The missing link – the Community of Practice model piloted in Sibiu

31 March 2026

“Sustainable prevention among vulnerable youth is not achieved through isolated interventions or one-off campaigns. It requires professionals to learn together, coordinate their actions in advance and act as one. The key is effective cooperation between all parties involved. To change this, we piloted a Community of Practice in Sibiu, bringing together professionals from social services and child protection, and NGOs in a regular collaborative space. As a result, we observed less professional isolation, increased trust between sectors and a shift in focus towards prevention.” Eniko Gall, project manager

On Friday, February 27th, the dissemination event “Missing Link – Community of Practice, Learning and Collaboration Space” took place, dedicated to presenting the results of the project implemented in recent months by A.L.E.G. in partnership with DGASPC Sibiu and the E-Liberare Association, with the financial support of the British Embassy. The interactions between the over 60 participants highlighted the importance of collaboration between public institutions and NGOs, as well as the role of an active community of practice as a space for learning, support and action for professionals, which facilitates the exchange of experience and contributes to effective interventions in preventing and combating human trafficking, and beyond.

The importance of communication, involvement and an integrated approach were emphasized, as well as the need to ensure access to resources for vulnerable people. The event reinforced the motivation for involvement through continuous training, volunteering and dissemination of information to colleagues and communities.

In the presence of decision-makers at the national level – such as Senator Ruxandra Cibu Deaconu, ANPDCA President Helena-Omna Raicu – as well as at the county level: Liliana Agârbiceanu, Director of DGASPC Sibiu and Radu Foloba, Deputy Director General, Lucian Ghidiu, Chief Police Commissioner at the National Agency for Combating Trafficking in Persons, as well as DGASPC representatives from other counties – the need to continue the Community of Practice meetings piloted in Sibiu, but also to expand or replicate them, including in small communities, was highlighted. The concrete examples provided during the pilot activities contributed to a better understanding of the role and usefulness of these approaches by all partners involved. Respect, responsibility, the desire for involvement and collaboration between professionals remain fundamental for the development of sustainable and effective interventions.

What participants said:
🗨️“We need this community of practice to be constantly informed and to be able to better help vulnerable people.”
🗨️“We need more sex education and prevention.”
🗨️“We need applicable public policies and early financial education.”
🗨️“I see this community evolving as a space of support and learning, which contributes to improving the prospects of vulnerable young people.”

Ideas and directions for the future were outlined, including the continuation of interactive workshops, more support for specialists, the interconnection of resources and the development of a functional network. It is also intended to adapt the form of the workshops and the frequency of these meetings, and to focus communication methods on exposing negative behaviors.

We thank all the participants for their numerous presence and active involvement! Over 30 relevant institutions and organizations from the social, educational, medical and public safety fields from Sibiu County were present, such as the Sibiu County Council and Sibiu Prefecture, the Sibiu Probation Service, county mayors, DSP, ISJ, IPJ, AJPIS Sibiu, COJES, SOS Children’s Villages, the Story Association, but also other organizations working with vulnerable young people such as the International Organization for Migration.

Two practical guides were developed within the project: one on the importance and management of a Community of Practice, and a guide for personal development among young people, with ready-to-use activities for risk prevention.

The materials can be downloaded here.