Since July 1st 2010, the Center for Institutional Analysis and Development – Eleutheria is implementing the project „European Competencies for Rural Area”, financed by European Social Fund through the Sectoral Operational Programme Human Resources Development 2007 – 2013, „Invest in People”, Priority Axis 5 ”Promoting active employment measures”, Key area 5.2 „Promoting long-term sustainability of rural areas in terms of human resources development and employment”.
The project spans a period of three years and aims at supporting the development of human resources and entrepreneurial culture in two Romanian regions in order to facilitate access to the labor market of persons who are unemployed or engaged in subsistence agriculture. It provides access to career counselling and guidance for at least 1600 beneficiaries. At least 700 beneficiaries are attending courses of professional training, while other 200 beneficiaries are gaining entrepreneurial and managerial competencies. The development of entrepreneurial initiatives is supported for at least 60 beneficiaries. Also, development of abilities for handicrafts and traditional skills is provided to over 100 beneficiaries.
Types of services provided
In order to reach the target of the project, the following activities are to be developed:
1. RESEARCH ON THE LABOUR MARKET
Field research in the targeted areas of the project has identified the labour market structure, opportunities of absorption, the structure of competencies for the unemployed and for educational opportunities, the opportunities for entrepreneurial development and the local specifics regarding the relationship between traditional and economic preferences. Based on the results of the study, a series of services were developed and calibrated in accordance with the particular needs and aspects of the region. Villages with increased needs were given priority when defining the set of beneficiaries. In March 2011, a research report was launched and sent to the local authorities and stakeholders, active in the labour market of the two regions.
2. CAREER COUNSELLING AND GUIDANCE
The second phase consists of providing career counselling and guidance for at least 1600 beneficiaries – a target set calibrated in the first stage of the program.
3. CAREER GUIDANCE
Following career counselling and guidance, the beneficiaries are able to attend free courses whose costs are covered by the project. At least 700 persons will bene t from the career guidance programs and other 200 persons will be able to access entrepreneurial and managerial guidance programs during the course of the project.
4. BUSINESS CONSULTING FOR RURAL ENTREPRENEURIAL INITIATIVES
In order to encourage the entrepreneurial initiatives in the rural environment, 60 persons benefit from consulting services for the development of entrepreneurial initiatives.
5. TRAINING COMPETENCIES IN HANDICRAFTS AND TRADITIONAL SKILLS
The last activity of the project consists of a transfer of knowledge and competencies in handicrafts and traditional skills and training competencies in handicrafts and traditional skills for at least 100 persons
