At crossroads between a communist inheritance and efforts leading to the possible accession to the EU in 2007, Romania finds itself in a very vulnerable economic, social and political situation.

In the process of trying to comply with the requirements of EU standards on many fronts, there are not enough resources available to offer support ato a large part of the population, still living in poverty.

For those living in hardship, it becomes even more difficult when inflation causes dramatic price increases on basic commodoties and income tax increases. Some indications of the human toll come from the high numbers of suicides and abandoned children recorded. Groups needing particular protection are elderly, children and Romas. 

Against this scenario, Solia Sperantei is workint to make a difference. Solia Sperantei has been Mission East's local partner since 1997, offering assistance to vulnerable families in the Cluj-Napoca area. 

Solia Sperantei receive goods and medicines from a number of charities and distribute them to identified recipients. The distribution programme is complementing other activities such as support in accessing psychological and social assistance. Goods distributed include among other things medicines, baby food, food, clothing, school materials, toys, furniture and carpets. The thousands of recipients include single partent families, elderly, the sick, the disabled and Roma communities.

In the years to come, Solia Sperantei hopes to be able to reach an even larger group of vulnerable people and provide them with material, medial and social assistance.  

From Mission East's Annual Report 2004