Mundi Una Domus-Italy, had traveled 6 senior volunteers on the 11th –to the 02nd of May-2012, in host organization Orizont Cultural T, Craiova, Romania.From Orizont Cultural T had traveled 6 seniors on the 15th to 06th of July-2012 to Totius Mundi Una Domus-Italy.

Elder’s Solidarity in Local Communities



Background and Objectives: :- The rationale, background, and motivation for this project. - What/who your common activity / topic / target group is/are.- The general and specific objectives of the project- The project activities which you intend to develop during the course of the project besides the exchange of volunteers- The expected results and outcomes

1. The project idea derived from the fact that both our organizations work with local communities and associations dealing with elder people. We encourage and facilitate their participation in European projects and the European Year of Volunteering paved the way to initiate a project that would include Senior citizens in constructive activities within the local societies of both organizations, Messina and in Craiova, Dolj. Therefore, volunteers will engage in helping elder people and help local communities to offer better services to people in need and particularly to elder people. To achieve this aim we have structured a complex, but functional set of volunteering activities in order to build a bridge between the ones needing help and the ones that need it. Our project will provide an excellent opportunity to provide volunteering in disadvantaged communities with a large number of elder people, while participants would learn about different cultures. It will offer them the possibility to develop personal and professional skills, to work in a group and to engage Seniors resources to volunteering activities, without any material profit.

2. The common topic underlines the need to assist vulnerable groups of elder people in our local communities, demonstrating European solidarity through actions. Therefore, we aim to target people living in socio economic disadvantaged communities such as elder people and women. Furthermore, we indirectly target people with special needs such as people with hearing problems, and mentally retarded and Elder people that live without families or less visited people in day Centres.

3. The general objective of the project is to provide a “European” Solidarity to Local Communities, which would focus on groups of elder people and people with special needs through the initiatives envisioned by our organizations and carried out by our senior volunteers.

The specific objectives are a. To provide support to marginalized groups and elders in local communities and to people with special needs; b. To equip participant volunteers with knowledge, capacities and skills and provide intercultural learning through the envisioned activities;c. To promote an improved comprehension of ageing, so that better use is made of the social and economic potential of senior citizens;d. To provide cultural information about the partner countries and the situation of the volunteering work and opportunities for seniors;e. To strengthen local communities through volunteer work and to empower day centers and associations with people with special needs;f. To improve understanding regarding the role of seniors and volunteering in local communities; g. To involve volunteers in other activities, such as foreign language learning, lifestyle, folk traditions, religion and civilization, culture and heritage values; h. To inspire more active citizenship and the facilitation of Intergenerational learning and particularly in later life, remaining active as European citizens;i. To improve best practices, as a Model of Seniors Volunteers in the benefit of local community while gaining cultural experiences.4. The project would provide an excellent opportunity to create a cultural guide of Italy and Romania, including our local regions of Messina and Craiova. The mentors will also provide training activities in order to prepare the exchange of volunteers. In addition, mentors would create a group meeting at a short time after the arrival of volunteers in order to get their feedback, which would be essential for the evaluation report. The management of both organizations will gather and exchange pictures from the implemented activities of all stages of the exchange, before and after.



In addition, the project would be publicized in local communities, in newspaper articles and it will also be disseminated in the website of www.seven-network.eu where both our organizations are registered as partners. 5. The volunteers will be engaged in constructive activities that will make them feel active European Citizens. They will gain significant skills and competences that will help them in their personal and social development. They will be exposed in the cultural and linguistic wealth of the European Union, while participating in a European project. The project will engage them in an intergenerational dialogue with local volunteers from other countries. The project outcomes will also be the diaries of the groups that will describe their activities, which will be then transferred in a word format. The volunteers will be given a preparation guide with useful information on the countries and cities where they will be hosted. The project would be disseminated in local newspaper or other local media. Finally, the project will be posted in the network website of www.seven-network.eu

Number of meetings between the participating organisations: - 2 placement meetings, one for every institution involved, - 6 seniors volunteers for 3 weeks, from every institution

Purpose of potential meetings:To promote a new understanding of the role of seniors and volunteering in local communities; To exchange experience in volunteering, learning, sharing experience; best practice; To provide support to marginalized groups and elders, people with special needs in local communities; To reinforce the cooperation dimension betweens seniors volunteering activities; To discover new innovative ways to make their personal life more active while giving their knowledge back to the community.To encourage getting initiative, self-confident, health in mind and body;To equip participant volunteers with knowledge, capacities and skills and provide intercultural learning through the envisioned activities;To improved comprehension of ageing, raising the social and economic potential of senior citizens;To provide cultural information about the partner countries; To strengthen local communities through volunteer work, giving back knowledge and resources; To empower people with special needs, lonely or at risk of marginalization for an active life; To valorised contribution of senior citizens for learning communities; To involve volunteers in useful but pleasant activities, about life style, folk traditions, religion and civilization, culture and heritage values, as European added values; To inspire more active citizenship and the facilitation of Intergenerational learning and particularly in later life, remaining active as European citizens;To improve best practices, as a Model of Seniors Volunteers in the benefit of local community while gaining cultural experiences;

The participant organizations will have regular contact through email, messenger, skype, the phone. Blog and web. The development of the project ideas and activities was a common task and the cooperation was excellent among our organizations from the very beginning. The partnership will post the results in the website of seven network and it will disseminate the results in the local society. An article regarding the project activities will be published in a local newspaper in Messina and also on the webpage of the seven network. Our project of senior volunteer will provide an opportunity for an intergeneration dialogue where young people in our organization will have the opportunity to work with the senior volunteers.

The project will be uploaded in the organization’s web pages and it will be also hosted in the European network of Senior volunteering network.

Web site / blog for the Project and other communication issues:

http://www.seven-network.eu/



:http://www.cesvmessina.it/index.php/europa/mobigrunditvig/2020-scambio-di-volontari-senior-totius-mundi

http://orizontculturalt.wordpress.com/project-7/

ARTICLE -GIVE-DJ-IT- EDITIE SPECIALA DIN 19 APRILIE-2012, PAG 13 http://www.editie.ro/new/pdf/index.php?idnumar=2388

http://tripwow.tripadvisor.com/tripwow/ta-04c9-5680-978c?lb

http://tripwow.tripadvisor.com/tripwow/ta-04c9-5680-978c?cs=&_=1334689842&lb=1

http://cesvmessina.it/index.php/news/2104-progetto-europeo-italia-romaniaArticol- Mesina, Italy-http://www.cesvmessina.it/index.php/news/2026-italia-romania-scambio-di-volontari-senior

Articol-Craiova, Romania

http://mialarodica.wordpress.com/2013/03/15/elders-solidarity-in-local-communities-gru-11-give-12-dj-dk/#comment-22

TARGET GROUPS:

-adults, different ages, nationality, beackgrounds, aged persons, poor, lonelly, disadvantaged. - persons less fortunate, at risk of marginalisation, with special needs, in the special centre, located in disadvantaged area, immigrants, travellers, gipsies,- People different background, with low level of culture, that are interested to be educated-parents and grand parents who wants to give a good education for their children, to understand and to give them good advices, to be a model, to plant enthusiasm, to refresh their attitude, - adults that want to learn more, to socialised, to became tolerant, flexible, to adapt their competences to the needs of European society. - adults in difficulty, young or older, discouraged persons, who lost their jobs, or hopes, - persons who want to adapt their knowledge, competences, abilities, - Lonely adults without their own family - persons that are living in disadvantaged socio economical area- adults, learners living in rural area, or anywhere.



http://www.cesvmessina.it/index.php/news/2026-italia-romania-scambio-di-volontari-senior

http://cesvmessina.it/index.php/news/2104-progetto-europeo-italia-romania

http://tripwow.tripadvisor.com/tripwow/ta-04c9-5680-978c?cs=&_=1334689842&lb=1


http://www.editie.ro/new/pdf/index.php?idnumar=2388


http://www.cesvmessina.it/index.php/europa/mobigrunditvig/2020-scambio-di-volontari-senior-totius-mundi

http://www.cesvmessina.it/index.php/europa/mobigrunditvig/2020-scambio-di-volontari-senior-totius-mundi



Project Approach

We had worked as a team, encouraging seniors’ volunteering activities, their involvement in non profit activities, in the benefit of persons less fortunate, staying active, acting to increase the engagement of population in voluntary activities as a symbol of solidarity, using their knowledge and sensibility involved in the life of community, traveling abroad, discovering not only the similarity of our countries but also a way to understand differences as a progress, common interests for living together in Europe in the mutual respect and consideration, as European active citizen.

We believe in the importance of volunteering of seniors, living together in diversity and in the respect of cultural and civilization building a better understanding between citizens of Europe.

To achieve the project approach we gather information and good practices from our seniors volunteering activities in Portugal and Romania, building Cultural Romanian and Italian Guide also a booklet of ’Profile of Seniors Volunteers in Europe’’, that wants to be a key guide line for other seniors that wish to be involved in the future in new projects in their country and in Europe

PROJECT OUTCOMES & RESULTS

Dictionary English-Italian-Romanian

Presentation in Power point of institutions, towns, countries-IT/RO

Dissemination, articles,

Power Point : Traditional Musical Instruments & Traditional Romanian cuisine!

CD–Presentation of Sicily, Presentation of Romania.

DVD- Italian music & Romanian Folk music and Dance

DVD-Romanian Monasteries

Web of the project: www.totiusmundiunadomus.wordpress.com

http://orizontculturalt.wordpress.com/project


Movie –trip advisor:

http://tripwow.tripadvisor.com/tripwow/ta-0151-d692-1206?lb

http://tripwow.tripadvisor.com/tripwow/ta-0151-d692-1206?lb


http://orizontculturalt.wordpress.com/project

http://www.totiusmundiunadomus.wordpress.com/



-CD/ DVD/ Album of photos Volunteering in Romania-Volunteering in Italy

Magazine: ‘’Cultural values of Italian and Romanian Seniors Volunteers’’

INTRODUCTIONOur magazine aims to raise seniors’ awareness of social shortcomings,to motivate them to seek solutions, to convey the broad range of European possibilities – particularly in view of its enlargement – for remaining active and performing volunteering work up to advanced old age, strengthening the solidarity between young and old through best practices in our countries and elsewhere. The Senior Volunteers from Italy and Romania had got very special experiences acting with target groups from economic-socially disadvantaged areas –medical centers, poor persons, lonely, homeless children, imprisoned minors, cultural houses, libraries, educational centre. Sharing our experience we could draw the profile of senior volunteers.

Our mission focuses on: Strengthening Elder’s Solidarity in local Communities GIVING back, GETTING pride, STAYING ACTIVE, and discovering new innovative resources, common interests, improving conditions that allow seniors to participate more intensively in society. BUILDING TEAMS, ENGAGING SENIORS in non profit actions, FINDING OUT the way they can maintain their independence in all countries of the European Union.

Our vision: To treat every one the same, to give equal chances for all, to stay active till aged life, to build a better Europe.



IMPACT OF THE PROJECT ON SENIOR VOLUNTEERS

Learning outcomes The project aims to provide participants with new knowledge and skills and to make adults aware of their similarities and differences through volunteer work; to develop their personal capacities and competencies on active voluntary citizens. The project idea revolves around the contribution to the local society while volunteers acquire skills and experience the local culture. Moreover, our organizations aim to establish connections between senior volunteers from Romania and Italy, and to develop networking tools for further cooperation. The project will equip them with knowledge in the fields of cultural, historical, geography and the unique experience of active participation in a European project. In this way, senior volunteers can participate more effectively in the development of EU policies and programs. Elders will engage in stimulating activities such as learning about traditional herbs, cooking methods and traditional food. They will learn about traditional cooking, local customs and traditional cooking tools used in the old days, and also the health benefits from the use of herbs and healthy food. Senior volunteers will engage in cultural and environmental activities, in the area where our organizations are located, assisted by our volunteers. The locals will inform visiting volunteers about traditional architecture, local customs and traditions. The senior volunteers and local elders will prepare an album of Italian and Romanian Festivals and Celebrations, including pictures of their local communities, discovering similarities and differences from their way of living, as active European citizens. Senior volunteers will demonstrate their traditional artistic items, handy crafts, and they will exchange knowledge about healthy food and cooking. Seniors volunteers from Italy and Romania will discover the beauty of their cultures, learning from each other about their folk costumes, culture and civilizations.

Social and personal development of the volunteers

Senior volunteers will be able to exchange experiences in promoting European cultural values, cultural and linguistic diversity, fighting against marginalization of various social groups, promoting the European dimension. Their participation in the project will help them to develop personal skills and competences and experience new cultures and traditions. This experience will enable seniors to inform other senior participants who are active in common areas of interests of their social environment, such as religious and social clubs, improving confidence among seniors to engage in active learning through volunteering, and to share experiences and good practice. The participants will become aware that the intercultural dialogue is very important and useful in the development of European societies as much as the intergenerational dialogue is. Thus, the project will make a valuable contribution towards the development of a better comprehension of European institutions, cultural and linguistic diversity. The positive image of Europe will be maintained and preserved in the minds of seniors through seniors volunteering through the opportunities that exist in EU projects and initiatives.

Other impacts and benefits

Beyond the personal and social development of seniors, the project will provide learning from the exchange of good practice in benefiting local communities. The project will also improve understanding between citizens of Europe because of the active coexistence of people in diversity and through the respect of different cultures and traditions. It will also promote the social dialogue in local



communities and institutions, and promote a more responsive attitude to the community needs through a “volunteering friendly” environment.The experience of seniors in this project and the process involved, will offer them a practical understanding of EU projects and policies. They will discover the importance that the EU pays to the development of social cohesion through its social Agenda. Both our organizations will support the development of recognition and validation system for informal knowledge of adults. Finally, we will participate in the development and promotion of structures and initiatives that would lead to the implementation of objectives and goals of Volunteering.

The project had a great impact on all the participants involved, which includes both volunteers and staff. The staff involved had gained experience on organizing volunteering events and become aware of the procedures and process of the Senior volunteering project. They will be able to deal more effectively with elder people from other countries. Our staff has already experience with local elders, but not much with elders from other countries. This project will provide an excellent opportunity to deal with elders from an intercultural perspective. They become aware of the cultural perceptions, the linguistic difficulties that might involve and be able to improvise on minor issues that might arise. Our organizations will gain further experience in dealing with EU projects dealing with vulnerable groups of the society and particularly with the elders. Our organizations strengthened their relations since the project requires close cooperation and coordination among the mentors and volunteers of the two countries. The local community were greatly benefited, since the idea of the project is through our organizations to benefit local communities, which might imply local villages and local associations of disabled people. The project aimed to benefit through our organizations the vulnerable groups and improve the living conditions of our local communities. In this way, European solidarity was expressed through volunteering among elders in local societies.

The Importance of Social and civic competences for senior volunteersThese include personal, interpersonal and intercultural competence and cover all forms of behaviour that equip individuals to participate in an effective and constructive way in volunteering for social activities, to stay active in their life, and particularly in increasingly diverse societies, and to resolve conflict where necessary. Civic competence equips persons involved in volunteering activities to fully participate in civic life, based on knowledge of social and political concepts and structures and a commitment to active and democratic participation.

Essential knowledge, skills and attitudes:Social competence is linked to personal and social well-being which requires an understanding of how learners, adults, aged persons can ensure optimum physical and mental health, including as a resource for oneself and one's family and one's immediate social environment, and knowledge of how a healthy lifestyle can contribute to this. For successful interpersonal and social participation it is essential to understand the codes of conduct and manners generally accepted in different societies and environments. We had discovered that is equally important to be aware of basic concepts relating to individuals, groups, work organisations, gender equality and non-discrimination, society and culture. Understanding the multi-cultural and socio-economic dimensions of European societies and how national cultural identity interacts with the European identity is essential.



The core skills of this competence include the ability to communicate constructively in different environments, to show tolerance, express and understand different viewpoints, to negotiate with the ability to create confidence, and to feel empathy. Individuals should be capable of coping with stress and frustration and expressing them in a constructive way and should also distinguish between the personal and professional spheres. The best competence of volunteers is based on an attitude of collaboration, assertiveness and integrity. A volunteer should have an interest in socio-economic developments and intercultural communication and should value diversity and respect others, and be prepared both to overcome prejudices and to compromise.Civic competence in our life is based on knowledge of the concepts of democracy, justice, equality, citizenship, and civil rights, including how they are expressed in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union and international declarations and how they are applied by various institutions at the local, regional, national, European and international levels.

It includes knowledge of contemporary events, as well as the main events and trends in national, European and world history.

In addition, an awareness of the aims, values and policies of social and political movements should be developed. Knowledge of European integration and of the EU's structures, main objectives and values is also essential, as well as an awareness of diversity and cultural identities in Europe. Skills for civic competence relate to the ability of volunteers is necessary to engage effectively with others in the public domain, and to display solidarity and interest in solving problems affecting the local and wider community.

This involves critical and creative reflection and constructive participation in community or neighbourhood activities as well as decision-making at all levels, from local to national and European level, in particular through voting. Full respect for human rights including equality as a basis for democracy, appreciation and understanding of differences between value systems of different religious or ethnic groups lay the foundations for a positive attitude. This means displaying both a sense of belonging to one's locality, country, the EU and Europe in general and to the world, and a willingness to participate in democratic decision-making at all levels.

It also includes demonstrating a sense of responsibility, as well as showing understanding of and respect for the shared values that are necessary to ensure community cohesion, such as respect for democratic principles.

Constructive participation also involves civic activities, support for social diversity and cohesion and sustainable development, and a readiness to respect the values and privacy of others.

The idea of the project Elder Solidarity in Local Communities The idea of our project stems from the willingness of the seniors we work with to get involved in meaningful activities which could be a way of giving something back to the community. In order to use the different cultural background of the two partner countries the focus of their volunteering activities will be offering support and assistance to disadvantaged groups while involving them in new creative activities useful not only for their own life but also for a better living environment in the institution which hosts them.Our Volunteer Program had provided an opportunity to volunteering in a community-based school or educational project for three weeks, while learning about different cultures.



The project focused on strengthening the solidarity between senior volunteers, raising the enthusiasm and motivation, improving the quality of life of the less fortunate, giving back their resources to the society.Our GIVE project raise seniors’ awareness of social shortcomings, to motivate them to seek solutions, to convey the broad range of European possibilities – particularly in view of its enlargement – for remaining active and performing volunteering work up to advanced old age, strengthening the solidarity between young and old through best practices in our countries and elsewhere.

Partnership activities

Every of both institutions had organized volunteering activities, the common theme and dates, trying to connect through our cooperation the result, the values and impact on community. As a result we’ll begin to work for a Cultural booklette, some directives that will be used and finalized in the exchange activities. Our local group of volunteers will work with the target groups prior to the arrival of the partner’s senior volunteers. In this respect each institution had organized presentations, developed plans, we had recruited people interested to learn more from our experience.The selection process involved identifying volunteers to do particular jobs within the organization. Volunteer selection was based on criteria such as group needs, which was very important. A broad consultation had take place, employing roundtable discussions, small group, workshops and brainstorming, that will end up to a certain form of training of seniors volunteering, preparing the activity, useful material, announcements will be provided. It was an effective cooperation and communication between the participating organizations that had organized throughout the project activities including the preparation, implementation and follow-up phases for the volunteering activities. Our strategy for having an effective cooperation and communication between the seniors involved in volunteering throughout the two years was constantly keep in touch about all aspects of the activities, to asking for opinions or offering suggestions that could serve the outcomes of the project working together. The cooperation and communication between the participating organizations was organized following the program already planned, using the best practice experience of both association. We had sent each other concrete ideas, proposals, acting every had become more creative, meetings sessions with participants involved, acting on the field of volunteering, we had tried to integrate their opinion, in this way the initial plan was enriched. The mail exchange was constant and to the point, all raised questions, recommendations, exchange of opinions and materials were done quickly for a fruitful collaboration possible.The exchange volunteering of seniors had had a vital role in the development of the project. The members of the international team were tackled all issues, solved the problems together was the way we had coordinated the activities in the two years of project.The partners had sustained a permanent contact and cooperation; every aspect of the project was worked on within a creative exchange of opinions, evaluation and feedback. Joining for the project, the activities had allowed for synergizing their individuals’ roles as volunteering, in order to bring value-added to the efficiency of the EU information dissemination process.We had worked to encourage the continuation of a project until effective transfer of human resources from one project to another will occurred, to maintain the involvement of others in a program, evaluation and recognition are needed. (55+ without Frontiers), and it’s currently involved in the AGE Culture Network.



For the future we hope to support our project continuation through some tools meant to keep the partners in touch and give them the opportunity to continue towards new initiatives under new Grundtvig program.

The recruitment process involved different activities, face to face, obtaining a volunteer's agreement to undertake tasks for the organization. Steps in the recruitment process had included portraying a positive organizational image, approaching a potential volunteer for a specific opportunity, learning about the volunteer's needs, matching the volunteer's needs and interests with the appropriate organizational tasks, and getting agreement from the volunteer to participate in a meaningful way.

The values of volunteering

Exploring the links between voluntary organization, volunteering and citizenship, volunteers are usually eager to learn and share their talents, to do their best, in this way our program flourished increased also volunteer’s cultural benefits, rising the impact on members and on institutions.

The selection process involves identifying volunteers to do particular jobs within the organization. Volunteer selection can be based on criteria such as group needs, volunteer skills, interests or ambitions, and specific task requirements, for the job for they’re most suited is very important. , getting the agreement from the volunteer to participate in a meaningful way.

The mentor must use this initiation time to ensure volunteers know about the organization and the specific project. An orientation told volunteers how their skills and energy will be invested. Both informal and formal orientation were used with clear purpose and care.

Every institutions involved had prepared a collection of varied information from other than a structured setting, which a person has collected before volunteering. Information about the volunteering process was gathered from experience, statements in newspapers, informal conversations held with current volunteers, comments made during the recruitment process, and from Extension newsletters, fliers, electronic media, and bulletins. We had decided that the cultural information about our countries, Romania and Portugal was very efficient, opened the curiosity of volunteers. This process had given to volunteers an initial view of their potential role and the organization's focus. The mentor in both institutions had work on computer to learn more about the tradition and culture, religion, way of living, education, family life. The formal orientation process is a structured and focused set of teaching and learning activities that help prepare the volunteer for a specific role. These activities had included explaining organizational by-laws, operating procedures, related policies, benefits, volunteer expectations, organizational goals, structure, and objectives. During formal orientation, a leader should share written materials, conduct prepared presentations, and get feedback through dialogue or evaluation to be confident that those involved have accurate information about the organization and the job to be completed.

The orientation phase allows leaders to articulate the vision, mission, and goals at the beginning of a new volunteer's involvement, thus positioning the volunteer and related activity in an organizational framework.



Exchange experience of Volunteers

Our senior volunteers had only local experience, they are usually enthusiast, but the impact of leadership is the sum of individual accomplishments. Every partner had prepared and sent traveling arrangements and planning the program with equilibrium between learning, volunteering activities and pleasure ones.

The preparing the volunteers before exchange activities is very important, educational process being a method for helping volunteers learn new knowledge and skills, and acquire new attitudes and aspirations.

For many volunteers, an opportunity to learn and grow is important to satisfaction, and a strong motivating factor. A great deal of learning occurs during the orientation process and should continue as the volunteer participates in the organization. Through exposure to new ideas, people, or methods, learning is a type of payment for the volunteer's service.

The accomplishment process was important to the volunteers; they gained the feeling of helping others less fortunate, also getting new experience in volunteering abroad.

We know that is not easy for volunteers to take the decision to travel abroad, three weeks was just enough for the beginning for any participant. Some of them don’t have enough trust in their linguistic competence or ITC, about the personally things they need for this time.

To make easier the decision of volunteers, we had sent practical information about our volunteers, photos, lot of useful information about their family life, education, job, previous experience, language competences, religion, if vegetarian or not, if their health is well or they must take care about any illness, sensitive heart, or cholesterol, diabetic problem, some special medicine.

Powerful impact results from recognizing volunteers' accomplishments because the volunteers then view their time, energy, and talents as contributing to an organization's success.

Accomplishments had included developing proposal plans, implementing programs, completing evaluations, conducting meetings, involving people different education and backgrounds, nationality and designing or completing projects, and improving lives with cultural, pleasant experiences.

Volunteers sometimes don't give themselves credit for many of their accomplishments, so a leader should bring attention to specific achievements, especially those that highlight major goals of the organization.

Volunteers must know that something meaningful happened because they were involved. When a leader can arrange for both project accomplishment and individual growth, Extension's human development goals are achieved.

Preparation of volunteersThis phase had included developed plans and programs, conducting meetings and surveys, involving people, fundraising, designing or completing small intervention projects, completing evaluations forms.



The partner organizations had design volunteer positions necessary for the completion of the activities. These volunteers will be in charge of developing the procedures through which the cultural activities will become a way to start a meaningful transnational dialogue with the target groups.

An important part of this step of the project was also be educating others in the organization about involving volunteers, as the placement volunteers will not act independently, but within the general plan of our organization.

We had trained our senior volunteers, preparing them for the activity, for meeting our volunteer partners, also useful material, announcements were provided,

Coordination of sending and host organizations

Happily both associations from Italy and Romania, have time to learn easily about their experience, common interests, through exchange of information and materials by e-mail, discussion platform to set up exchange projects and to create a community of practices.

We had meetings with our members, searching for volunteers willing to participate. A broad consultation had taken place, employing roundtable discussions small and large groups, workshops and brainstorming, to a certain form of training of seniors volunteering, preparing the activity, useful material, announcements were had been provided.

We had organized training of volunteers, language, IT literacy, training on the cultural background of the host country.

We had offered information on the project, logistics and organization of the trip, activities to carry out in the host partner organization.

Implementation

The mentor, trainers, members, volunteers, had given equal chances without any discrimination.

The volunteers and members had worked as a team for implementation of the project, in both institutions from Romania and Italy.

During the two years of the project the partner institutions had managed and implement the project, they were in touch continuing before sending and hosting and after.

The role of the mentors of each institution was very important; they had guided the senior volunteers’ activity level on a local level and ensure the exchange of information with the partner.

- The volunteers were in touch, they had send each other articles, presentations, photos, comments about the impact of their activities under the supervision of the mentor.

In every institution there was an information point about the partners involved.

On the platform http://orizontculturalt.wordpress.com/project-7/ the participants had maintained the communication and exchange of materials.




- The mentor had encouraged and had confirmed the efforts of the seniors involved and in the same time they obtained the appreciation of the local community.

Monitoring and EvaluationDuring the project there was constant communication among the two mentors from both sides. The mentors ensured the preparation training of the participants in order to inform them and match their expectations. The senior volunteers were undergo a basic training on the culture, language and European volunteering to get ready for the project. The hosting mentor ensured that all the logistics were in place, ready to accommodate anything that was not anticipated. The hosting mentor had the responsibility to enhance the volunteers’ communication skills and their cultural awareness.

The volunteering activities foreseen in the project observed by the local mentor who had the main responsibility. After the return of volunteers to their country of origin, the mentor was responsible to have a group interview and give them questionnaires to answer in order to get the feedback from volunteers. At the end of the project, both mentors were responsible to disseminate the knowledge and the results to his local community.

The evaluation of the project was constantly made with the supervision of the two mentors. There were exchanged of reports among the two, and there was constant communication. The main phases and activities of the project will be written down in order to have a more official document of the tasks and activities of volunteers. In addition, volunteers will create a group diary where they will write their experiences, activities, thoughts etc. This diary would help us to get feedback from their actions.

The hosting mentor will also provide a short report on the activities, expectations and outcomes of the participants in the local activities. In this way, there will be a constant evaluation of the project.

Finally, the participants were interviewed regarding their experience, their aspirations and the activities that were carried out. The mentors then draft an evaluation report that will share with the mentor from the other country. The two reports will be converged in order to produce the final project evaluation, from the participants’ point of view.

Evaluation tools were been scheduled to enhance efficiency and productivity, along with support and guidance, using questionnaires, information form, periodic evaluations, exit interview write-up, final evaluation by the mentors and volunteers

Evaluation was needed because volunteers wanted to know how they're doing, that their work is appreciated and necessary. In order to achieve that, we had organized surveys to ensure the European value of the activities and their expected impact on both the senior volunteers and the disadvantaged groups. The volunteers assessed their own work and the others’ work, as well as their results through specific questionnaires corresponding to the different stages of the project and designed by the mentors.



The role and tasks of the volunteersInvolved in the project and placement, the volunteers had an essential role and the tasks were distributed equal, giving them the chance to be active.

- to exchange experience in volunteering,

- to continuously keep the contact with the partners;

- to inform the mentors about the progress of the activities;

- to support the target groups they are going to address ;

- to work and adapt to new conditions in a different context;

- to collaborate with the group of local volunteers;

- to organize learning activities and to prepare the necessary materials

- to observe, to evaluate their own and the others’ work;

- to promote the meeting between volunteer supply and demand;

- to promote volunteering and recover its status in the society,

- to encourage seniors to give, to became volunteers in the benefit of community,

- to exchange experience in volunteering, never too late, learning from each other,

-to discover a way to use resource of senior volunteers in the benefit of community,

- to rise pride through the feeling of important role/ person/ learning in later life,

- to enhance the number of senior volunteers involved,

- to discover solution, creativity, motivation, innovation, working as a team, family,

-to share initiative, self-confident, health in mind and body,

-to share culture, civilization,

- to offer a drop of your happiness for less fortunate,

- to share each other language, culture, civilization,

- to promote the social dialogue in public institutions.



Project sustainable after European funding,

To organisations will try to get funding to visit each other after the project finishes. Through the voluntary contacts and coordinator/ mentor contacts and lasting friendships that will be established we believe that we could enhance our cooperation in other EU and national projects. The organisations expect to make the most out of this opportunity, in order to improve the voluntary and the social sector in both countries as it is envisioned through the . Both organizations are involved in projects and initiatives that involve elder people. We can exchange our experiences, our knowledge, motivating new seniors and other persons to join our innovative actions and initiatives. The result of the project will be disseminated on long term basis and we will continue the cooperation, sharing good practice, in TV, newspapers, websites and in any other media means that we have access to.

Did the activities match the volunteer's profiles and interests? All senior volunteers have the necessary competences and their individual wills and resources to sustain the project activities. All of them were involved in volunteer’s activity, teaching background and adult education practice, which will allow them to use their expertise to implement the project. They do not have formal training in volunteering, but they are willing to commit their efforts and use their experience to develop a new learning community.

The senior volunteers have competences in adapting, flexibility, empathy, humor, good skills at organizing. They received in time the general information about organization and the specific information about the volunteer position. A good orientation and training will help seniors volunteers involved to feel confident and prepared. We also decrease the chances of problems occurring by helping volunteers know what is to be expected.

Added values: With good planning and management the project had raisin public awareness on volunteerism, promote volunteering and recover its status in the society, thus giving a new European dimension. The transnational placement and the intercultural exchange was increased the importance of being not only Italian or Romanian, but a volunteer from any European country.Our project wanted to place a pillar meant to sustain any European community in encouraging any person over 50 to become active and build a bridge between all volunteers, convincing the community about their use and that volunteerism should be put on the political agenda of governments. Together they had learned new opportunities to use the power of senior citizens in Europe promoting the process of active ageing and emphasizing the contribution of senior citizens to our societies.

Our institutions had got new European values.



Recruiting, training and supporting volunteer mentorsVolunteer mentors from the local community befriend and support adult offenders to help their resettlement in the community. They were trained to help offenders deal with the many challenges surrounding resettlement, including social prejudice, and provide support with practical everyday issues.

The improvement neededOffenders living in the community encounter significant challenges to their rehabilitation, resettlement and entry into education, training and employment. These challenges may include having few or no friends or family around them, poor role models, poor communication skills, underdeveloped life skills and unemployment.

Volunteer mentors can help deal with these challenges and support resettlement in the community.

On completion of the first two days of training, volunteers are invited to a second interview to discuss any concerns or issues arising. Staff assess the suitability of volunteers for mentoring during the training program..

The Mentor Coordinator matches mentors with offenders according to their needs, interests and circumstances. Once matched, the mentor develops an action plan, which records the kind of support the offender will receive. Mentors strive to:

• support the development of hobbies and interests (to help unemployed offenders occupy their time)• help the offender to deal with housing, bills and benefits issues• facilitate integration into the community• encourage and support offenders to take up training and employment opportunities• help develop skills for life• foster an offender’s motivation and confidence.

When the appropriate time comes, the Mentor Coordinator can encourage the termination of the mentoring relationship and help to devise an exit strategy if this is what the mentor and mentee desires.

Making it work

The following strategies ensure the success of the scheme:• potential volunteers are assessed throughout recruitment and training• the flexible training program ensures that volunteers develop key mentoring skills and knowledge• mentors are supervised and supported by experienced and qualified staff• all contact with the offenders is logged and monitored by the Mentor Coordinator• all meetings between the mentor and offender occur in public places• mentors are not expected to have expertise in all areas where offenders encounter challenges• the mentor/offender relationship is monitored to keep it professional and make sure the offender does not become dependent on the mentor.



The non profit-making nature of the activityActing as volunteers in any society, the only payment is a drop of happiness in the life of the persons that need a ray of light and the satisfaction of those offering their help.It is important that the thank we fits the volunteer; They can be thanked in a way that leaves them feeling truly recognized.Recognition – happens in an informal way every time a “thank you” is said.Offering praise to volunteers while they are doing their job• Send them a letter or a text message to say thank them for their help• Give them a thank you certificatesThese include thank you cards, balloons, t-shirts, baseball caps, stickers, pens, pencils, travel coffee mugs, bunting and lots more.‘’Certificate of good competences in Volunteering’’, The Volunteer of the year’’

EVALUATION

Evaluation was needed because volunteers want to know how they're doing, that their work is appreciated and necessary. The volunteers learning experience will be evaluated continuously by mentor of both institutions and by group of voluntaries involved using daily, weekly questionnaires, reports of the progress , discussions, appreciation, good advices. We’ll evaluate using questionnaires, information form, periodic evaluations, exit interview write-up, final evaluation by the mentors and volunteersFormally, volunteers are thanked through celebrations and recognition events planned in their honor. It is important that ‘’the thanks’’ we fits the volunteer; they can be thanked in a way that leaves them feeling truly recognized.Recognition – happens in an informal way every time a “thank you” is said.For learning activities we’ll plane to offer praise to volunteers while they are doing their job:• to send them a letter or a text message to say thank them for their help• Give them a ‘’ thank you’’ certificates

These include ‘’thank you’’ cards, balloons, t-shirts, baseball caps, stickers, pens, pencils, travel coffee mugs, bunting and lots more.

‘’Certificate of good competences in Volunteering’’, The Volunteer of the year’’

Evaluation tools were been scheduled in order to enhance efficiency and productivity, along with support and guidance, using questionnaires, information form, periodic evaluations, exit interview write-up, final evaluation by the mentors and learners.

Mentor, training staff was value and use learner’s ideas, suggestions and proposals in forming the final program of activities, including the social values of the European citizenship and European dimension.Regular evaluation was provided the mentor and the adult learner’s time to assess how the new acquired competences are going and if changes could be made to improve the learner’s satisfaction and performance.

Evaluation was needed because learners want to know how they're doing, that their work is appreciated and necessary. In order to achieve that, we had organized surveys to ensure the European



value of the activities and their expected impact on both the adult learners and the disadvantaged groups.

The adult learners had also assessed their own work and the others’ work, as well as their results through specific questionnaires corresponding to the different stages of the learning activity and designed by the trainers.

The evaluation process was the specific feedback of the volunteer's performance. This process was constructive, friendly, and directly related to the tasks the volunteer has done or tried to do.

A clear set of expectations was a prerequisite to a relevant, meaningful, and constructive evaluation.

A leader knows that the volunteer isn't being evaluated-the volunteer's performance relative to goals is. The person is being given feedback on specific contributions or shortcomings, with information related to enhancing future contributions.

The recognition process is critical to a volunteer's satisfaction. Volunteer recognition is a process beginning with the way a person was selected, recruited, oriented, and actively involved.

A formal recognition process, however, is most meaningful if the volunteers are recognized according to their unique motivational patterns.

Time, attention, and sincere respect of a volunteer's contribution is the best form of recognition. Certificates, personalized hat, t-shirts, badges, album of photos, bags, CD/DVD, flowers are usually rated as the second most meaningful form of recognition. Any management strategy should provide multiple avenues for recognizing people throughout the project's implementation.

Perpetuating the involvement of volunteers is important for organizational growth. Both effective feedback and recognition are parts of the perpetuation process. Effective leadership strategies include a commitment to maintaining the involvement of those implementing a project.

QUESTIONAIR 1

1. Are you a member of the Association of Cultural Horizon T? YES-NO2. Do you know about the Grundtvig GIVE project that our association is running?3. What is our partner? what country?4. Have you participated in volunteer activities organized by our institution?5. Know at least one center in which we develop volunteer activities?6. Do you think it is important personally to get involved in volunteering activities?7. Have you ever been involved in Grundtvig-learning partnership projects? If so, develop.8. What are the themes in which you want to get involved in volunteer activities in the association: CULTURAL ARTISTIC SOCIAL9. Do you want to participate as volunteers in activities carried out locally by Cultural Horizon T?10. Do you want to participate as a volunteer in projects developed by our institution in another country? Where?11. What do you think a person needs to be voluntary in Europe?



KNOWLEDGE OF LANGUAGEKNOWLEDGE IN ITCKNOWLEDGE ABOUT THAT COUNTRYPATIENCE ENERGYFLEXIBILITYSENSE OF HUMOURWISH TO BE USEFUL FOR OTHERS STRONG EMOTIONAL MOTIVATION ABILITY TO WORK IN A TEAMSENSE OF INITIATIVE DESIRE TO LEARN AS MUCH IS POSSIBLE SPIRIT OF ADVENTUREATTRACTION FOR CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

Questions prepared for the interview TVS & Radio Cultural Craiova-September- 1-22-2010

-Senior Volunteers from Italy:1. How many Italian seniors are involved in Volunteering activities in Orizont Cultural T, in Craiova, Romania ?2. How long have you been here in Craiova?3. What is your purpose here in Give Project Orizont Cultural T, in Craiova, Romania?4. What do you think about Craiova, Romania?5. Tell us about volunteering in your Italian association?6. What kind of Intergeneration activities do you organize in Italy?7. What do you think about seniors volunteers activated in Orizont Cultural T, in Craiova, Romania ? 8. How do you believe we can improve volunteering activities in our associations?9. How is the voluntary activities promoted in your country?10. How is the cooperation with Romanian Seniors volunteers? 11. How many members does the association have?12. What kind of activities does the association make?13. Tell us about a normal day’s activity in your association?14. Are there any special events you want to let us know?15. What kind of people comes to the association to volunteer, how many?16. How many employees and volunteers usually take part for events, activities?17. What kind of volunteers/ their motivation?18. Why is it so attractive to become ‘’a volunteer’’?19. Are the volunteers given some additional education?21. Could you give us some examples of other kinds of volunteering in Italy/ Romania?22. And now tell us something about Italy – size – population – important towns ?23. What is the most important income / industry?24. What about environmental policy and energy saving solutions / activities?25. What about art and design?26. Could you give us examples of Italian traditions/ traditional music-?27. How do you say “Good Night” in Romanian & Italian languages?

COMMENTS



Italy-Dorina , Nina, Ana, Ile, Enzo, Giancarlo

Elder's solidarity in Local Communities

Sommario: Il progetto mira a incoraggiare il volontariato, promuovere la solidarietà tra i volontari senior d’Italia e Romania, per essere un esempio di partecipazione attiva alla vita della comunità attraverso le attività di volontariato, nelle comunità locali delle nostre organizzazioni.

I volontari senior saranno coinvolti nelle attività di volontariato organizzate dalle nostre istituzioni, apprenderanno le conoscenze e l'esperienza di volontariato in un altro paese, con una cultura e tradizioni diverse, svilupperanno nuove competenze, utilizzando un nuovo linguaggio, nuove tecnologie, impareranno i metodi di lavoro e approcci nel trattare con persone con bisogni speciali, diverse nazionalità, nuove esperienze nella nostre comunità di Messina e Craiova.

Destinatari: gruppi di adulti di tutte le età, persone svantaggiate, a rischio di marginalizzazione, immigrati. Un numero di sei volontari senior per due anni saranno coinvolti in attività di apprendimento, scambio di conoscenze ed esperienze, faranno volontariato al beneficio delle persone svantaggiate, a rischio di marginalizzazione, anziani nelle case di cura, bambini negli orfanotrofi e per 3 settimane si sposteranno nel paese del partner per conoscere la vita della comunità, impegnarsi nelle attività culturali, nei centri speciali ma anche nelle famiglie per imparare le tradizioni e costumi, partecipando agli eventi culturali e cerimonie religiose a Natale, Pasqua, scoprendo somiglianze e differenze e diventare attivi come cittadini europei.

I volontari senior dei due paesi si scambieranno esperienze su come aumentare il ruolo del volontariato, apprezzare e di come riconoscere il servizio di volontariato, e conosceranno le condizioni in cui vivono le comunità di anziani, svantaggiati, entreranno in contatto con i membri delle comunità di Messina (dove molti romeni vivono) e a Craiova in Romania per aiutare la loro integrazione nella vita della comunità. Il progetto propone attività utile, interessante e piacevoli, incoraggiando la vita attiva, promuovere i valori culturali, l'attenzione al cibo sano a base di piante, verdi e benefici per la salute di un'alimentazione sana, in grado di utilizzare prodotti genuini, imparare a cucinare piatti tradizionali in entrambi paesi, celebrando insieme l‘”Anno europeo dell'invecchiamento attivo".

La cooperazione delle due istituzioni rafforzeranno la solidarietà dei volontari a beneficio di anziani nelle nostre comunità locali, aiutandoli a vivere in dignità, sarà un modello di volontariato attivo in favore dei anziani senza limiti di età. Aiuteranno i romeni che lavorano, vivono a Messina e nelle aree vicine ad integrarsi nella comunità, di impegnarsi in attività sociali come cittadini europei attivi. I senior italiani e romeni si dedicheranno alle attività no profit, senza alcun guadagno materiale, ma che contribuiranno a migliorare la vita dei meno fortunati, mentre acquisiranno nuove informazioni, conoscenze, miglioreranno le loro competenze, viaggiando nel paese partner, ricevendo l'apprezzamento, il sorriso, un mazzo di fiori, il ringraziamento da parte di quelli che beneficeranno della partenariato.



Avremmo l'occasione per ringraziare all'associazione “Totius Mundi Una Domus” , un nome pieno di significato, coordinatore del progetto, Messina ma anche alla comunità italiana dove vivono tanti romeni, per la pazienza e la fiducia, per il supporto per imparare la lingua e per le lezioni di vita, per il libri e il sopporto nell’apprendimento, per l’aiuto e il sostegno che offre i propri figli nelle varie situazioni affrontate e che devono ancora affrontare, per sollevare la nostalgia di casa. Dorina ComanTotius Mundi Una DomusMessina, Sicily, Italia

ILEANA VOAIDES – OPINION PROJECT: ELDERS SOLIDARITY IN LOCAL COMMUNITIES

I participated in numerous projects with our association both at the local and regional level.I love nature, to study, animals and plants, I like drawing, painting, in which I say that I am doing pretty well, and I’m also interested in culinary arts and other cultures. Also, I am interested in medicinal plants, music and nature, I have a curiosity and desire to know other religions and to share with other people their customs and rituals that we have in common, to explain to young people respect for the elderly and to give help to people in need, things that are, unfortunately, almost disappeared.I would like very much to learn English, I get involved in it already.I’m involved in this project by collecting the plants, including medicinal plants , natural essences, cooking healthy traditional meals, but ,also, by exchange of experiences, knowledge, best practices. I want to make a fructuous collaboration in favor of the less fortunate who need help such as elders from their homes for the elderly, orphans, or homeless single people, etc..Ileana Voaides – volunteer and member of association

ANA CROITORIU- MY EXPERIENCE-IN THE PROJECT “ELDER’S SOLIDARITY IN LOCAL COMMUNITIES”I am part of the group of volunteers from “Totius Mundi Una Domus” Messina Sicily, masterly represented by its president, Dorina Coman.Our first experience took place in Romania and has been carried out for a period of three weeks, from 11.04 to 02.05.2012. We have received a special welcome from the association “Orizont Cultural” represented by Rodica Miala and her collaborators.I am happy that I was able to get involved for the first time in European volunteering activities which, in fact, mean changing in better the life of all those who suffer: people and children with health problems, abandoned, marginalized, disadvantaged by the society..On this occasion I succeeded to bring a little bit of sun and even the smile on the lips of these people, assisting them in the daily time activity, listening to their sufferings with a lot of patience, encouraging them and stiffened their spirits, giving them the opportunity for the Easter program of entertainment with folk music and dances serving at the same time with traditional starters and meals, we have painted Easter eggs, shared them with all the people in this house, we have prepared traditional Easter cakes and various sandwiches, tartines and fruit.Also, we have visited and supported with our activities Beethoven special school students that have shown us their amazing skills (knowledge in the various professions, music, dance, and exhibition of drawing) in spite of the fact that they had various health problems.Our programs were completed by long recreation walks in parks, such as: N. B – called, also, “English Park” and numerous festive lunches and dinners organized by the group of collaborators from “Orizont Cultural” in Craiova.A first experience for me in volunteering which I shall never forget mainly because it is based on major objectives to be carried out: knowledge and promotion of culture and citizen in general, between the countries partners of the project, unconditioned support and help of abandoned children and elders, with health problems, marginalized and disadvantaged, in order to achieve a superior level of their life.For this unique and unforgettable experience, thanks from my heart go to the president of the association



“Orizont Cultural” Craiova and her collaborators, as well as, to the president of association “Totius Mundi Una Domus” Messina -Sicily who managed together to accomplish this important project of an great importance.Ana Croitoriu, volunteer of the assoc. “Totius Mundi Una Domus”

ILEANA NINA COMAN - OPINION ON THE PROJECT ELDERS SOLIDARITY IN LOCAL COMMUNITIESMy life is full of contact with nature and everything that surrounds it, I believe in the power of herbs, and often collect them and use them as natural treatment.I am interested in other people’s culture, art and traditions, I love to travel and know other civilizations, to study people.I like the history of civilization, and religion, cinema, theater and music, along with the profession I had a musical career as pop music singer.In this project I believe that the exchange of ideas, experience, knowledge and best practices have been keys to its success. I shared with others participants knowledge and experience in the integration of people less fortunate such as marginalized, disadvantaged, immigrants, elderly and other vulnerable groups, learning from others, exchange of ideas between generations and cultures.Ileana Nina Coman – member of association and volunteer of the project

My name is Giancarlo Paolillo, but call me Giancarlo.I love the nature, the plants and animals, I like to help people in vulnerable situations, I love to cook, the friends say that I’m a master-cook.My goal during this project is to give support to the most vulnerable categories of people, such as: community of immigrants not integrated in the society, disadvantaged people and disrupted families , poor people, gypsies, marginalized people;- Enhance communication between people “over 50″(seniors), the exchange of ideas, experiences, knowledge, know-how and best practices- To learn from each other. The seniors is a category that can give so much to the society, it is a treasure for all.- Intercultural and intergenerational learning;-To strengthen the local community and active citizenship.Giancarlo Paolillo -volunteer of the project -member of assoc. “Totius Mundi Una Domus”

DORINA COMAN’ OPINION – PROJECT: ELDERS SOLIDARITY IN LOCAL COMMUNITIES The project aims to encourage volunteering, promote solidarity among the senior volunteers of Italy and Romania, through the example of active participation in voluntary activities in local communities of our organizations. We decided to join this project with a Romanian association for the reason of Romanian language and culture that is common to both of us. During this project, our volunteers speak with Romanian community in Romanian language, creating for them such proper environment to make feel like own family, like at home, bringing the home environment, language, traditions, culture, food and typical celebrations close to themSenior Volunteers of the two countries exchanged experiences on how to increase the role of volunteering, appreciate, recognize the volunteering service, know the conditions of living in communities of elderly, disadvantaged, people at risk of exclusion, gypsies, etc. and to be in contact with members of the local communities from Messina (where many Romanians live) and Craiova in Romania to help their integration into the community.The project proposed activities that are useful, interesting and enjoyable, encouraging the active life, promoted cultural values, attention to healthy food made from plants, vegetables and learn their benefits, in this way, achieving ability to use natural products, learning to cook traditional dishes of both countries, celebrating together ‘s “European Year of Active Ageing”.



IMPACT

Impact and benefits of activities on the other persons involved: The project had a very special impact on the other participants getting them a new feeling of the volunteers’ important role, taking pride in their activities country and what makes them unique worldwide;- making them feels they are developing and improving their experiences, skills and abilities of the volunteers;- increasing the confidence in the involved institutions in volunteering in the benefit of community and Europe; - The Project activity will be in the benefits of the community, staff and on the organization themselves, reinforcing the connection between the civil society and the volunteers group.;- rising social and personal development very useful in future volunteers actions; -To give a stimulus for and an effective support to the search for certification as a new training opportunities -to create means of support that allowed clarification of the way in which their mission should be enforced in the field for senior volunteers; -a concept of key competence that "leads to a capacity to act and react in an adequate way in potentially complex situations, through mobilizing and combining knowledge, attitude and personal proceedings, meaningful and values oriented in a specific context; -to allow the adults to evidence the competences acquired throughout their lives, their “learning experiences”, which they have not been able to appreciate and value in a conscious way, because it is mostly about competences that are directed to social interaction. - to be aware of their own competences, by realizing that there is already a previous “learning process throughout life and in all areas of life” (Lifelong and Life wide Learning) in which the result is “acquisitions” or “competences” and that this process can be stimulated and upgraded on a permanent basis.- the participants had became more active, increasing the numbers of volunteers, encouraged people to use their personal resource to became active volunteers across Europe. - a wide range of information regarding the culture of the countries proving its importance not only on the organizations themselves but also on an international level.Powerful impact results from recognizing volunteers' accomplishments because the volunteers then view their time, energy, and talents as contributing to volunteers organization's success.Other impacts and benefits-Learning from each other good practice in learning to be useful for community; - A better understanding between citizens of Europe because we believe in the importance of living together in diversity and in the respect of cultural and civilization.- promoting the social dialogue in public institutions, ensuring feed-back and a more responsive attitude to the community needs;-assuring an effective and adequate answer which generates equal opportunities and prevents social exclusion through reinforcement of access conditions at all levels and to all kinds of knowledge; - offering a support not only theoretical but also practice; - developing social cohesion; -building recognition and validation system for informal knowledge of adults-creating to develop structures and concrete action that would lead to the implementation of objectives and goals establishedLearning outcomes



The main outcome for the senior volunteers’ participants derives from their direct contact with Portuguese the Romanian traditions, faith, crafts and cultural heritage, of their way to feel as part of community and Europe. All these had risen their awareness regarding the European values of diversity and tolerance and will consolidate seniors’ volunteers’ motivation for lifelong learning programs for adults. We had learned from each other about values and culture we had helped for a better cooperation between our countries, because the biggest community of migrants in Portugal, from the “enlargement” are the Romanians.

COMMENTS: ARTICOL MESSINA-http://www.cesvmessina.it/index.php/news/2026-italia-romania-scambio-di-volontari-seniorEDITIE SPECIALA DIN 19 APRILIE, PAG 13 http://www.editie.ro/new/pdf/index.php?idnumar=2388

În cadrul proiectului Grundtvig GIVE, aprobat de ANPCDEFP, cu numarul de referinta GRU-11-GIVE-12-DJ-IT, Asociatia Orizont Cultural T, infiintata in 2006, CIF: 18777990 presedinte, Rodica Miala, -membrii fondatori : Roxana Tamplaru, Silvia Cartu, Adriana Gherghe Felicia, Marioara Ciobanu, Ecaterina Pirvuleasa,- in parteneriat cu Asociatia Totius Mondis Una Domine, coordonat de Dorina Coman. Proiectul este finantat din fonurile Uniunii Europene in cadrul Programului Grundtvig.Ideea proiectului este de a consolida solidaritatea între voluntarii seniori din tarile partenere Italia si Romania , motivarea celor care doresc să se implice în activităti de voluntariat pentru îmbunătătirea calitătii vietii pentru cei care întâmpină probleme. Pe scurt, obiectivul principal este acela de a intari solidaritatea dintre seniori si tinerii voluntari într-un context intercultural. Organizatia noastră, dornici să aibă în continuare un rol activ în societate folosindu-si entuziasmul si dorinta de a ramane activi. Deci 6 voluntari din Italia si 6 voluntari +1 mentor din Romania s-au implicat in acest proiect, desfasurand activitati in tarile partenere-Italia-Romania. Echipa de proiect a acordat o atentie deosebită laturii interculturale a acestei experiente. Voluntarii portughezi s-au bucurat de o primire deosebită, au participat la mese rotunde pentru schimb de experientă si bune practici, au avut ocazia să cunoască ospitalitatea oltenesca dar si obiective culturale importante din Craiova si din regiunea Olteniei. Programul de lucru include o varietate de activităti – ateliere de lucru, vizite de studiu, vizite culturale, expozitii – adresate unor grupuri tintă dezavantajate din punct de vedere social sau economic. Totodată, activitătile de voluntariat sunt menite să faciliteze învătarea intergeneratională, implicând learneri, tineri si adulti. În acest scop, organizatia noastră are o serie de colaboratori din institutii de invatamant, din comunitatea locală. Astfel, voluntarii si echipa de proiect au organizat la Scoala nr. 37 “M. Eminescu’’, prin implicarea directa a d-nei Director Silvia Cartu si a d-nei director adjunct Elena Nicolae, cursuri de initiere în limba portugheza, respectiv romana pentru participanti, aceasta fiind si o ocazie pentru schimburi interculturale între două tări cu puternică identitate latină. Activitati au fost desfasurate in parteneriat cu Centrul Scolar pentru Surzi “Bethoven” cu sustinerea doamnei director Dumitru Budana Ca parte a strategiei de diseminare, dar si având scopul de a populariza acest tip de initiativă, activitati ale voluntarilor italieni si romani, la Centrul pentru persoane varstnice, din Craiova, a fost televizat de GTV, timp de doua ore in doua zile, consecutive, 13 si 14 aprilie, 2012. Cu această ocazie emisiunea sub titlul Cel mai bun voluntar, a oferit sansa comunitatii sa vada cum sarbastorea pascala a fost petrecuta de catre voluntarii italieni si romani, in mijlocul persoanelor dezavantajate. Participantii

http://www.editie.ro/new/pdf/index.php?idnumar=2388




PLUS ECHIPA DE DANSATORI A ORGANIZATIEI, AU PREZENTAT UN FRUMOS PROGRAM CULTURAL, au putut să detalieze propria motivatie pentru implicatea în activitătile de voluntariat precum si primele impresii despre România.Un important partener la nivel local este Primaria Craiova, unde voluntarii vor fi primiti de catre d-l Vice Primar al Craiovei-Marinica Dinca. Proiectul va fi de asemenea monitorizat de către un reprezentant al ANPCDFEP, Bucuresti, Andreea Samoilă, Cu această ocazie, participantii au desfăsura activităti de voluntariat la Cemtrul pentru persoane varstnice, Craiova, planificate împreună cu doamnul doctor Alexandru Acrivopol .Echipa de proiect speră că Elder’s Solidarity in Local Communities va promova voluntariatul activ in beneficiul comunitatii, ca metodă de integrare în viata de zi cu zi si împlinire personală a seniorilor, ca cetateni activi ai Uniunii Europene. Voluntarii seniori din Italia si Romania au realizat un web: http://orizontculturalt.wordpress.com/project-7/ http://tripwow.tripadvisor.com/tripwow/ta-04c9-5680-978c?lb http://cesvmessina.it/index.php/news/2104-progetto-europeo-italia-romania


un dictionar EN/RO/IT, albume, prezentari in Power Point, ca produs final va fi editat ‚’Cultural Profile of Italian and Romanian Senior volunteers’’Activitatile seniorilor voluntari, sunt non profit, ele ofera posibilitatea de a simti folositori persoanelor de varsta inaintata din cele doua comunitati, gata sa daruiesca resurse din suflet si sa ramana activi, care sa le ofere noi satisfactii in viata de zi cu zi, dar si implinire profesionala.Un multumesc din inima, o diploma ‚ o floare pentru ’The best volunteer of the year’’,- a gift for the community ! –un dar pentru comunitate !


For information and details on more SVP projects on active ageing:http://ec.europa.eu/education/grundtvig/doc/svp09_en.pdf

COMUNICAT DE PRESA:Diseminari prin TVS , RADIO, presa locala in Craiova.

In cadrul proiectului Grundtvig GIVE, aprobat de ANPCDEFP, cu numarul de referinta GRU-11-GIVE-12-DJ-IT, Asociatia Orizont Cultural T, infiintata in 2006, CIF: 18777990

http://ec.europa.eu/education/grundtvig/doc/svp09_en.pdf




http://cesvmessina.it/index.php/news/2104-progetto-europeo-italia-romania





presedinte, Rodica Miala, in parteneriat cu TOTIUS MONDIS UNA DOMINE, coordonat de Dorina Coman, deruleaza proiectul Elder’s Solidarity in Local Community. In perioada 11 aprilie-02 mai, pentru 3 saptamani, 6 adulti din Italia au desfasurat activitati de voluntariat in asociatia noastra, in orasul nostru, in sprijinul adultilor, a persoanelor dezavantajate. Seniorii voluntari din Italia: Dorina Coman, Ileana Nina Coman, Ana Croitoriu , Ileana Voaides , Enzo , Giancarlo Voluntarii Seniori din Romania: Ivona Petrea, Maria Scarlat, Valentin Petrea, George Mitrache, Gheorghe Ochetan, plus mentor, coordinator Rodica Victoria Miala, plus Doran Constantin-pentru 10 zileObiectivul schimbului de voluntari :- consolidarea solidarităţii între voluntari în vârstă, creşterea entuziasmului şi a motivaţiei dea participa la activitati de voluntariat non profit, dând înapoi resursele lor pentru societate, sa ramana activi cautand si gasind solutii , participand la îmbunătăţirea calităţii vieţii celor mai puţin norocoşi, - sensibilizeaza seniorilor fata de neajunsurile sociale, pentru ai motiva să caute soluţii, să transmită o gamă largă de posibilităţi europene, ca exemplu de voluntariat activ până la limită de vârstă avansată, consolidarea solidarităţii între tineri şi bătrîni. S-au cunoscut cu memberii asociatiei Orizont Cultural T, si-au impartasit momente din experienta lor, au fost condusi sa viziteze centrul orasului, sa-si poata face o impresie despre orasul nostru, muzee, catedrale, fantana muzicala, Primarie, Prefectura. Voluntarii vor învăţa unii de la alţii, cum pot contribui folosind experienţa, cunoştinţele lor pentru a aduce o contribuţie importantă ca şi cetăţenii europeni activi, dând înapoi cunostintele acumulate, castigand mândrie, ramanand activi, descoperind noi resurse inovatoare, interese comune, care să permită îmbunătăţirea condiţiilor pentru persoane entuziaste, sa participle la activitati de voluntariat, sa se angajeze in activitati non profit care sa le ofere satisfactii sufletesti si independenta in viata personala. Voluntarii au beneficiat de asemenea de scurte excursii culturale la Targul Jiu, Tismana, Valea Sohodolului, Disemination at National Conference Grundtvig- The 1st of June-2012, organised by Romanian National Agency at Craiova, Romania

.

2012 "European Year for Active Ageing".Sursa: http://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?langId=en&catId=89&newsId=860

http://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?langId=en&catId=89&newsId=860



The European Commission has on September 6, 2010 proposed that 2012 be designated as the "European Year for Active Ageing".

The initiative aims to help create better job opportunities and working conditions for the growing numbers of older people in Europe, help them take an active role in society and encourage healthy ageing. It comes as Europe's policymakers grapple with a steadily ageing population and its impacts on public services and finances. The European Parliament and Council are expected to endorse the initiative by the beginning of next year.

The EU is in a process of significant population ageing. From 2012, the European working-age population will start to shrink, while the over-60 population will continue to increase by about two million people a year. The strongest pressure is expected to occur during the period 2015-35 when the so-called baby-boom generation will enter retirement.

This presents challenges for sustainable public finances, in particular the financing of health care and pensions, and could weaken the solidarity between generations. But this view neglects the significant actual and potential contribution that older people — and the baby-boom cohorts in particular — can make to society.

The proposed European Year for Active Ageing is designed to serve as a framework for raising awareness, for identifying and disseminating good practice and, most importantly, for encouraging policymakers and stakeholders at all levels to promote active ageing. The aim is to invite these players to commit to specific action and goals in the run-up year 2011 so that tangible achievements can be presented during the European Year itself in 2012.

Active ageing includes creating more opportunities for older people to continue working, to stay healthy longer and to continue to contribute to society in other ways, for example through volunteering needs to be supported by a wide range of policies at all levels of governance. The EU has a role to play in areas such as employment, social protection and inclusion, public health, information society and transport, but the primary role is for national, regional and local governments, as well as civil society and the social partners.

2013 AS THE "EUROPEAN YEAR OF CITIZENS"2013 marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of Union citizenship under the Maastricht Treaty that entered into force on 1 November 1993. The European Commission therefore proposed to designate 2013 as the "European Year of Citizens". Vice-President Viviane Reding, EU Commissioner responsible for Justice and Citizenship, commented on this occasion: "The European Year of Citizens will be a good opportunity to remind people what rights they have thanks to the European Union and what the European Union can do for every one of us."

The challenges for the "Year of Citizens" are: raise citizens' awareness of their right to reside freely within the European Union and of how they

can benefit from EU rights and policies; stimulate citizens' active participation in EU policy-making; build debate about the impact and potential of the right to free movement, especially on

strengthening cohesion and people's mutual understanding of one another.http://ec.europa.eu/commission_2010-2014/reding/factsheets/index_en.htm

http://ec.europa.eu/commission_2010-2014/reding/factsheets/index_en.htm

Nominaliyare Portret de Voluntar 2010€¦ · Web viewExploring the links between voluntary organization, ... The non profit-making nature of the activity. Acting as volunteers

Documents