Romania's Orphan Problem

Romania's orphan problem began in the last days of Communism. Romania suffered under the harsh dictator Nicolae Ceausescu, who ruined the nation's economy while building lavish monuments to himself. Ceausescu outlawed abortion at a time when Romania faced severe shortages of food and heating oil.

Denied access to contraception and struggling to feed their families, many Romanians instead abandoned their newborn children. These children suffered neglect and abuse in under-funded state-run orphanages.

Today, nearly twenty years after the fall of Communism, the situation is much improved as the Romanian government provides better care for orphans. At the same time, the Romanian economy struggles with the Communist legacy and funds for the orphanages are tight.

More seriously, the practice of abandoning children continues. Many Romanians cannot afford birth control and cannot care for their children. For them, leaving a newborn at an orphanage is a solution.

Each year improvements are made to Romania's orphanages, but many basic needs of the orphans are not being able to be met due to lack of resources and insufficient staff.

Romania's orphans -- like our own children -- need all the love and help we can give.

You can help us by volunteering or by making a tax-deductible donation. One hundred percent of your donation goes toward helping Romanian orphans.

What You Can Do

2-week volunteer vacations in Brasov, Transylvania. Mix care & support for Romanian orphans with food, fun and sightseeing.  More

Support eye surgery to correct strabismus (crossed eyes), a common problem for Romania's orphans.  More

Once orphans reach age 18, they must leave their institution. Our Transitional Program helps them adjust to life outside the orphanage.  More