Progress Foundation Romania

Established in 1996 in Bistrita, Progress Foundation is an experienced Romanian NGO that pilots local initiatives in the field of education/training, (e-)inclusion and community development and then scales it up, at national level, as innovative and impactful best practices, using county and local libraries (as lifelong learning hubs and social innovation centers) to reach out to any social group and/or citizen, especially the most marginalized ones. Our approach We act for a future in which every person is a member of a caring community. We empower individuals and social groups through education, technology, research and innovation. We build up the cohesion of local communities by capitalizing their traditions and cultural identity. We support citizens to enhance their potential and achieve well-being in the context of sustainable and resilient communities. One of the most important projects of the foundation is CODE Kids. It all started with the question: How can we increase the number of children in rural and small urban areas who obtain passing grades in the National Assessment and how can we help them to have a useful career in the future? This has led to the establishment of clubs where children, under the guidance of librarians, learn the basics of coding and STEM skills (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), develop their digital skills and get involved in the life of the community they come from by solving creative digital problems. Another important project is Occupy Library, an international conference for librarians, whose mission is to bring together innovators and decision-makers who believe in the power of public libraries to support active citizenship, to create partnerships for strong democracies and get involved in community life. Our portfolio also includes the projects: Ora să ȘTIM, Learning circles in libraries, The third space of active citizenship, and Public Libraries as Active Citizens Hubs.