Fundatia Inima De Copil

Fundatia Inima de Copil (The Heart of a Child Foundation), established in 1996 by a group of volunteers from Galați, Romania, is dedicated to aiding children in need. Over the past 28 years, we have assisted over 30,000 vulnerable children and their families, investing heavily in innovative social services that have made a significant impact in our region. In response to the conflict in Ukraine, we have extended our support to refugee children and families, aiding over 10,000 individuals from Galați, Brăila, and Tulcea. Today, our foundation boasts a team of 50 employees and 40 volunteers. Our mission is to improve the lives of children and families by providing essential social services an... read more Fundatia Inima de Copil (The Heart of a Child Foundation), established in 1996 by a group of volunteers from Galați, Romania, is dedicated to aiding children in need. Over the past 28 years, we have assisted over 30,000 vulnerable children and their families, investing heavily in innovative social services that have made a significant impact in our region. In response to the conflict in Ukraine, we have extended our support to refugee children and families, aiding over 10,000 individuals from Galați, Brăila, and Tulcea. Today, our foundation boasts a team of 50 employees and 40 volunteers. Our mission is to improve the lives of children and families by providing essential social services and advocating for children's rights. Collaborating with sponsors and contributors, our projects aim to harness human and community resources to ensure every child has access to a home, family, and the opportunity to thrive. Romania faces significant challenges, with approximately 21.5% of children living in poverty, the highest rate in the EU. Rural areas are particularly affected, with nearly 30% of children in our programs living in households earning less than $70 USD per person per month. Additionally, child mortality rates in Romania are the highest in the EU, with a concerning number of deaths occurring within the first month of life. School dropout rates remain high, especially in rural areas, where 25% of children leave school before completing high school due to material deprivation or exploitation in the workforce. Functional illiteracy is a pressing issue, reflecting the educational system's failure to meet the needs of children. The COVID-19 crisis has exacerbated existing challenges, leading to job losses, limited access to digital education for hundreds of thousands of children, and increased financial strain on families. In this context, our organization's role is more crucial than ever. We are among the most recognized and respected providers of social services in Southeast Romania, focusing our efforts on impoverished rural communities where children face limited opportunities without external support.