Who are you trying to help? What issue are you trying to address?

We are seeking to improve general living conditions for a small Roma community in Izvoarele, a small village in Voinesti, Romania. There are 200 families living in the community which has settled over the course of 100 years. The population totals 536 people, 166 of whom are elderly and 190 are children. Those of working age are mostly unskilled and the majority are unemployed. Up until 1989, work was available in a nearby mining institution but since its closure, jobs are scarce. There is great need for the basic necessities of life – food, heating, warm clothing, beds and bedding. The mayor-ship has been able to provide good drinking water from the hills via a public standpoint. There are many large families of 10 or more who live in very small houses, mostly without electricity as they cannot afford to pay the bills.

A small building houses a kindergarten where 50% of the attending children will have had nothing to eat before they arrive. The older children attend a nearby school but school abandonment is high, often because the children are needed for labour at home.

What is your project and how will it help?

How can other people partner with you on your project?

Other people can partner with us by helping to provide the items needed to improve the quality of life for this community.

Please detail the resources that you need.

General needs:

Wood for heating
Basic food essentials eg oil and flour
Warm winter clothing, including rubber/waterproof boots for all ages
Blankets or duvets, sheets, pillows, mattresses
Toothbrushes/toothpaste/soap
Towels
Detergents

Good to have:

Washing machines/dryers
A school bus to take children to the Sports Centre