RuralBots Initiative – discussions to expand the program in the commune of Ciorogârla

At the invitation of the mayor of Ciorogârla commune, George Nicula, we had a working meeting today with him and the deputy mayor, Ștefan Ilie, to discuss the possibility of implementing the RuralBots Initiative for children from the villages of Ciorogârla and Dârvari.

It was a concrete discussion, supported by data and experience gained in the communities where the program is already operating. We presented in detail the concept behind the project, the real benefits for the participating children and the steps necessary for a healthy implementation, capable of working in the long term. Scaling up is not just about desire, but also about structure, predictability and local collaboration.

An essential aspect was clarified from the beginning: the program does not involve any costs for the local budget. It does not use funds from partner institutions, being financed exclusively from donations and income tax redirections (3.5%) from individuals, as well as from sponsorships and profit tax redirections from economic operators, the same model already applied in Vasilați and Mitreni.

In a difficult economic context for local governments, it is important that an educational program does not become an additional pressure on already limited budgets, but an opportunity built through involvement and partnership.