Hemeiusi

SOS Children’s Villages supports individual children, young people and families so that they can thrive (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Romania).

Hemeiusi and Bacau are small towns in the Moldavian region of north-east Romania, about 300 km to the north of Bucharest. This area has one of the highest unemployment rates in the country and a high number of families living in poverty. As a result, many young people and adults are moving abroad for work, and children are often left with older relatives.

Since 2007, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Hemeiusi.

135,000
Children are out of school

Missing out on education

At least 12% of children are absent from primary and lower secondary school. In total, 135,000 children and 95,000 adolescents miss out of crucial education. Unofficial extra payments requested from families increase the financial burden on households and increase the educational gap that further disadvantages vulnerable children. A poor educational background worsens prospects for employment, restricts social and emotional development, and increases their risk to exploitation and abuse.

1 in 6
Children lack access to medical services

Parents can’t purchase medicine

Access to healthcare is a challenge in Romania. While the health system faces budget cuts and corruption, as well as medicine and staff shortages, poverty and a lack of infrastructure further restrict access for the most vulnerable. As a result, 23% of parents are unable to purchase medicines, and 15% do not have access to medical services, for their children. A child’s health is crucial for their physical and mental growth and development, affecting the quality of their life now and into adulthood.

Your support makes a difference for children in Hemeiusi

SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities to offer a wide range of support that is adapted to the local context. We always work in the best interest of the children, young people and families.
40
Families
Can stay together
10
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
10
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Playing football together against the local team (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Romania).

How your support helps in Hemeiusi

Strengthening families and communities
When parents face hardships, they can sometimes struggle to give children the care they need. SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities. Each family needs different support so that they can stay together. This support can include workshops on parenting and children’s rights. We also run training so that parents can get the skills they need to get a job or start their own businesses. Likewise, we ensure that children can get medical help and go to school.
Caring for children who cannot live with their families
Some children cannot stay with their families, even with additional support. When this happens, they can find a new home in SOS Children’s Villages. Here the children can build safe and lasting relationships. All the children in our care have access to education and healthcare. Wherever possible, we work closely with the children’s family of origin. If children can return to live with their families, we help them adapt to this change.
Supporting young people to become independent
To help young people become confident and independent, our local team works closely with each young person to develop a plan for their future. We support young people and also help them prepare for the labour market and increase their employment prospects. For example, young people can attend workshops and trainings run by SOS Children’s Villages. They also improve their skills through taking part in different projects with local mentors and businesses.