Asociatia Nuclee
Together as a core!
Founded in 2023, Asociatia Nuclee is a non-profit and non-governmental organisation based in Caracal, Romania. Asociația Nuclee is dedicated to combating the depopulation trend in the region by creating opportunities that encourage people to build their futures within their own communities. Through innovative programs and intergenerational collaboration, we strive to foster sustainable progress and a thriving society
Our mission
Combat the depopulation trend by creating local opportunities for people to build their futures within their communities.
Support the innovation and enthusiasm of the younger generation, alongside the knowledge gained through experience of the longstanding community members.
Foster individual and community-level transformation to drive sustainable progress throughout the region.
Vision
At Asociația Nuclee, we envision a future where our region thrives as people choose to stay and build their lives within a supportive, opportunity-rich community. By fostering collaboration between the innovation of youth and the wisdom of those who have long supported our community, we aim to create a strong, inclusive, and sustainable society for all.
Our story
Founded in 2023, Asociația Nuclee is a non-profit organisation based in the heart of Oltenia region, driven by a passionate team committed to making a difference. Our main goal is to bring positive change in our region by addressing the challenges that often push people to leave their hometowns in search of better opportunities.
Our story begins in a region rich in history and culture but facing the modern-day challenge of depopulation, as many young people leave for their academic studies and better prospects in larger urban areas, often never returning. As more and more people seek prospects in larger cities, our communities are left with the task of not only preserving their identity but also creating an environment where the next generation can see a future for themselves. This trend has left our small towns and villages around struggling with a lack of youthful energy and innovation.
At Asociația Nuclee, we see this challenge as an opportunity to foster growth from within by focusing on nurturing the young population through engaging activities that enhance participation, personal development, and skill acquisition. These initiatives are designed to spark self-discovery and foster creativity, helping young people see that they can build a meaningful life and career in their own community.
However, our efforts extend beyond the youth – we are committed to bridging the generational divide by uniting younger and older generations in collaborative efforts. By fostering this intergenerational connection, we aim to create a community where knowledge, experience, and fresh ideas are shared openly, driving collective progress.
Our pillars
Research and innovation
We firmly embrace knowledge as the cornerstone of progress, a dynamic approach that shapes every aspect of our work.
To address the complex challenges of our time, we combine research and innovation to connect theory and practice and create an environment for positive change.
Innovation flourishes at the intersection of different fields, and by converging and reinforcing each other we aim to develop innovative solutions for: climate action, economic development and entrepreneurship, and digital transformation.
Participation
It is crucial to involve young people in the decision-making and policy-making process to create a society that is more inclusive and democratic.
We strive to foster a sense of civic duty and empower young individuals to have a positive impact, to encourage their participation in democracy while providing the necessary resources and support to engage in decision-making and policy-making activities.
Culture and art
As a city with a vast historical and cultural heritage, cultural rebirth has been made possible in recent years due to the policies of the local authorities that strive to preserve, promote and celebrate the cultural heritage.
Through cultural activities such as dance, music, and theatre workshops, we provide a platform for young people to explore different cultures, traditions, and perspectives.
These activities foster creativity and self-expression and promote inclusivity and respect for diversity.
Our Community Focus
At Asociația Nuclee, our primary focus is on youth and young adults, those at the critical stage of deciding whether to stay in their hometowns or seek opportunities elsewhere. We also work closely with the older generation, creating programs that encourage mentorship and collaboration between young people and their elders. Our target group includes young people aged 19 to 35, as well as older community members who possess a wealth of knowledge and experience. We believe that by working together, these two groups can create a powerful force for positive change, ensuring the long-term sustainability of our region. Additionally, we are dedicated to supporting disadvantaged groups, including those from rural areas, people with disabilities, and socially excluded individuals, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from our programs.
Our team
Cristina Morar
President of the Board
Daria Baraitaru
Vice-president of the Board
Iulia Baraitaru
Vice-president of the Board
Ana-Maria Dragoi
Head of Marketing & Communication
Corina Stanila
Psychologist
Claudia Grosu
Youth worker
Karina Hereg
Youth worker
Cristina Morar
President of the board
Cristina Morar is the president of the organisation and the founder of the organisation.
As a Senior Project Manager and Grant Writer, she has participated in EU projects, activities, and mobilities for over ten years. Her diverse professional experience across aviation, tourism, public administration, and finance has helped her develop strong organizational, communication, and intercultural skills, enabling her to work effectively both in multicultural team environments and independently.
Cristina holds an MSc degree in Management of Rural and Regional Development Projects and a double Bachelor’s Diploma in Management/Agrifood and Environmental Economics from the Academy of Economic Studies of Bucharest, Romania. Her diverse professional background
Daria Baraitaru
Vice - president of the board
Daria is a certified translator-interpreter who specialises in communication and public relations and currently works as a Human Resources administrator.
She is a creative, flexible thinker, problem solver and decision-maker who effectively balances the needs of employees. She is passionate about travel and the different cultures of the world. She loves working with and listening to people. Also, she tries to learn new skills and improve her acquired knowledge every day. Some of these qualities have been acquired during the “Specialised Translation and Interpretation (English-French) Faculty of the Technical University of Civil Engineering Bucharest.
She is a Master’s student at the Faculty of Communication and Public Relations of The National School of Political Science and Public Administration of Bucharest, Romania.
Iulia Baraitaru
Vice - president of the board
She is a high school graduate and student at the National University of Arts, Fashion Design Department. After finishing high school, she took a gap year to develop practical skills to help her achieve her potential by learning more about herself and the world around her and pursuing other interests, dreams and passions.
The projects she has participated in, both Erasmus+ and theatrical activities, and modelling have helped her to develop her communication skills, professionalism, ability to adapt and cope with any situation and ambition. She likes to work in a team and push her limits by learning new situations and people. Iulia finished high school in English bilingual philology, and her last diploma was the baccalaureate.
Corina Stanila
Psychologist
Corina graduated from the “Titu Maiorescu” University in Bucharest, Romania, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. With a passion for continuous learning and personal development, she further pursued her expertise in therapies and cognitive behavioural psychotherapy at “Aqua Marin,” also located in Bucharest.
With over a decade of experience in the field, Corina is a psychologist specialising in treating various mental health disorders. She is revered for her meticulous approach to patient care – crafting individualised treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs and circumstances. Her treatment methodology involves regular counselling sessions, consistent adjustments to treatment plans as needed, and a commitment to ongoing assessments to monitor patient progress.
By continually exploring and learning, she has ensured that she grows personally and professionally, which benefits her patients. Her empathy and commitment to making a difference have also led her to be involved in charitable organisations. Corina has worked with esteemed groups such as “Save the Children” and “Feed the Children,” reflecting her broader commitment to societal well-being and her belief in giving back.
Karina Hereg
Internship
Ana-Maria Dragoi
Head of Marketing and Communication
She built her solid background and grew into a passionate, creative, resilient, goal oriented and well-organized professional through almost 7 years of proven experience in marketing & communication with a focus on digital, social media & content creation, working for well-known brands from tech & banking industries and almost 2 years of entrepreneurship in the field of technology.
She also possesses past experience in multiple NGOs and Erasmus Plus European mobilities, with informal education centered around human rights, hate speech and social inclusion.
When it comes to her formal education, Ana graduated from the Bucharest University of Economic Studies in Romania, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing and a Master Degree in Public Relations and recently, she finished an intensive Java programming course.
Claudia Grosu
Youth worker
Claudia is a member of the organisation and a youth worker. She is a Student at the Faculty of Automation, Computers and Electronics, University of Craiova. She has been a journalist for two local publications in Oltenia for three years; this profession has led her to develop her ability to listen to people, to be impartial and objective, and to have ethical integrity, curiosity and adaptability.
Numerous conferences, events and charitable activities have enabled her to know how to put people at the centre of attention. The faculty she is attending allows her to expand her skills in digitalization. She has also participated in various activities within the Erasmus+ programs at the high school she attended, Elena Cuza National College.