SOCIAL CENTRES

ELIJAH runs Social Centres in four villages: Casa Ilie (in Hosman), Sokeres (Marpod), Casa Susanna (Nocrich) and Casa Martin (Nou). Over 300 children attend our centres daily, Monday to Friday. 16 social workers are on duty for them. They visit the homes in which the children live. The destitution they encounter there informs the programme of social works, from first aid to child care to building houses.

The Social Centre is a violence-free refuge where the children are given structure and loving care. Frequently they come from a home in which they experience the exact opposite – violence, alcohol, neglect and abuse. There they cannot play but have to work or go begging.

In the mornings, when the mothers are at work, we supervise their small children. Educators play, study and sing with them.

After school, the children enjoy a hot and healthy meal, cooked with produce from our own farm.

In the afternoons they have a choice of various leisure activities. Karate and football are particularly popular. Each of the four centres has its own team. The annual football tournament in the ELIJAH arena at Casa Martin in Nou is the highlight of the year.

A “Clubul Mamelor“ has been established in each Social Centre. This Mothers‘ Club is a contact point for the village women. They compare notes on their troubles and worries, have access to advice and education on everything from baby care to responsible parenthood. An important function is filled by the literacy courses for mothers who have never attended school.

The new youth club evenings are held in Hosman and in Nou. Every Friday, those over fourteen can come to the “Clubul Tinerilor“. This is the only evening leisure facility in the village, with table tennis, music, dance, games and discussions.  Right from the start, at least 30 young people came every week, and the club is growing.