Increase the skills of Moldovan autism therapists

Since we last wrote to you, we have been fine-tuning our staff training programme here at Rain Kids.  Ana Cislaru reported that the quality of training on the course she was taking was disappointing.  It simply didn't compare the quality of the training we had accessed from a Romanian organisation.  So we took the decision to transfer her course to Bucharest.  Ana is able to study remotely and is very pleased with the improved teaching.  While Ana studies, we continue to access training from Bucharest for the rest of our staff team too, which is helping us keep the momentum up in improving our services.

As an organisation, we are keen to meet help our families in any way we can.  Today in Moldova, families with a disabled child often live in poverty not least because one parent often has to give up work to provide full-time care. To make matters worse, inflation is at 8.8% and rising, pushing many to their limits. With our help, Rain Kids have been offering support in the form of food parcels, which have been distributed to no less than 80 families.

 By providing these packages, we help improve living conditions for these children and their families. We also ease the stress parents deal with daily by giving them a small but meaningful break in a situation that can be overwhelming. This kind of support directly improves their quality of life and also helps with the children's therapy and social integration.

Food packages include essentials like rice, buckwheat, wheat and corn flour, canned fish, sunflower oil and more. There are also some treats—wafers, buns, and biscuits—to bring a little joy to the kids. Domestic cleaning products are included, helping families create a healthier space for their children.

Testimonies from the families who not ony the practical benefit of the food parcels, but also how important it is for families who are often marginalised to feel seen and cared for. 

"The packages from Rain Kids have made a difference, not just in a practical way but emotionally too. Just knowing we’re not alone, that someone cares, brings a kind of peace that’s hard to describe. We’re so thankful for the support and kindness—truly, from the bottom of our hearts!" Maria D., mother of a boy with severe autism

"It’s reassuring to know there are people who see what we go through every day and want to help, even in small ways. The products we received came just when we needed them most, during a really tough time. Rain Kids feel like family to us." Ion P., father of a girl with Rett syndrome

"Raising a child with special needs is challenging, especially when the system doesn’t offer much real support. Having Rain Kids provide these packages regularly takes some of the weight off our shoulders, helping us focus more on our child's needs. Thank you for truly seeing us and for being there." Elena S., mother of a teenager with ASD