Closing conference of the second phase of the project “Integration of foreigners legally residing in Romania – INTEG-RO”: very good results for almost 400 beneficiaries thanks to the experience and professionalism of those involved in the project
Specialists in working with vulnerable people, beneficiaries of a form of protection in Romania and third-country nationals, representing organizations from the public and non-profit sectors, participated on Thursday, September 15, in Iasi, at the closing conference of the second phase of the project „Integration of foreigners legally residing in Romania – INTEG-RO”, organized by the Ecumenical Association of Churches in Romania – AIDRom.
Running from September 2021 to September 2022, financed by the European Union through the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (Ref. FAMI 20.02.01.02 (03)) the project outlined the efforts of the AIDRom team, in partnership with the ICAR Foundation, to be, at the level of Region 3, the, „interface between migrants and authorities”, contributing to the assistance and integration of migrants of all kinds.
During the event, it was pointed out that the figures of the project, which aims at the social integration of beneficiaries of a form of protection (BPI) and foreigners legally residing in Romania (RTT) in Region 3 (Suceava, Botoșani, Neamț, and Iași counties), are much higher than in previous years. Thus, approximately 400 persons legally residing in Romania and 11 beneficiaries of a form of protection have benefited from measures for integration into Romanian society and material assistance and social support through the Regional Integration Centre Iasi. At the same time, cooperation networks were created with local and regional institutions and organisations (Rădăuți / Iași), networks of volunteers, and intercultural mediators. According to Dana Gravril, the project coordinator, athis closing marks a stage in a long activity, „the project is running continuously, with the help of colleagues in the field in Iasi, in Rădăuți, who never stop”.
The experience gained by AIDRom in the field of migration, since its foundation in 1991, has made it possible to get involved, from day one, in the Ukrainian refugee crisis with very good results. „The network built in over 30 years has worked on the spot and the response to the situation arising from the ruthless war has been immediate and effective”, said Elena Timofticiuc, AIDRom’s Executive Secretary at the opening of the event. She added that „at the beginning, we acted on emergency, now on integration, and after 200 days, AIDRom volunteers and representatives continue and will continue to support those in need, because we are here to help”. Doamna Elena Timofticiuc also pointed out the importance of good cooperation with state institutions: „we cannot have concrete results one without others and that is why I thank the state institutions for their support and very good cooperation”.
The representative of Iasi City Hall, Mrs. Adina Stoleru, also pointed out the importance of experienced partners for such projects: „we appreciate what you are doing at AidRom and ICAR Foundation because for us it is very important to have experienced, professional partners”.
Ionuț Lucian Zota, Local Manager, Iasi Regional Integration Centre, pointed out that, „beyond the extremely important performance indicators, the project is aiming for impact evaluation that shows how the beneficiaries really integrate, stay and join the teams, providing help in turn for their fellows. AIDRom has employed mediators from among the beneficiaries of the programs run, who have been through the same situation and can now help too”.
During the event, the discussions focused on the challenges faced in the process of integrating foreigners legally residing in Romania, and the active dialogue between the participants at the event showed the importance of such projects, bringing to the fore the need to work together with professional, experienced partners who know how to provide adequate support to those people who need to feel safe.
The event was attended by representatives of the National Agency against Human Trafficking (ANITP), the Municipality of Iasi (PMI), ICAR Foundation (lead applicant on the project), the Romanian National Council for Refugees (CNRR), the Society for Romanian Culture and Literature in Bucovina, Iasi branch (SCLRB Iasi), the Union of Ukrainians in Romania, Iasi branch (UUR Iasi), the Cultural and Islamic League and Radio Romania Iasi.
The project will continue with the third phase, which will run from September 2022 to December 2022.
We would like to thank all the participants for their interventions and examples, as well as the AIDRom team that supported the organization of the event.