United Way Romania, in partnership with Țiriac International Foundation, is implementing the project “Learn and Live Healthy”, an initiative dedicated to supporting children from disadvantaged communities through education, sports activities, and life skills development, with the aim of offering them a healthier and brighter future.
Implemented in a community in Brașov County, selected based on educational and social needs, the project “Learn and Live Healthy,” with a total value of nearly 150,000 euros, runs over two school years. It involves 200 children, 50 parents, and 4 teachers.
The initiative addresses key challenges faced by many children in Romania, such as poverty, learning difficulties, school dropout, and limited access to a healthy lifestyle. According to the National Institute of Statistics, 27% of children aged 0–17 live in poverty, while PISA results show that nearly half of Romanian students are functionally illiterate, with significantly higher rates in vulnerable communities. At the same time, in the area of child health, 2024 data from the World Health Organization shows that 40% of Romanian children have weight-related problems. As a result, Romania remains among the European countries with the highest rates of childhood obesity.
On January 21, the project inaugurated a reading club at the community school. The space has been designed as a modern environment and a library adapted to the children’s age. Here, children will take part in weekly reading activities organized in small groups, using interactive methods that stimulate curiosity and the joy of reading. Literacy levels will be continuously assessed in order to tailor activities to each child’s needs.
“For more than 20 years, United Way Romania has developed educational programs for children from vulnerable backgrounds, guided by the belief that every child has potential and deserves the support needed to discover it. The reading club we are opening today is more than just a space with books – it is a safe and welcoming place where children can learn, dream, and build confidence in themselves. We thank our partners at Țiriac International Foundation for supporting a project that brings together education and a balanced lifestyle,” said Adriana Dobrea, Executive Director of United Way Romania.
“The role of Țiriac International Foundation is to invest in the young generation and create real opportunities for a better future for Romania. The project <<‘Learn and Live Healthy’>> is one of the ways this mission comes to life, offering children from vulnerable communities the support they need to move forward with confidence. Together with United Way Romania, we are building a sustainable model that supports education, encourages healthy habits, and opens real prospects for these children. Their success matters for Romania’s future, and we are committed to standing by them on this journey,” said Andra Farcaș, Charity Officer at Țiriac International Foundation.
The sports and health component of the project includes weekly sports workshops and annual events such as “Sports Day,” focused on cooperation, fair play, and team spirit. In parallel, children will participate in monthly educational sessions on the importance of a healthy lifestyle, covering topics such as balanced nutrition, hydration, physical activity, sleep, emotional health, and the prevention of risky behaviors. At each activity, children will receive healthy snacks or a warm meal, providing tangible support for families in need.
“Learn and Live Healthy” also pays attention to the adults in the children’s lives. Teachers will take part in professional training sessions and will receive ongoing support throughout the implementation of the project, enabling them to better assist pupils from vulnerable backgrounds. At the same time, parents will be involved in information and awareness activities to encourage reading, healthy eating, and physical activity.
For the long term, the initiative aims to increase school attendance, reduce the risk of educational dropout, improve children’s well-being, and develop essential life and social integration skills. The project seeks to create a sustainable intervention model that can be continued by the school and the community even after the funding period ends.
With over 20 years of experience working with vulnerable communities, United Way Romania continues to develop programs that bring together schools, families, and communities to generate lasting change in children’s lives.
