Community Center
 
In 2007, Second Chance undertook to construct a Community Center in Berceni village. We believe that this center will provide the people of Berceni Community with the opportunity to develop the skills they need to rebuild their community and create a better future.

 
Aims of the Project
 
The multifunctional building, which will include training facilities, a professional kitchen, and meeting rooms, will serve the following purposes:
  • It will provide a safe meeting place for a variety of groups, such as seniors, children, youth, and underprivileged families.
  • Training: Programs will be set up to train young people in the skills they will need to compete in today's marketplace. These will include job training; computer and language training; parenting, health, and hygiene courses; etc.
  • Senior support: The center will be used for social contacts and activities for the elderly, with hot meals provided throughout the winter.
  • Job provision: The center will be built, maintained and managed by the villagers themselves, creating new jobs for residents. The PaCoRa workshop, which employs several formerly unemployable women, will have additional space in which to train more women in sewing and mosaic making.
  • Cultural events and holidays: The building will be used for all community events, including the annual Christmas Party that Second Chance organizes for 165 needy families.
Management of the Center
 
A board will be established made up of people in the community; in time, these will be expected to manage the center independently of Second Chance. Income will be generated from renting out the facilities to other parties, as well as from the sale of meals and other refreshments.

The Building


                   
  2600 m2 land owned by Second Chance               Community Center, computer rendition


The center will be built according to EU regulations and will have a large reception room, fully equipped kitchen, training facilities, storage rooms, library, computer room, doctor room, social worker office, activities room. The building size will be 560m2.

 

Progress to Date


In 2009, Second Chance rented from Mayor Office 2600m2 of land in Berceni. Architectural and technical plans were drawn and all necessary approvals were obtained in order to apply to get EU funds for our project.


Current Activities


After a long and difficult process that took one year, in 2010 Second Chance project "Community Center" was declared eligible and obtain points. Being the only NGO in Prahova District with maximum of points obtained for this project, we were extremely optimistic about getting the funds immediately. But the Authorities decided to direct funds only to projects run by Mayor Offices. Second Chance tries to change this discriminatory decision, by having meetings with the Government Officials and Ministers in charge. Also letters were sent to all EU Commissions and local Authorities in order that this procedure and allocation of the funds will be checked.


We are now waiting for the decision of the CNCD (The National Council of Preventing Discrimination) and for the 3rd meeting with Minister of Agriculture.


Partners for our Project


Princess Margareta of Romania Foundation, Mayor Office of Berceni, Romanian Families Foundation, local Police of Berceni, local Schools of Berceni, Sportive Club of Berceni.

Information


Please contact us if you wish to support this Second Chance project. We will be happy to provide additional information by phone or email, and will send further details per request.


Ms. Cosmina Pandele, President, (Romanian, French, English), +40 726173643
cosmina@secondchanceromania.org


Ms. Saskia de Jonge, Vice President. Project leader (Dutch, English), +31629046072

Ms. Jane Harkin, Asistant Project coordonator (English), +40 7254 222 329