Helping children and families in Dorohoi, Romania

Over the years, we have developed good working relationships with local medical professionals, including family doctors, specialists, nurses, dentists and an optician. They are all sensitive to the children’s needs and appreciate that we are here to support them. Together, we are able to ensure that the children and teenagers have access to the medical care that they need, as soon as they need it. This has included everything from over-the-counter and prescribed medication to orthopaedic equipment and a prosthetic limb.

We have been closely involved in supporting a number of local children and their families along their journeys with life-threatening illnesses. We thankfully rejoice with those who have survived and lovingly stand alongside those parents who have lost their precious children and whose lives will be profoundly affected forever.

Whilst local schools do provide textbooks, parents are often required to pay for extra books. We cover the cost of these books for children living in the care system.

It is a privilege to be able to support a number of university students, both from within the care system and from local families with limited finances. It is encouraging to see how talented, hardworking young people can overcome great challenges and achieve remarkable things when they have the support that they need.

Wherever possible, we have either organised or encouraged children to take part in educational projects. For example, in June 2022 we arranged an art competition in a local school entitled “Royal families, traditions and symbols from Romania and Great Britain”, as part of which children learned about the connections between our royal families.

Sport offers a range of benefits to children and young people. Dorohoi has a number of parks and open spaces, so we regularly supply the children in state care with sports equipment for team games, and support anyone who shows an interest in a particular sport, either by providing the equipment that they need or by paying their monthly subscription to a sports club.

Music can be equally important. As part of an after-school project in a local school, we offer weekly recorder lessons. Over ten years ago, we formed a small orchestra at a local church, teaching children to play the recorder and welcoming those who already play other instruments, such as the violin. We rehearse together weekly and regularly play in the church or at other local venues.

On leaving the care system, a number of young people have continued to need our support whilst they move to independent living. This has often involved finding rented accommodation and improving their living conditions; helping them to budget for weekly shopping and to pay utility bills; accompanying them to medical appointments and guiding them through the application process for government benefits.

We have tried to be a constant, reliable presence for the young people in a rapidly changing world. It has been a joy to attend their special celebrations, such as birthdays, graduations, weddings and baptisms. Sadly, we have also needed to accompany several of our young people on their final journeys, and have made their funeral arrangements in the absence of family members when it has been necessary to do so.

Over the years, we have organised a number of camps in the Romanian mountains and have also run holiday clubs, inviting children to take part in a variety of craft and sports activities. Living within 70km of the Carpathian Mountains, we have been able to arrange day trips to beautiful locations, often visiting places of historical interest or outstanding natural beauty with the children.

We are fortunate to have strong links with other charitable organisations in northeast Romania and whenever possible, have supported their work to improve the lives of local children and young people, particularly those living in state care. This has included covering expenses such as transport costs for children to go to camp, and providing first aid kits and sunscreen for groups going on holiday to the seaside.

Both Christmas and Easter provide opportunities for us to meet with children and young people, to offer them special treats and to celebrate the true meaning of the festivals. Sometimes we have provided individual gifts for children living in state care, and on other occasions we have given them group activities, such as kits to build gingerbread houses. We have been able to invite the children and young people out for special meals in Dorohoi and to attend concerts at local churches.

We have planned and funded a number of special projects which have mainly concentrated on improving living conditions for children, young people and local families. Such projects have included repairing, painting, decorating and deep cleaning rooms and properties, digging and maintaining an allotment garden, and providing furniture and essential household appliances.