Module 2
Theoretical Framework
Chapter 2: Good Practices
2.8 Good Practice in Romania: "Take Over Day - Romania"
It is a national event coordinated by the Terre des hommes Foundation, which gives children the opportunity to meet a mentor in the profession they dream of. It consists of a series of meetings between children interested in finding a mentor. These meetings are organized by the Terre des hommes Foundation and volunteer teachers from all over the country, according to a concept and rules designed by the organization, in order to provide a more useful experience for children, but also to protect them. Take Over Day celebrates the right of all children and young people to participate in society and takes place every year around the International Day of the Rights of the Child (November 20th). The first edition of the campaign organized by the Terre des hommes Foundation in Romania took place in 2012, being inspired by the "Take over Day" model from the UK.
"Take over Day" is addressed to all children and young people aged 12-18, who know what they want to be when they "grow up" and want to create their future from now on. In order to take over, children/young people must be part of a group set up locally and registered in the campaign by a teacher/social worker / NGO leader etc. Professionals in various fields become mentors for children and show them how to practice their profession, involving them in their activity and consulting them.
The delivery of the take-over by the mentors takes place in a day and in an agreed time interval in agreement with the child (through the coordinator). The local coordinators are the people who form the group of children and young people, help them identify their jobs, fill in the registration form for the campaign, find the right mentors and prepare the activities prior to handing over the baton.
On the day of handing over the relay, each child must have a companion, a representative adult (parent, guardian, teacher, adult sibling, social worker). During the activities, the companion ensures the safety and well-being of the child. The concept of the campaign is to involve the young people and to listen to them, not just to let them observe, that's why the coordinators make sure that each child has a real dialogue with the mentors.
The general objectives of the campaign are:
"Take over Day" is addressed to all children and young people aged 12-18, who know what they want to be when they "grow up" and want to create their future from now on. In order to take over, children/young people must be part of a group set up locally and registered in the campaign by a teacher/social worker / NGO leader etc. Professionals in various fields become mentors for children and show them how to practice their profession, involving them in their activity and consulting them.
The delivery of the take-over by the mentors takes place in a day and in an agreed time interval in agreement with the child (through the coordinator). The local coordinators are the people who form the group of children and young people, help them identify their jobs, fill in the registration form for the campaign, find the right mentors and prepare the activities prior to handing over the baton.
On the day of handing over the relay, each child must have a companion, a representative adult (parent, guardian, teacher, adult sibling, social worker). During the activities, the companion ensures the safety and well-being of the child. The concept of the campaign is to involve the young people and to listen to them, not just to let them observe, that's why the coordinators make sure that each child has a real dialogue with the mentors.
The general objectives of the campaign are:
- Recognition of the right to participation of children and young people in Romania;
- Introduction of a modern educational model, implemented at national level;
- Creating a framework in which children and young people can explore their vocation, express themselves and develop their potential;
- Facilitating the social inclusion of vulnerable children and young people and respecting their rights. Relay Day values the participation of all children and young people.
Back to the Guidelines section