About AFEDE
The Association for Education, Training and European Development (AFEDE) is a non-governmental, non-profit organisation with an educational, social and community focus. Based in Constanța, it operates across Romania and at European and international levels.
We promote education and lifelong learning, civic participation and European cooperation. Our mission encompasses children, young people, adults and older people, as well as the institutions and communities in which they learn and develop.
Our Mission
We create accessible, relevant and inclusive learning opportunities adapted to diverse needs and learning styles. Through education, training and community initiatives, we aim to support personal and professional development, strengthen key competences and reduce educational, social and digital inequalities.
European Projects and International Cooperation
The European dimension is part of AFEDE’s purpose. Our Statutes provide for connecting communities with European Union opportunities, developing partnerships and participating in projects that support education, inclusion, intercultural dialogue and active citizenship.
Project development and management
Writing, coordinating, implementing, monitoring and evaluating European and international projects, alongside reporting, dissemination and project management training.
Mobility and learning between partners
Learning mobility, youth and experience exchanges, study visits, traineeships and job-shadowing within the programmes and partnerships developed.
European networks and participation
Cooperation with educational institutions, universities, NGOs and public authorities; participation in networks, communities of practice, debates and events dedicated to Europe.
- Erasmus+
- CERV
- Interreg
- Creative Europe
- Horizon Europe
- Digital Europe
- EEA Grants
- European Solidarity Corps
- Romania’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR)
Participation in each call depends on the project’s objectives and the eligibility conditions. This list does not represent funding already secured.
Explore AFEDE projects and initiatives →What We Do: Areas of Activity
Our Statutes establish a broad framework for developing AFEDE programmes. The areas below cover activities the association may organise and develop, depending on its projects, partnerships and resources.
Education and lifelong learning
Formal, non-formal and informal programmes, workshops, courses and intergenerational activities. The framework includes support for school progress, examination preparation, competitions and achievement.
Training and professional development
Continuing professional development for teachers, trainers and other education professionals; mentoring, educational coaching, curriculum design, assessment, modern teaching methods and educational leadership.
Inclusion and educational support
Remedial learning, curriculum adaptation, support for students with special educational needs and prevention of early school leaving. Initiatives for vulnerable people and disadvantaged communities.
Digital skills and innovation
Digital literacy, online safety, media literacy and critical thinking. Development of platforms, applications and multimedia resources, alongside piloting digital or blended learning methods and solutions.
Research and educational resources
Needs analyses, impact studies, pedagogical research and assessment tools. Development and dissemination of guides, methodologies, textbooks, curriculum support materials and open educational resources in print and digital formats.
Culture, heritage and dialogue
Promoting Romanian traditions and cultural heritage in European contexts. Cultural and artistic activities, exhibitions, festivals and events supporting diversity and dialogue between communities and generations.
Volunteering, community and the environment
Volunteer engagement in education and community life, social campaigns and civic action. Environmental education, green skills, sustainability and environmentally responsible behaviour.
Adult education, VET and safety
Vocational education and training, career guidance, entrepreneurship and support for labour market integration. Education in first aid, prevention, civil protection, occupational and digital safety.
The Values Guiding Our Work
The democratic, European and intercultural values set out in our Statutes are reflected in the following working principles:
Equity and inclusion
Access to learning for people with different needs and backgrounds, with attention to those at risk of marginalisation.
Democracy and active citizenship
Informed participation, civic culture and engagement in the democratic life of the community.
Cooperation and solidarity
Partnerships, exchange of good practice and connections between local communities and the wider European context.
Diversity and intercultural dialogue
Respect for cultural and social differences and learning through dialogue between people and communities.
Lifelong learning
Development opportunities for all ages and the exchange of experience between generations.
Innovation and critical thinking
Research, modern pedagogical methods and the use of technology to support education.
Identity and cultural heritage
Preserving and promoting Romanian traditions in connection with contemporary European perspectives.
Responsibility and sustainability
Community engagement, volunteering, environmental education and responsible behaviour.
Who We Work For
Children and young people
Education, participation, school progress and skills development.
Education professionals
Teachers, trainers, counsellors and educators.
Adults and older people
Lifelong learning, personal and professional development and intergenerational dialogue.
Vulnerable people and communities
Educational, social and digital inclusion and support for participation.
Governance and Accountability
The Statutes define the responsibilities of the General Assembly, the Board of Directors, the President and the financial oversight body. The General Assembly approves the strategy, budget and financial statements. The Board approves projects, programmes and partnerships and prepares the annual activity report.
Meet the team →Institutional Cooperation
The statutory framework allows cooperation with schools, universities, public and private institutions, local authorities, non-governmental organisations and European and international institutions to fulfil the association’s purpose.
Contact AFEDE →Explore AFEDE’s Work
Programmes, projects and publications are presented in the dedicated sections of our website.
Institutional profile based on the AFEDE Statutes: Articles 4–9 and 16–19.