Romania

Romania gained membership to the European Union in 2007. But while the country as a whole has made considerable progress during its transition period, there are still many hurdles yet to overcome. Romania is yet struggling to stabilize its political situation and to gain strength as a new member of the European Union.

Vulnerable people left behind

In the midst of this time of great change, many of Romania’s most vulnerable people are left behind. 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 without work, people with disabilities, single-parent families, and elderly, widowed or chronically-ill individuals have particular difficulty in getting the help and support which many other Europeans take for granted.

Working alongside families

Organisations such as Mission East's partner "Solia Speranţei" ("Messenger of Hope") work to make a difference in the lives of these marginalized individuals in practical and compassionate ways. Working in the Cluj-Napoca area, this grassroots Romanian NGO works alongside families who find themselves struggling against poverty, sickness, disability, loneliness or discrimination, helping them to find solutions to the obstacles they face. 

 Help arrived at the exact moment Olga needed it in Romania Romania-EN 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.

 Compassionate assistance in Romania Romania-EN Mission East’s partner “Solia Speranţei” works to bring a difference into people's lives in a practical and compassionate way.  Their assistance is not just in the form of material support.