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ELIJAH runs social centres in four villages: Casa Martin (Nou), Casa Ilie (Hosman), Casa Susanna (Nocrich) and Sokeres (Marpod). Over 300 children visit our centres every day. Sixteen social workers are on hand to help them. They visit the homes where the children live. The needs they encounter determine the social work programme. The social centre is a non-violent place where children are given structure and loving care. They often come from homes where they experience the opposite. That is why child protection is a high priority for ELIJAH.
A typical day at the social centre
In the mornings, we look after young children. Teachers play, learn and sing with them. The community that holds the children together is important. They do not ask whether their friend is Romanian or Gypsy. This creates a future without prejudice.
After school, the children receive a warm, healthy lunch every day, cooked with produce from our own farm. In the afternoons, the children receive homework supervision and can choose from a wide range of leisure activities. The four centres have their own sports teams.
In Hosman and Nou, youth evenings (‘Clubul Tinerilor’) take place every Friday. As the only leisure activity available in the evening, with table football, music and discussion topics, it attracts many young people. Smoking and alcohol are not permitted.
CASA MARTIN
Everyone is welcome
Casa Martin is the largest of our social centres and takes in 180 children of various ages every day. The families need sanitary and medical assistance, such as medication and doctor’s visits. A crèche for infants aged eight months and older enables mothers to travel to Sibiu for work and thus provide for their families, often as single parents. A hot lunch is provided every day, freshly prepared by our cook.
The direct connection to the Casa Thomas music school enables close cooperation. Concerts can be held in the Sala Renate in the attic. The sports field provides plenty of exercise for children and adults, as well as outdoor music lessons. The highlight of the year is the annual football tournament in the ELIJAH Arena at Casa Martin.
CASA ILIE
Experiencing community
ELIJAH has been running a social centre in Hosman since 2017. A large garden at the centre invites children to play. The local church can be used for events and celebrations. A dentist practises in a former classroom, offering free treatment to everyone in the village.
Every day, 50 children take part in the programme. There is a close connection with the Casa Sonja music school and Stella Matutina for hot meals. The educators and teachers work together with the social workers.
CASA SUSANNA
Friendships strengthen children
The Casa Susanna social centre looks after 50 children and their families from the Cartier Marghita neighbourhood.
Five years ago, 85% of the children did not attend school and there was no nursery. Now all of them attend nursery and most go to school. The school authorities confirm this success.
The relationship between the children from the Roma settlement and the other children in the village is wonderful. More and more children from all over the village are coming to the social centre. In the past, there were frequent arguments, but today they are friends.
The Casa Susanna social centre is a place to play and learn and a meeting place for mothers and children. Attention is paid to hygiene and children are taught how to brush their teeth and keep their bodies clean.
SOKERES
A safe and loving place for children
The social centre in Marpod opened its doors in autumn 2021. ‘Sokeres’ translates as ‘How are you?’ This is how people greet each other in Romani.
The building was provided by the municipality. It had to be completely renovated. Now there is a room for learning, playing and eating, a consultation room for parents, toilets and a bathroom.
Home visits are used to build close relationships with families in need. Five family houses were built, other houses were renovated, and water was connected and bathrooms installed in six houses.
