Romania
Romania gained membership to the European Union in 2007. But while the country as a whole made considerable progress during its transition period, it has struggled economically since plunging into severe recession in 2008. Since then, the country has felt the effects of drastic austerity measures: a 25% cut to public wages, job cuts, pension freezes, and harsh reductions in social security benefits. Purchasing power has dropped dramatically due to salary cuts and price increases. Two-thirds of Romanians say they have been affected by lay-offs or wage cuts. Cut-backs to healthcare have resulted in rural hospital closures, lack of equipment, fees for previously-free services, staff shortages (related to low wages and high migration), and allegations of corruption and mismanagement.
Vulnerable people struggle most
The situation has been most devastating for Romania’s vulnerable populations: pensioners, people with disabilities or chronic illness, and single-parent families. Estimates show that 25% of the population lives below the poverty line, and rates are as much as three times as high for individuals in the Roma community. Those with chronic illness commonly spend the entirety of their meagre pensions on health care, as pensions have been cut by as much as 50%. Meanwhile, cost increases for food, electricity, water, and heating make basic necessities unaffordable for many. These people find themselves with neither a state safety net, nor a personal one when times get difficult.
Bringing hope
In this context, Mission East's partner Solia Speranţei ("Message of Hope") works to make a difference in the lives of these marginalized individuals in practical and compassionate ways. This grassroots Romanian NGO works alongside individuals and families who find themselves struggling against poverty, sickness, disability, loneliness or discrimination - helping them to find solutions to the obstacles they face.
Olga used to live in a one room house with her eight children. She did not have a job and her husband could not endure their poverty and left her for another woman with a better economic situation. Olga’s story is a story about help that arrives when it is needed the most.
|
23-year-old Mateiciuc Ioan had no choice but to go to the mine from an early age to earn his living and to support his parents and four brothers.
|
