On Christmas day, 1989, the dictatorial leader of Romania, Nicolae Ceauşescu and his wife, Elena were executed for crimes that included genocide and the illegal gathering of personal wealth. In 1990 the world’s attention was drawn by Anneka Rice to the plight of thousands of abandoned children living in horrendous conditions in State run institutions in Romania. Anneka and her team of volunteers went out to Romania and renovated a dilapidated psychiatric institution which was home to approx 700 young people living in the town of Siret in North East Romania. orphanage in Bucharest with only a few cans of paint and some sticky back plastic. It made great television; very emotional and inspiring and it helped bring the plight of the orphans to the attention of the world.
It was listening to this documentary that touched the heart of Danny and Joe, both independently volunteering to do what they could with their skills. Then they met and combined their efforts into the charity “People in Need Worldwide.”
The authorities in Romania are very much aware that they need to take responsibility for the conditions experienced by their citizens, but the conditions are so appalling they need help from outside agencies. The shocking level of abuse, neglect and despair among just 700 + abandoned children in one orphanage is beyond most people’s level of understanding. The emotional and physical journey that many of these children have been on since 1990 is extraordinary.
After meeting one young girl (see image left) Danny knew instantly that he would never want to give up helping the people of Romania.
Overall, the political and economical situation in Romania has not changed significantly. Groceries gas and electricity prices are almost at a western European level. However wages are very different. An unskilled person earns about £200 per month, while a craftsman or professional person earns about £350 per month.
According to a poll taken by a reputable Romanian institute, many Romanians are worried about their situation.73% would advise younger people to leave the country, if they are able to find work elsewhere. 80% are concerned about corruption, wages, medical care, and the gap between the rich and the poor. We share their concern, because we witness exactly these problems and obstacles there. It is always the poorest and uneducated who suffer from the situation and who remain unaffected by positive developments. For this reason our work with these people is still very much needed.
Here are a few examples of people we have met and their life story so far. Gabriel was taken away from his family by the child protection authorities. At only four-years -old he has, had his arm broken several times, a dislocated shoulder and a large burn wound on his behind, from being sat down on a cooker. At the beginning Gabriel did not speak at all; the child protection agency thought he was mute. Now under the care of the small care home he now lives in he has started speaking and is now a happy boy and popular with everyone. To this group also came two siblings, Joana (9) and George (7), whose father stabbed their mother to death. Both so far smile very little, do not talk about their past and are hard to reach.
The Roma are another very needy group in Romania with 80% of them categorised as living in severe poverty. Work is commencing with this group and they receive food, clothing, and supplies for daily needs as well as financial help for medical attention. The provision of bread is strictly coupled with kindergarten or school attendance. By the end of the year, Samariteanul Milos (a foundation PIN works closely with) will have distributed about 17,000 loaves of bread.