The main aim of this project was to develop the social economy in Romania, as a tool to promote social inclusion and active citizenship. The project started from the premise that social economy has a significant impact in promoting social inclusion by creating jobs, increasing the autonomy of people belonging to vulnerable groups, increasing social cohesion at local level and promoting active citizenship. The project was implemented in the following cities: Arad, Bucureşti, Cluj‐Napoca, Odorheiul Secuiesc, Oradea, Sibiu, Iaşi and Timişoara.

The general objective of the project was: to increase social inclusion by promoting transnational good practice models in the field of social and solidarity economy.

Specific objectives:

• A 70% increase of the capacity of the transnational partnership members to collaborate in order to initiate and develop innovative projects in the field of social inclusion, by creating partnerships with European actors, during 36 months of the project
• A 60% improvement of the knowledge related to good practice methods implemented at European level in the field of social inclusion, with special emphasis on social and solidarity economy, during 32 months of the project
• An 80% development of specific competences and skills among 160 members of the transnational partnership related to the development of innovative measures‐projects in the field of social inclusion, with special emphasis on social and solidarity economy, during 20 months of the project

Main results

• A European Platform for the Promotion of Competence Transfer in the Field of Social Inclusion, with special emphasis on social and solidarity economy
• A Framework Document presenting recommendations regarding the development potential of social and solidarity economy in Romania and possible development scenarios and an Adapted Guide of Good Practices in the field of social inclusion, with special emphasis on social and solidarity economy
• 8 Local Initiative Groups, made up of at least 160 actors, who became members of the transnational partnership
• A training curricula “Practical intervention methods in the field of social inclusion” and at least 160 members of the transnational partnership trained to implement innovative projects in the field of social and solidarity economy
• Complex experience exchanges within the partnership
• Support in the elaboration and implementation of 8 innovative projects in the field of social inclusion, with special emphasis on social and solidarity economy

Duration: July 2010 – June 2013

Partners:

CRIES Association – the Centre of Resources for Ethical and Solidarity Initiatives (coordinator)

IRIS European Platform

Intercultural Institute of Timisoara

APEL Service

Integra Romania