Romania, with its 20 million inhabitants, is considered a poor country in the European Union. The proportion of the population at risk of poverty is over 30%. Every third inhabitant of Romania is considered to have a low income. This is due to the inadequate education system, poor infrastructure and unclear political regulations. Inefficient bureaucracy and corruption are a structural problem and ensure that Romania cannot keep pace with the increasing complexity of the European economy.
Poverty is particularly high in rural areas. There are hardly any jobs in the villages. People often hire themselves out as day laborers and work illegally. In the cold and long winter months, there are no opportunities to earn money and people do not have enough money to heat their homes. Many families live below the subsistence level. They accumulate debts and quite a few drown their sorrows in alcohol. Violence is a major problem in many families.
The plight of the population
We have been active in Romania for over 30 years. We are active in eight locations. The aim of our work is to permanently improve the social situation for children, children with disabilities, young people and families.
- In Siretu and Schineni, we are involved with the non-profit association "Speranta vietii" (Hope for Life). The association is supported by the Catholic order "Sisters of St. Mary Magdalene Postel". The sisters lovingly care for the people in the region. The two villages belong to the municipality of Saucesti with around 4,200 inhabitants. Located close to the border with Moldova and around 20 kilometers north of the district town of Bacau, this region is one of the poorest rural areas in Romania.
- In the small village of Barticesti, we work together with the "Maica Speranta" (Mother Hope) association. The children's center there is also run by Catholic nuns and offers children from the region an important point of contact.
- Bârlad is located in Vaslui County, the poorest region in Romania and one of the poorest areas in the entire European region. In this small town, we work together with the association "Amicii Deliei" (Delia's Friends). This association runs an inclusive center for children with disabilities. Around 60 boys and girls from Barlad and the surrounding villages receive targeted encouragement and support here.
- In the east of the country, near Sibiu (formerly Sibiu in Transylvania), we are active in the children's center of "Renaître" (German: Wiedergeburt) in the villages of Orăștie, Pricaz and Geoagiu .
- Gheorgheni is one of the poorest towns in the north of the country with 23,000 inhabitants. A lack of industry and poor infrastructure lead to a particularly high unemployment rate. Social problems such as violence against children and women, a lack of prospects, child poverty and neglect are the consequences. Many families live far below the subsistence level.
Project work
The aim of our work in Romania is to give the poorer sections of the population a perspective and to improve their social situation in the long term. This applies above all to the weakest members of society: the children.
The lives of many Romanian children are marked by severe strokes of fate from an early age. Some have lost their parents, others are neglected or abused. The bitter poverty brutalizes people.
We are addressing this in a very concrete way with the following projects:
- Founded in 2006, the social center in Siretu is particularly dedicated to children. After school, they go to the center from Monday to Friday. It is also open during the vacations. The girls and boys receive a hot lunch every day, expert help with their homework, various leisure activities and they find people to talk to about their worries and needs. A team of psychologists, social workers and a physiotherapist is available for crisis intervention in cases of abuse, violence within the family and addiction problems. The psychologists and social workers are also available for parenting issues.
- The "House of the Future" has been operating in Schineni since 2009. The heart of the "House of the Future" is a residential group for young people from the nearby children's home. When they have to leave the children's home at the age of 18, they find shelter here. They are supported on their way to an independent life through practical help and regular group discussions for self-reflection.
The house is also a meeting place for all local children. Homework help, tutoring and a variety of courses are offered free of charge.
- At the children's center in Barticesti, the children receive a warm lunch, homework help, English courses, the opportunity to do sports, play, paint and do handicrafts. Experienced full-time and volunteer staff take care of the children's needs and provide the protection and security that is so often lacking at home.
- Around 60 boys and girls from Bârlad and the surrounding villages are encouraged and supported in the inclusive center of "Amicii Deliei". The support includes early intervention, speech therapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, pastoral care and other special therapeutic support that the children need individually. In addition, the children are provided with healthy food, sufficient clothing and school materials.
While none of the disabled children went to school when the center opened in 2018, every child supported there now attends an educational institution. Together with Amicii Deliei, we are working to ensure that the girls and boys grow up to become adults who can contribute to their community according to their abilities.
- The social center for the villages of Orăștie, Pricaz and Geoagiu, which has been in existence since 2000, offers children a place of well-being after school. It is also open during the vacations. The girls and boys receive a hot lunch every day and expert help with their homework. There are various leisure activities such as painting, dancing, arts and crafts or playing soccer and they can find someone to talk to about their worries and needs. A special support program to prevent children aged 6 to 17 from dropping out of school is also available. A team of social workers, teachers and social workers intervene professionally in crises such as abuse, violence and addiction problems within the family.
There is also a social welfare office where parents in particular are helped. The mostly young and socially marginalized mothers and fathers receive material support and legal advice. As many parents, especially Roma parents, cannot read or write, they receive help in filling out forms and applications. There are also seminars on parenting, health and non-violent contact as well as on preventing neglect.
By means of outreach social work, mothers in particular are visited at home and receive support during their pregnancies and assistance with family planning and health care issues.
- We have been running the "Unterm Regenbogen" children's home in Gheorgeni and the surrounding area since 2002. Children under the age of 18 have found a new loving home there. During the summer vacations, we organize camps and summer excursions for them.
Our mother and child home provides a place for mothers who have experienced violence or have grown up as orphans. They first have to learn how to be mothers and receive support in doing so.
- We regularly send donations in kind to Romania. Food, clothing, hygiene articles, medicines, school supplies and baby food are distributed fairly among the recipients and help them with their everyday needs. In total, we reach more than 4,000 people every day.
Our project partner
As ora Kinderhilfe, we work with five different project partners in Romania. All sponsors are registered associations in Romania.
Sponsorship program
Over 400 children are part of our sponsorship program. Join us and help us fight poverty in the heart of Europe. Your help changes children's lives.
With your donation, we can give children a good start to a fair future - no matter where they were born or what their family situation is. With your donation, you can support our projects in one of our 12 project countries, or you can choose a specific project, such as health, nutrition, education, disaster relief, school materials, etc. With a free donation, we can use your support where help is needed most.