Viscri, A free-standing village
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Viscri is a town from the county of Brasov, Transylvania, Romania, formerly known as Giscriu (called Weiskirich, Veiskiriχ, Veeskirχ in the Saxon dialect, Wei?kirch, Deutsch-Wei?kirch, Deutschwei?kirch in German and Fehéregyháza, Szászfejéregyház, Szászfehéregyháza in Hungarian, meaning "The White Saxon Church "). An advantage is that it is located in a secluded ecological area. The village has the most spectacular fortified Saxon church recorded in the UNESCO patrimony. Thanks to ?Mihai Eminescu Trust? Foundation, patronized by Prince Charles himself, the projects received much appreciation and were rewarded important prizes.
The first place award
?Mihai Eminescu Trust? Foundation participated in the 8th edition of Millenium Communications project, on May 26th 2010, where the Civil Society Gala offered them the First Place Award at Arts and Culture category. The project was called ?The free-standing village?. Though appreciated by the jury and granted the First Place Award at this category, the project was also awarded the Grand Prize which made the village famous. Because of these honours, ADDJB organized at Viscri in collaboration with the Town Hall of Bunesti village, Persani Geopark Association and ?Mihai Eminesctu Trust? Foundation, a meeting with the villagers in order to introduce them into the village?s performances and the success of the project.
The involvement of the locals
?The villagers are turning into account the products they make in their own houses and earn money from practicing the agricultural-ecological tourism. The women of Viscri are involved in traditional activities, now famous in the country and abroad for their woollen socks. What it is very important is that several local men were trained by teachers and specialists from England, Germany and Romania, thus being able to set up their own restoration companies. Our aim for the future is to make some other projects for the villagers` interest, that would turn into account the products they make in their own houses,? said Mrs. Caroline Fernolend, President of ?Mihai Eminescu Trust? Foundation.
Support from ADDJB
?The Agency for Sustainable Development of Brasov county (ADDJB) took actions in locally developing the north-eastern side of Brasov county, through a project whose purpose is to discuss with local players to identify the problems and opportunities of the region, to have experience exchanges with similar national and European organizations and an external expertise for drafting the Local Development Plan. It is a role model the way ?Mihai Eminescu Trust? Foundation succeeded in imposing their projects and standing out in terms of village preservation. Our agency will make a good partner and will support the local community in the future, too,? said Mr. Mihai Pascu, President of ADDBJ.
