Romania, an Eastern European nation, has seen rapid economic growth since the 2000s, with a 3.8% annual GDP growth in 2024. However, before this surge, many Romanians faced poverty under Nicolae Ceaușescu’s Soviet regime from 1967 to 1989, following World War II. Ceaușescu banned abortion and contraceptives, claiming it would fuel economic growth. As a result, economic instability significantly affected childcare in the country. Consequently, many Romanian children ended up in state care or orphanages because their biological parents were unable to support them due to this policy. Currently, five charities are operating in Romania to ensure the well-being of every child, both in care and those living in impoverished families. Here are the five charities making significant impacts in Romania:

5 Charities Operating in Romania

1. The Delia Foundation.  Founded in 2017, the Delia Foundation is a nonprofit organization named after Delia, an orphaned baby girl with significant limb limitations born in rural Romania. Laura Larkin, the foundation’s founder, encountered Delia while volunteering at a local orphanage. This experience motivated her to create the foundation to support children and orphans with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Inspired by Delia’s story, the foundation dedicates itself to offering orphaned children the care and love they need, focusing on finding them the most suitable families.
2. Care2Travel. Care2Travel, a volunteer organization, aims to inspire positive change by providing volunteers with memorable adventures in Romania, where they can help those in need. The organization’s vision is to create “a world where citizens are socially aware and motivated toward working for positive change.” In addition, Care2Travel strives to connect volunteers from different countries to promote the growth of an active civil society. It encourages collaboration across nationalities to make a tangible impact.
3. Fundaƫia Inocenţi (Romanian Children’s Relief). Romanian Children’s Relief, a nonprofit organization, delivers tailored and professional support to children and their families. It believes “all children deserve a healthy and happy childhood” and works toward a future where no child’s potential is constrained by their background or disability. The organization aims for a society where parents, communities and authorities collaborate to support this ideal. Fundația Inocenți operates six programs in Romania, including socio-recreational activities, educational support, medical art therapy and psychoeducational resources.
4. Te Aud Romania (TAR). Founded in 2014, Te Aud Romania (TAR) is a nongovernmental organization dedicated to supporting Romanian orphans and disadvantaged children. It provides educational tools and activities to keep them engaged and entertained. It has a particular focus on enhancing their communication skills. In addition, TAR uses sports to foster discipline, integrity, teamwork and honesty. This proves particularly beneficial for children who tend to isolate themselves. Moreover, by encouraging participation in sports, TAR helps these children open up, make new friends and promote their social and emotional development.
5. Hope and Homes for Children. Since 1998, Hope and Homes for Children has dedicated itself to eliminating orphanages in Romania. The organization commits to building initiatives that reinforce family structures. This includes day centers, emergency reception centers, mother and baby units and community centers. It also develops alternative care options for children without parental support, such as foster care and small group homes. Through these efforts, Hope and Homes for Children have played a pivotal role in reforming the child protection system across Romania.

Looking Ahead

The efforts of these five charities operating in Romania signal a hopeful future for the country’s most vulnerable children. Through compassionate care, innovative programs and unwavering dedication, these organizations are not just addressing immediate needs but are also laying the groundwork for systemic change. Moreover, they continue to transform lives and challenge the status quo. Their collective impact promises to reshape Romania’s approach to childcare and family support, ensuring a brighter, more inclusive future for all children.

– Nevin Guler

Nevin is based in River Vale, NJ, USA and focuses on The Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr