One Village, One Child – Education Grants and Support
In many rural communities in eastern Romania, childhood comes with responsibilities from an early age. After school, many children help their families with farm work, care for younger siblings, or walk long distances home. For families relying on small-scale farming or irregular income, keeping a child in school often means making difficult financial sacrifices. School supplies, transportation, clothing, and the costs of continuing education can be overwhelming. In recent years, economic hardship and the impact of natural disasters have made these challenges even greater.
Beyond financial hardship, children growing up in rural areas have limited opportunities to reach their full potential. They rarely meet mentors, participate in activities that build confidence, or imagine a future beyond the boundaries of their village. For many, opportunities seem to end where the village does.
Yet every one of these communities is home to talented children with strong academic potential and big dreams. What they need is the chance to continue their education, people who believe in them, and opportunities that help them become the teachers, doctors, entrepreneurs, engineers, and community leaders of tomorrow.
The Story That Started It All
“The inspiration for our scholarship program came from our very first meeting with Valentina. When we met her, she was living in a house without electricity. Despite these circumstances, she was the top student in her class. She had just missed the County Physics Olympiad because her parents could not afford the 16 lei (around €3) needed for a bus ticket.
Once we began supporting her, everything changed. Two years later, Valentina ranked 7th nationally in Romania’s Physics Olympiad. We also helped convince her parents to let her continue her education at one of the best high schools in Galați. Today, she is studying Chemistry at university in Bucharest. Her sister, Mihaela, followed the same path with the same determination and is now a university student as well.”
— Tatiana Ilie, Social Worker
Stories of Impact
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The stories that make us go on
Investing in Big Dreams Born in Rural Communities
Children with strong academic potential from low-income families are identified in partnership with local schools and public authorities.
As long as they need support—or until they complete their education—they receive education grants, personal development activities, opportunities to build confidence and social connections, as well as practical support such as school supplies, clothing, footwear, computers and other IT equipment, food packages, and hygiene products.
The program also provides ongoing guidance and counselling for both children and their families. When needed, we help them access medical care and other essential services.
Families are supported through regular home visits and meetings with parents and children, ensuring that each child receives the encouragement and support needed to continue their education.
The One Village, One Child program began in 2014.
Each year, we support 30–40 children. From every village, we select one child with exceptional potential but without the financial resources to pursue their education and achieve their dreams.
We know there are many more children in rural communities who deserve the same opportunity. With your support, we can reach many more of them.
You Make This Program Possible.
This program is made possible by:
❤️ Donations collected through our donation boxes placed in pharmacies and other local businesses across Galați and the surrounding area.
❤️ Donations or 3.5% income tax redirections from individual taxpayers.
❤️ Corporate sponsorships and 20% corporate tax redirections from businesses.
❤️ Swimathon Bucharest Event, where volunteers from across Romania swim and inspire friends, colleagues, and supporters to raise funds for the education of vulnerable children.
