Regional Center for Social Economy -CRES-

CRES works to empower young people to participate actively in society to improve their own lives. The aim of this empowerment is to establish a wide-based community movement which encourages the positive involvement of young people in solving issues which affect them, treating them as resources, not as problems. Vision: to provide positive development programmes opportunities for every young person in SW Oltenia Region Mission: The mission of CRES is to offer non-formal educational programmes that provide opportunities for young people to develop 1 social connectedness; 2.a sense of personal efficacy and mastery motivation; 3.a desire to learn and curiosity about one’s world; 4.a sense of identity and meaning in one’s life; 5.Positive self-regard and general mental health Youth Development Programmes: 1. Cultural awareness programme: will capitalize on cultural diversity among volunteer will contain activities such as presentations, non-formal workshops on traditional arts&crafts, traditional dances and music 2. Languages and multilingualism programme: under the form of language clubs in the intuitions and schools that use non-formal methods (games, workshops, movies, songs, role-pays etc.) to help the participant learn or strengthen their ability to speak other languages (English, Spanish, Italian, French, Portuguese etc.) 3. Creativity and self-expression stimulation programme: arts workshops (painting, clay modeling, singing, handicrafts), theatre, Creative play (use familiar materials in a new or unusual ways), problem solving (application of knowledge and imagination to a given situation). 4. Building, social integration capacity, soft skills and autonomy programme: presentation sessions and special workshops that aimed at rising "EQ" (Emotional Intelligence Quotient), teach the youth through non-formal games and scenarios how to act in different social situations. 5. Social Inclusion Awareness campaign – will consist in awareness actions and activities that aim to bring more visibility towards groups with disabilities and social institutions and to bring the issue of social inclusion on to the public agenda 6. Life-long learning opportunities for youth – promoting the ERASMUS+ programme and other opportunities to the youth 7. Sports and outdoor activities programme – used as support to form teamwork skills, tolearance for diversity, self-esteem Core Principles:  Positive Potential for Youth All young people have the innate right and capacity to develop their full potential as responsible and caring individuals.  Young People as a Priority Fostering the positive potential in all young people is a critical priority and must be cultivated and strengthened by adults and their institutions.  Positive Life Skills and Character Development Young people become personally and socially responsible and develop strong character by learning and applying essential life skills in meaningful contexts. They should actively engage in their own learning and learning cooperatively with others.  Personal and Social Responsibility The values, attitudes, and knowledge necessary for personal and social responsibility includes principles of respect and caring for self and others, honesty, and trustworthiness, a sense of justice and fairness, service to others, capacity for critical thinking and problem solving, and commitment to community, active citizenship  Local and International Collaboration The power and breadth of our mission can best be achieved through dynamic, mutually beneficial relationships with other organizations and associations at local and international levels.  Emphasis on positive outcomes The approach highlights positive, healthy outcomes (in contrast to reducing negative outcomes). Examples of desired youth development outcomes are competence (academic, social, vocational skills), self-confidence, connectedness (healthy relationship to community, friends, family), character (integrity, moral commitment), caring and compassion.  Youth Voice It is essential to include youth as active participants in any youth development initiative. They have to be equal partners in the process. Youth involvement presents a great challenge to adults and charges them to rethink how they have engaged in planning and program development and implementation.  Strategies that aim to involve all youth Youth development strategies are generally aimed at all youth. The assumption is that creating supportive and enriching environments for all youth will lead to the desired positive outcomes as well as reduced negative outcomes. However, experts in the field recognize the need to blend universal approaches with approaches that are targeting youth facing extra challenges.