The Building Productive Futures for Youth project has been developed by Rotarians in response to the need for a comprehensive approach to prepare Romanian youth about to age out (18 years old) of placement centers (orphanages). The approach meets the needs for independent living and integration into the social and vocational structures of the region. An additional priority of the project is to train professionals as trainers in life skills and vocational training utilizing methods developed in American partner Universities and vocational training centers. The strategy will include development of vocational training centers. The project will be implemented in partnership with community leaders, businesses, government agencies and the youth themselves.

The pilot project, to be implemented in Lugoj, Romania, will provide a model for numerous future Rotary Centers in communities and regions where the partnership of Rotary, community leaders, businesses, and Child Protection Departments can be formed. Adult education and community activities will also benefit from the Center, which will be a beacon of hope and education for the developing Romanian economy, society and democratic life.

The likely success of this pilot project is strengthened with the cooperation and partnerships formed with the Romanian Universities, city of Lugoj government, Timis County Child Protection Department, and US and Romanian businesses who will participate. The in-country implementing non-governmental organization Bethany Social Services Foundation is uniquely situated to manage the project and keep the center on budget and fulfilling the goals and needs of the region. Bethany has been working and implementing child welfare services in Romania for eleven years.

The eight strategic project goals are: to develop sustainable, comprehensive Life Skills & Vocational Training programs for the Romanian youth

As a result of the carefully planned project, over 2,000 institutionalized youth will receive orientation and introduction to life skills & vocational training and over 1,000 youth will receive intensive training over the first four-year period. Additionally, 3,500 local students and 200 teachers will be exposed to the Rotary Center and the curriculum imported from the USA. The annual operating budget of approximately $250,000 will be an investment of less than a $1,000 USD per student per year.

Several Rotary Clubs in Romania have been introduced to this concept and have asked to be considered for the second and subsequent projects. Rotary International Foundation has provided a matching grant of $150,000 for this pilot project. Rotary Clubs, individuals, companies and fund raising activities will contribute the initial $100,000 to receive the $50,000 match. Each new project will require similar participation from Rotary Clubs and contributors.

A 9,000 square foot building, which is ideal for the Rotary Center, has been granted to the Lugoj Rotary Club by the Lugoj City government. Building modifications, instructional equipment, and staff the first year require $500,000 USD in addition to the Rotary Foundation Grant. The Rotary Center is slated to open on October 1, 2003. Funding for the approximately $1,250,000 four year project is being sought from various sources in the USA, European Union, Romania and Rotary contacts in the business community world wide.

The on site management of the project will be provided by Bethany Social Services Foundation in Romania and oversight will be provided by an Association formed by Rotary Clubs USA, Rotary Lugoj, City of Lugoj and Bethany representatives serving on the project’s board of directors. Curriculum and staff training will be coordinated by USA and Romanian University leaders to help ensure quality and state of the art educational techniques. The graduates will be employed and supported by the partnership of Rotary and business participants.

Please join us in this important endeavor. The partnership working towards “Building Productive Futures for Youth” thanks you for your consideration and support of this project, vital to the youth of Romania.

“A social, political, and economic metamorphosis is now under way throughout the world, and the United States has a unique opportunity to help shape the outcome.”