By Catherine Franks | Founder of Children's Helpers Worldwide
Having visited Refugiu's tutoring programme a few weeks ago, I am able to write a personal update on how much you are helping the children in the village of Talrungeni, in Brasov County, Romania.
For the tutoring sessions, the children are split into two groups depending on their age. I was able to spend time with both groups. The children have been working on improving their reading and writing. The local organisation, FAST (which introduced us to Refugiu in the first place) had donated booklets designed to help the children learn to read. The older children were also learning and practising their multiplication tables. Ten year old Gabriela seemed to really enjoy doing maths and was very good at multiplication.
Robert, the Head of Refugiu, also highlighted the progress of another little girl, Alexandra, aged 5. Robert said that when Alexandra first started attending the programme, she always said "I can't" when asked to try to do something new. However, now she writes beautifully and she always finishes the activities first. Her confidence has grown since attending the programme.
As well as running the tutoring programme, Refugiu also assists the children and families with wider support for their healthcare and social needs. One little boy, Manuel, who attends the tutoring programme, had been in an accident where he was hit by a car. Robert from Refugiu helped to support the family when Manuel was in the hospital and helped with transport to bring him home. The doctors did not think Manuel had much of a chance of survival after the accident, but he has made a miraculous recovery and now has even returned to the tutoring sessions! It was wonderful to see Manuel back at the programme!
It was very cold during my time in Romania. I am so grateful to those of you supporting the project, who made it possible to buy firewood to heat the classroom.
In April, CHW will be 10! We are hoping to celebrate this anniversary by joining in with GlobalGiving's "Little By Little" campaign, which will take place from 3 to 7 April. During that time, whilst matching funds last, your donations of up to $50 will be matched by 50%! The organisations raising the most (over the threshold of $3000) and with at least 30 supporters, will also win bonus prizes. This would be equal to having three supporters for each year that CHW has been running! It would be the perfect time to help, either by making a donation or by sharing the link to the project page, as your support will go even further during the Little By Little campaign!
Thank you again, so much, to each of you for your kindness and help for the children. Refugiu is doing great work, and it has been possible to continue with this programme because of your support. Robert and I cannot thank you enough!
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