Education for 50 disadvantaged Romanian children

Dear donors and friends,

we send you all of our positive energy from Panciu and we thank you wholeheartedly for your support, as we feel that every time you get closer to us.

Since it's Christmas, a period full of emotions, we have chosen to tell you the history of two little brothers. In a way, it'a "sad" story, made out of difficulties and obstacles that are bigger than these two children. Nonetheless, we consider that it's also a story made out of hope and faith in a better future. That's why we are are sending it to you so close to Christmas time!
It's the story of Eliza and Alin, respectively 10 and 11 years old.

In 2012 they started attending daily the Centre Pinocchio. In that period their mother went to Italy for work and decided to leave the two brothers with their father, that unfortunately has never guaranteed to his children enough attention, neither has took care of them in a suitable way.
Eliza and Alin, like many other children of their age, bagan to spend a lot of their time on the road, smoking and consuming energizing drinks. Luckily they "discovered" the Centre Pinocchio, where they could stay safe and where they could learn, play and grow together with other children.
Three years ago their mother decided to move to UK and to bring there also her children; their arrival in an unknown country and the fear of a new place forced her to hide Eliza and Alin inside their house for almost a year. The difficult life in UK and the absence of relevant relationships led the family back in Panciu.
In 2016, Eliza and Alina started once again to attend the Centre Pinocchio. They were disoeriented and afraid of restarting everything from the beginning. The local staff was ready to welcome them back and support their re-enrollment at school. Even if, unfortunately, they couldn't be reinserted in the class corresponding to their age, they little by little "fought" to recover what they've lost, to rebuild their friendships and to become self-confident.
The Centre Pinocchio has become for them a strong point of reference, a family and a home. This is particularly important for two children, whose life has been subjected to changes and transfers. Undoubtedly, the presence of a rather untrustworthy father still has some negative repercussions in the behaviours and in the emotions of Eliza and Alin. But they always know that the doors of the Centre Pinocchio are open and that here they can find a warm environment, healthy food and, above all, someone that take care of them. We are aware that our support still needs to be improved, for example throught the provision of professional psychological support. We are working, step by step, in this direction. The contribution of many donors and friends is precious for us, for enhancing the quality of the services provided to children like Eliza and Alin. We hope to have you close to us also in the future!
Best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year from the Centre Pinocchio!