Migration Youth Group

During the cycle of the project the social and health consequences of the labour migration from the villages and cities became more dramatic than expected 2004/5.

Particularly in children, youth and elderly ‘left behind’ alone, the impact was visible and the project adjusted to this growing problem.

The Migration youth group’ was initiated by the project and formed by children affected by migration and children whose parents were still at home. The project developed examples with the group how to do concrete activities and not to victimize the children like mainly in the Romanian media – particularly TV. Part of this concept is also to see the positive aspect of the labour migration. The youth in the group made very clear that they do not want to be seen as victims and that they understand their parents (to leave to earn money and improve the life of their children) - even if they are suffering from their absence.

The project gave this attitude a ‘voice’ by supporting the ideas proposed and developed in the group: most liked was the idea of cooking classes with cooking dishes from the countries the parents were now working; different trainings like health education, communication and a project in ‘career advise/career opportunities’ after leaving school.

Workshops with children of migrant parents from Botosani, Flamanzi and Dorohoi produced drawings which were then displayed during the public event “Here and There – Exhibition and Film Festival” organised by the project between 27-29 March 2008 in order to raise awareness about the social and health consequences of migration.