Fifteen years after Romania’s transition to democracy, the social, economic and psychological imprints of communism continue to be seen in people’s attitudes and behavior. The population remains somewhat distrustful of the civic and political involvement of youth.

Soon after setting up a production site in Cluj-Napoca, Nokia decided to support civic engagement of local youth through a partnership with Romanian organization The New Horizons Foundation (NHF).

The ‘IMPACT: Connect to Community’ program inspires young people aged 12-18 to develop their life, leadership and citizenship skills through service learning. Youth attend weekly IMPACT Club meetings in schools and organize three to four volunteer service projects during each school year.

In 2008 IMPACT clubs were established in 17 schools in the Cluj-Napoca area, involving 338 young people and training 100 coaches and facilitators. The youth clubs have worked on several community projects, for example the raising of US$1,000 in donations to a local hospital.

See more of our community involvement projects at http://www.nokia.com/corporate-responsibility/nokias-cr-map.