Why Romania?
Romania is a new member of the EU but this has brought problems as well as potential benefits. While the economy in the cities is growing and a few well qualified workers in key areas are becoming wealthy, 40% of the population live below the poverty line, many in country areas where subsistence farmers also face a loss of their livelihood due to EU regulations and the consequent restructuring of agriculture. Extreme poverty can be found in many rural areas which also lack basic facilities such as drinking water or drainage systems.
Following its revolution, Romania needed to restructure its society and support systems. Twenty years on there is still a long way to go. The health system has, as yet, shown little improvement in many areas, with medicines often unavailable or unaffordable and there is little help for disabled people countrywide. Other areas lacking are emergency services for rural areas.
The huge disadvantages facing the Roma (gypsy) population which have, in many ways, become worse in the last twenty years is also another area of concern for our charity.
About us
Since 1992, RO-MAN-AID has worked in partnership with Romanians on long or short term projects which benefit disadvantaged people living within the community.
Sustainability of projects is always an important consideration and so RO-MAN-AID is also involved in capacity building and training.
Major projects have centred around:
- The creation and operation of a Day Centre for Multiple Sclerosis in Oradea
- Development of the National Romanian Multiple Sclerosis Society
- The regeneration of a rural district
- Establishing the first properly equipped rural fire service in Bihor County
- Providing a comprehensive community education programme on fire safety
- Working with village schools
- Roma education
As well as maintaining our involvement with the on going projects, we are now focusing on the difficulties facing children of the ethnic Roma (Gypsy) minority who often receive little or no schooling. A major RO-MAN-AID project starting in September 2011 provides a School Nurture and Anti-drop-out Centre for children of a village school. This centre works closely with the Romanian school and Authorities as well as having a good contact with parents.
A future Roma project hopes to help rural Roma communities with a housing development programme and village social centre.
How you can help
Your support will make a very big difference to the lives of families living in great difficulty, whether it is by a donation, help with fund raising, or in some cases by volunteering to spend a little time working in the country. If you are interested in any aspect of our work or would like us to come and speak to you or your group then please contact us.
