”EDUCATION IS THE PREMISE OF PROGRESS, IN EVERY SOCIETY, IN EVERY FAMILY.” – Kofi Anan
All children have the right to education, regardless of the environment they were born in. However, in Romania only a third of vulnerable children graduate primary school. If their parents struggle with everyday life, children’s education does not come as a priority. Without real opportunities and constant access to education, the majority of these children are at risk of becoming adults with economical difficulties, unable to support their families.
United Way takes a holistic approach to developing educational capacity. Education is more than just a classroom or a teacher. In order for youth to receive a quality education, it takes the focus and resources of the entire community to create learning-rich environments where dreams are fueled and opportunities are delivered to those who need them.
Our main programs in education are:
In 2025, United Way Romania supported a number of 7,678 children, from disadvantaged backgrounds, not to interrupt their education, as follows:
- 2,729 children from low-income communities had access to integrated services aimed at preventing school dropout;
- 1,882 children hospitalized for long periods participated in educational programs and art therapy activities;
- 878 children in foster care centers had access to educational activities;
- 833 children from vulnerable communities participated in the NutriCOOLtura project;
- 1,249 children from disadvantaged backgrounds benefited from literacy activities (Adventure through Reading);
- 107 children took part in the Learn and Live Healthy project—a mixed initiative combining literacy and sports activities;
- 1,470 parents participated in the Parents’ Academy, where they developed parenting skills, were supported in understanding the importance of education and reading in their children’s lives, and received psychosocial counseling based on their needs;
- 1,161 teachers and specialists from disadvantaged communities took part in various training courses and sessions designed to support their work with children from vulnerable backgrounds and help prevent school dropout.
