As the crisis evolved, so did our response:
Community Hub in Romania – In 2023, a safe, welcoming space was established where over 1,300 refugees accessed activities, social support, and educational opportunities, many led by refugee volunteers. The centre became a lifeline for many refugee families in Iasi, with an average of 17 activities running per week mainly led by refugee volunteers. Over 1,314 different people accessed the community centre, which represented over half of the refugee population in Iasi.
Ongoing Care for Children – We continued to support the group of unaccompanied refugee children, ensuring stability and emotional healing through professional care and structured activities in their colourful centre in Bucium.
From 2024 our sole focus was on providing dedicated individual support to the children from the orphanage.
These children have thrived, living in the colourful, refurbished Bucium centre in Iasi, where we provided food, clothing and a fun schedule of activities, alongside professional support with trained psychologists, social workers and play therapy.
Our experienced partners worked with the Child Protection Department in Romania to support the children, who received an excellent level of care from the social workers and one-to-one support from the team’s psychologists.
One of our main focuses was to help the children integrate into the Romanian education system. Children learnt the Romanian language, and became fluent, but still faced many challenges after having so many years of disrupted education through COVID and the war.
The consistent, high quality care provided by Children on the Edge saw a continued improvement in behaviour in the children. Trust, and strong relationships were built between the children and staff.
Of the 43 original children, 26 have now moved on:
23 returned to Ukraine to be with extended or foster families.
3 transitioned into Romanian higher education or state-run independence programmes.
5 more will soon return to Ukraine, to be with extended or foster families.
The remaining 12, will stay at the centre, but are fully integrated into the Romanian care system and will continue to receive state support from the Romanian Child Protection department.
The transition of Ukrainian children into Romania’s care system marks a milestone—these children are no longer seen as refugees but as part of the local community. Their progress is a testament to the dedication of our partners in Romania and the generosity of our supporters.
With refugee needs now met locally, Children on the Edge is stepping back, knowing we stayed for as long as we were needed.
Thank you for enabling us to respond swiftly and remain committed for the long haul. Your support has changed lives and given hope to so many.
