Romanian orphans project needs help

The North West Romanian Orphans Project aims to build upon the work of the North West Romanian Fund, which for many years delivered aid to orphanages and supported thousands of vulnerable children.

The new group, formed this year, says members were shocked at the conditions in which Romanian children are still living.

Leeann Monk, who travelled to Romania this year, said although Romania was no longer in the headlines, it was littered with overcrowded and poorly maintained orphanages.

“There is still a long way to go to improve the standard of care for children who have been abandoned or put into care facilities. This is particularly true for disabled children,” she said.

“Having seen the situation first hand and in working with the Romanian child protection agency, we are convinced that people in our city and district can make a real difference that will make a lasting impact on the lives of the orphaned and abandoned children”.

An estimated 62,000 children are in State care in Romania.

The new group is planning two projects: ‘Home for the Holidays’ which aims to offer children holiday places with families here in the district in both the summer and at Christmas, and the Romanian orphanage initiative,‘Project Codlea’.

A public meeting will be held on Monday, August 10 at the Junction, at 7pm for anyone interested in supporting the projects or assisting with fundraising or administration.