Changes and Successes

For the past 6 months we have been working with 12 very excited

and energetic students. At the start of the year they did not know

how to carry a conversation in Romanian or follow basic instructions. 

It has been a great adventure and journey with these kids. They have

kept us on our toes and in the process these kids have learned so

much and so have we. It is so exciting to see growth!

Elvis

This year a new law for Education came into place. All kids are now 

obligated to go to school if they want any kind of social help. This of 

course caused a little ripple in our kindergarten program. Everyone 

talked of going to school in town to get a stipend. But it wasn't until

this past week that they all started leaving one by one to get registered.

We went to the school in town and spoke with the principal and it turned

out to be the best thing for both the kids and our program.

Ludovic

As a result of this new law kids are obligated to go to school and if the

parents want any kind of help (stipend or school allowance) their kids 

must attend school. This caused parents to start taking their kids to school. 

Though they are registering their kids based on help this is a step toward

having all gypsy kids going to school and this is very exciting for us. 

(School was never mandatory) Also, because of this the teachers that

teach kindergarten saw our kids with a basic knowledge that up to this

point they did not have and the kids were able to step right in with no 

difficulty. We were so happy for the kids when we heard how amazed 

the teachers were with them.

We are confident that this was the will of God. First, to show these gypsy

kids that they can learn and that they are smart. Second, to show the teachers

that gypsy children are very smart and can learn if you give them time and

attention. Third, this has opened a door of education and success for a new 

generation of learners.

Cluadiu

After Easter break we remained with 9 students from this first group of 12. 

We are sure that God's plans are greater than we can ever make for these

kids and can't wait to see what next year brings. There are so many kids in

this area that need help and do not have the basics to start school.