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. It is important that the community holds the children together. Here, people don’t ask whether their friends are Romanian or Gypsy.

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 center. This mothers’ club serves as a contact point for women in the village. There, they share their concerns and receive advice and training on topics ranging from baby care to responsible parenting.

The literacy courses for mothers who have never attended school are important. Literacy courses for mothers who never attended school are important. The exchange of knowledge and the realization that they are not alone bring great joy. The women learn and leave feeling empowered.

The youth evenings in Hosman and Nou take place every Friday at the Clubul Tinerilor. It is the only evening leisure activity in the village, offering table tennis, table football, music, dancing, games, and discussion topics. The big attraction is the pool table. Smoking and alcohol are not allowed. At least 30 young people have attended since the beginning, and the club is growing. The happy crowd is a joy to behold.