World Vision brought Romanian families together in a cooperative that turned the community’s overabundance of eggplant and peppers — formerly used as animal fodder — into jars of tasty spread called zacusca that they could sell for income year-round, not just at harvest time.
Romania
Why World Vision is in Romania
The COVID-19 crisis and the months-long restrictions imposed in Romania beginning in March 2020 hit rural schools and students hardest. About 40% of students from disadvantaged communities didn’t attend online classes, mostly due to lack of resources like internet or a place to study. Systemic poverty, a structural imbalance in school funding, and a general lack of preparedness for online education compounded kids’ learning struggles. About 60% of parents didn’t work at all during the lockdown months, since much of the work in the countryside is day laboring — the first jobs to disappear when the pandemic hit. Also, Romania’s healthcare system was overwhelmed by the disruptions in care, and the logistics of vaccine delivery in rural areas pose significant challenges: Decades of underinvestment have left entire communities with limited access to doctors or health facilities. Thanks to strong educational support from World Vision, 94% of our sponsored high school seniors passed their graduation exams, and 4,000 sponsored children made up missed classes through summer programs. Partnering with the government, we’re helping rural families we serve overcome barriers to vaccine access.
We never give up on people
With so much happening around the world, it can be hard to decide where your money can have the greatest impact. With your help through the World Vision Fund, you’ll be meeting critical needs both today and tomorrow, helping people rebuild in the wake of disasters and empowering entire communities to lift themselves out of poverty.
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Prayer Requests from Romania
World Vision's staff in Romania are asking us to join them in prayer for the following:
For children in Romania who are born in poverty, to protect them from harm; to help them keep their courage and strength in the face of adversity; and to help them learn, stay in school, and reach for a brighter future.
For our hardworking teachers and doctors, to have strength of mind and body to help our children overcome this dark time.
News from Romania
From the Field
What is a refugee?
The number of refugees globally has reached 43.4 million, and their needs have never been greater, not only for the basic necessities of life, but also for hope and opportunities to be self-sufficient. Explore the challenges faced by refugees and find out more about the global refugee crisis.
From the Field
From wounds of war to healing hearts
World Vision’s Happy Bubble in Romania provides a safe haven for displaced Ukrainian children, focusing on enhancing their emotional well-being. Through activities like art and play therapy, children learn to articulate their feelings and develop resilience.
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