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ELIJAH offers three shared accommodation facilities in Sibiu: Casa Francisc, starter flats for young adults and the Casa Nora women’s shelter.
Access to education is the most effective means of combating poverty. By enabling children and young people to attend school, we lay the foundation for a good life and can have a lasting impact on the future of Roma families.
Young people who have graduated want to attend secondary school. Grammar school, university or vocational training – these are the steps to a better future. But the bus connection from the village to the capital is poor and expensive, and renting a room is unaffordable. It is difficult for young people from the village to find their way in the city. Without support and learning assistance, most of them give up quickly. Educating young people beyond compulsory schooling is not financially or organisationally possible for their families.
With Casa Francisc and the starter flats, ELIJAH is counteracting this and supporting young adults so that they can complete their education.
CASA FRANCISC
Casa Francisc is named after Pope Francis. Thirty-six students from poor families live in shared accommodation. There are joint activities. Cooking and cleaning are done by the residents. Hygiene, good interpersonal skills and conflict management must be learned in communal living. We advise the young people on their personal issues.
Fixed study times help the students to find a learning rhythm and pass their exams. The house manager is in constant communication with the teachers and families, so he is aware of current problems and successes. Those who are of legal age have a little more freedom, but also more responsibility in the house. They take on night duties.
There are recreation rooms for sports and music. Those who have learned an instrument at the ELIJAH music school can find friends here with whom they can continue to make music. Some have graduated from secondary school and are studying, while many work part-time. Soon they will be independent, looking for a flat and supporting their families.
STARTER FLATS
The young people develop into responsible and independent individuals. We have purchased four starter flats in Sibiu. Pupils from Casa Francisc who have completed their education can live there. The young people are delighted with their growing independence and also take on duties at Casa Francisc. They can finance the operating costs themselves with student jobs. This is an important step towards independence.
CASA NORA
For women with children in need
Since winter 2024, the first women with children have been finding refuge at Casa Nora. An experienced ELIJAH team accompanies them. Students from Casa Francisc provide day and night care. Here they can take a breather and then move on. Or find accommodation and work until they have built a secure future for themselves. The little ones attend kindergarten or school.
At Casa Nora, we offer emergency accommodation, protection and counselling. Counselling for mothers, especially minors who are overwhelmed with their children. Do they want to go back or start a new life? We provide support with food, clothing and hygiene. They learn how to manage a household, cook and raise children. Legal advice, medical care and help with finding work and dealing with the authorities are in demand.
