| The Maramures Young People's Trust (MYPT) builds on the experiences of a dozen people who have done voluntary work in Baia Mare, Maramures County since 1993. This includes long term involvement in special needs orphanages to organising English language camps during the school holidays. Many of these activities were initially done under the umbrella of the Baia Mare Project (BMP), a charity that was set up in the UK and Romania in 1990 to improve conditions and opportunities for young people in Baia Mare. | ||
| MYPT continues and develops some of the work started by the BMP. This includes helping young people with getting somewhere affordable to live; getting access to higher education; as well as more general support for those used to a very institutionalised orphanage life. The origins of the BMP Workshop (a MYPT supported project) comes from a recognition of the importance of giving chances for young people to earn a wage and the chance to live independently. For further details on the Workshop, please see the Projects page. |  Producing furniture at the Workshop |
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Although there have been many positive changes in Romania since the fall of the Communist regime, there have also been some downsides. The opening up of the country and the move to a free market economy has meant an end to guaranteed employment. This has affected some parts of the population much harder than others. In a country where qualifications and family connections were both important ways of finding good work, for poorer families and those who were brought up in orphanages, these can be in short supply. Many found, and still find it very hard to secure decent employment with young people of all backgrounds leaving Romania to find legal or illegal work aboard. Sadly, there are also those who are unable to do this and with high unemployment they can end up on the streets where they are vulnerable to exploitation and crime. Working with local employers and charities, MYPT is committed to tackle some of the problems facing young people in Romania today. Our own small contribution is to help create and support local work experience schemes. These can run for a set period to give a young person the chance to learn a trade; how to budget; and generally deal with the world of work. In addition, employees receive pastoral support from trained social workers; help in finding affordable accommodation; advice and practical assistance in finding work once the experience is over. |
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MYPT helps these schemes in various ways. In the past we have supported the wage bills of the new employee; bought wood-working machinery in the UK and transported over for use on the Workshop Project; and promoted the Workshop's products to other charities working in Romania. We have also fundraised for new buildings and organised trips of UK volunteers to help construct a new workshop and warehouse. Ideally we would like to encourage other employers in Maramures to think of taking on such young people. Any long term and long lasting Improvements can only be done through greater Romanian involvement, including the local authorities. We are committed to find new opportunities and partners, and MYPT Trustees make regular visits to Baia Mare to help achieve this. |
 The new workshop constructed in 2001 by UK volunteers and the Romanian Workshop team. Pictured is Atti - the Workshop Manager |
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Work experience is not suitable for all and another way in which we provide support for young people in Maramures is by supporting education in Romania. This can range from providing resources for local schools; to providing funds for someone to take evening classes; or even finding sponsors to support someone through university. |
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