Day Centers & Educational Programs
Through our day centres, we provide children with a safe and supportive environment where they can learn, receive guidance, and spend their time in a positive and meaningful way after school.
Our programs are designed for children from vulnerable families who are at risk of school dropout or family separation, as well as for Ukrainian refugee children, helping them integrate into their communities and overcome educational gaps.
Through homework support, educational activities, personal development, and social interaction, we help children build confidence, continue their education, and create a brighter future.
A Safe Place to Learn and Grow
Galați Day Center
Daily capacity: 25 children
We support some of the most vulnerable children in Galați, many of whom come from marginalized communities and families affected by poverty, unemployment, inadequate housing, and multiple social challenges. Many struggle at school, have low academic performance, frequent absences, and are at risk of dropping out.
Our programs provide the support they need to stay in school, develop essential life skills, and build a brighter future.
After-school Centers for Refugee Children
Beneficiaries: 30–35 children per month
The war forced thousands of Ukrainian children to leave behind their homes, schools, and friends. Many arrived in Romania after experiencing hardship and trauma. Language barriers, interrupted education, and the challenge of adapting to a new school system made both educational and social integration difficult.
Through our educational centres in Galați and Brăila, we help children regain confidence and a sense of normality. We provide Romanian language classes, homework support, catch-up learning, recreational activities, and opportunities to build friendships. Working closely with children, families, and schools, we support their integration into the local community and help them continue their education in a safe and welcoming environment.
Village Day Center
Daily capacity: 25 children
The Pechea Day Centre supports children from vulnerable families in a community frequently affected by floods, poverty, and limited opportunities. Many of the children come from large families facing unemployment and inadequate housing conditions. Some are being raised by grandparents or other relatives after their parents left to work elsewhere or are no longer actively involved in their lives.
Through educational support, personal development activities, and close collaboration with families and schools, we help children stay in education, reach their full potential, and build a brighter future.
Programe educaționale preșcolari
Current beneficiaries: 10–15 children per month
For young refugee children, adapting to a new country begins with rediscovering a sense of safety, play, and the joy of learning. Through our early childhood education program, we provide a welcoming environment where children develop cognitive, social, and emotional skills, learn basic Romanian, and prepare for integration into kindergarten and, later, school.
Activities are delivered through play, creative workshops, storytelling, music, and movement, helping children re-establish daily routines, build self-confidence, and overcome the impact of war and displacement.
Our first educational day program began in 1999, when we started working with street-connected children in Galați, providing literacy classes and activities to help them develop positive behaviour and life skills.
In 2005, we opened our first day centre in Galați for children facing hardship and at risk of dropping out of school. Over the following years, we expanded our educational services by opening additional day centres in Tecuci and in the rural community of Pechea.
In 2022, following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine and the arrival of thousands of refugees in eastern Romania, we launched educational and after-school programs for Ukrainian children in Galați and Brăila.
Over the years, hundreds of children have benefited from our educational programs. For many, our support meant the opportunity to stay in school, continue their education, and build an independent future. Today, many former beneficiaries are adults with careers, supporting their own families and making valuable contributions to their communities.
Driven by Every Child’s Potential
Daily Services
- Educational support and homework assistance
- Recreational and social activities
- Creative workshops and learning activities
- Romanian language classes to support refugee integration
- Personal development and life skills training
- Psychological counselling and emotional support
- Guidance and support for parents and caregivers
- Monitoring children’s educational progress in collaboration with schools
- Hot meals and nutritional support
- Material assistance, including school supplies, hygiene products, clothing, and footwear, when needed
“The centre has been a tremendous help to us. I am raising my granddaughter on my own, and although I do everything I can for her, I wasn’t able to help with her schoolwork. She was struggling at school and found reading and writing very difficult. One of her teachers encouraged me to enroll her in the program. She has been attending for two years now, and I couldn’t be happier with the progress she’s made. This year, she even received a school merit award. She has also made friends, become much more confident, and enjoys taking part in activities, trips, and summer camps.”
— Grandmother of a child attending our program
“Heart of a Child Foundation has been a lifeline for many Ukrainian families. At first, I came to the organization looking for Romanian language classes for myself and my children. There we met a wonderful teacher who made learning Romanian easy to understand. Later, we discovered the after-school program, which has been the best way for my daughter to settle into her new life in Romania. After school, she stays at the centre until 5:00 p.m., completes her homework, spends time with other children, and comes home happy every evening. I can go to work knowing she is safe and well cared for. It has been an incredible support for both parents and children.”
— Ella Mednikova, mother of a child attending our program
Annual results (2025)
children beneficiaires
Meals donated
Hours of educational support
Changing Lives Every Day
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