Neglect and squalor

Romanian orphanages became a byword for neglect in the early 1990s, when the world saw conditions in these squalid institutions for the first time. The children’s empty faces and emaciated bodies shocked all who saw them.

The system may have improved. But what became of the children?

Home of Hope

Global Care’s founder, Ron Newby, witnessed it all first-hand. Working with a Romanian couple, he bought a house – called the Home of Hope. He wanted to help some of these children grow up in a normal family setting. Local women – called ‘mamas’ – were employed to look after them.

Ron wanted all the children to be taught in mainstream schools, despite being labelled as ‘learning disabled’. Ron believed this was due to lack of early care and stimulation. He had to fight the authorities to make this happen – but the children have repaid his faith in them. They have all succeeded in mainstream education.

Special children

The home opened with 12 children. Over the years, others joined the family. Mihai needed special care for his heart problem. Little Reka was only a few days old when she was brought to the home. Each child is treated as a special individual and they all know they belong and are loved.

Growing up

As the children have grown, the Home of Hope has grown too! As they grew even older, into young adults, we purchased two nearby apartments where the oldest could develop independent living skills, whilst still receiving support. Now in their early twenties, the oldest of our ‘children’ have left us altogether. They are healthy, well-educated young people, working for a living, supporting themselves. We are very proud of them.

There is still much we can do, but we can’t do it alone. Can you help?

Become a child sponsor

For £18 per month you can give a child a childhood – food, shelter, education and loving care. Each child needs several sponsors to cover the costs of running the home. Sponsor a Romanian child here.

Become a project partner

As the project develops, there are so many ways we can make a difference. Your monthly gift of £12 gives us flexibility to reach out further.

Join the Friends of Romania Association for just £6 per month

• Contribute to new community-based and respite care developments as we seek to support other vulnerable children in Romania.

Give a one-off gift

• £30 pays a child’s medical needs for 6 months.
• £50 pays for clothing for a term.
• £100 covers respite care costs for a child for two weeks, once a year.

Romania at a glance

• Population: estimated 22.5 million. 18% under 15. 21.5% below the poverty line.
• Home of Hope based in Tirgu Mures - centre of Hungarian culture in Transylvania.
• Transport varied: horse-drawn carts alongside luxury sports cars.
• Ciorba (soup) features in every meal except breakfast.
• Significant gypsy population in rural areas.