Resources Centre for the People and the Planet

Ateliere Fara Frontiere

Think Human Fund

Mission & History

Asociația Ateliere Fără Frontiere (AFF), a Romanian non-profit organization founded in 2008, is dedicated to the social, professional, and civic integration of vulnerable, excluded, and marginalized individuals. Upon joining AFF, these individuals transition from being passive recipients of social aid to becoming independent and dignified members of society. AFF empowers them to transform from marginalized individuals into active citizens, contributing positively to their communities.

Country Information

Romania faces challenges in environmental awareness and sustainable practices. According to PISA 2018, over 80% of students value environmental protection, yet nearly 60% feel powerless against climate change, compared to just over 40% in the OECD. Save the Children Romania (2021) reports that while 78% of children want to reduce environmental damage and 71% are interested in these issues, most feel poorly informed at school. Additionally, 83% want environmental education, but nearly a quarter face ridicule or lack support.

There is also a disconnect between communities and nature, particularly among youth, who lack exposure to natural environments, impeding their understanding of environmental issues.

In terms of waste management, Romania generates 302 kg of municipal waste per capita (2021), which is less than the EU average of 530 kg, but recycles only 11.3% of it compared to the EU average of 49.6%. The country struggles with circular economy practices, leading to inefficient resource use and significant environmental impact.

The Need

The project aims to address the gap in environmental awareness and sustainable practices among Romanian children. Despite their interest in environmental issues, many feel unprepared to make a real impact due to limited information and support. The disconnect between communities and nature, combined with poor resource use and waste management, exacerbates these challenges.

The Project We Fund

The “Resources Centre for the People and the Planet” project in Ciocănari, Romania, aims to create a hub for environmental education and community engagement. The center will feature pavilions, greenhouses, and sensory gardens to offer immersive learning experiences for children aged 6-18 on topics like organic farming, zero-waste, and circular economy. It will also host community events to engage families, NGOs, artists, activists, companies, and decision-makers in sustainable practices.

Targeting 1,200 direct beneficiaries and 1,000 indirect ones, including families and local organizations, the project seeks to foster environmental awareness, inspire change, and promote sustainability through hands-on learning and collaboration.

The Result

Impact will be tracked through:
– Workshop Participation: Attendance and feedback will be recorded for each workshop, assessing content relevance, participant engagement, and learning outcomes.
– Community Events: Attendee numbers will be tracked, and surveys will measure the impact on awareness and behavior regarding sustainability.
– Volunteer Contributions: Engagement of 60 community givers will be monitored, with feedback collected from both volunteers and beneficiaries.

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