Claudia, 13, lives with her family in deep poverty in Nisporeni district, Moldova. Her father is in prison for domestic abuse. She and her mother, 10-year-old brother Vasile, and nine-year-old sister Cristina live in their grandparents’ old house.
Because of her family’s poverty, Claudia was rejected and bullied by her classmates at school. She came close to dropping out of school altogether but ended up changing to another school in the region.
Claudia said, “One day at break time, I came across a cousin of mine. She told me she went to the after school day centre in Nisporeni and said that she enjoyed that place so much and I should go with her.
Claudia at after school program
“I really liked it there, and how friendly they are. I asked Mrs Aurica if I could come back again.”
Claudia’s family is now enrolled on Mission Without Borders’s family sponsorship programme – and she and her siblings all go along to the after school centre every week day. Here, about 30 children from backgrounds of poverty enjoy a warm meal, receive help with their homework, and do fun activities.
Cristina, a volunteer, said, “At home, many of these children miss out on their parents' affection and attention. They sometimes don’t have warmth at home, and often there’s no food.”
“Instead of staying at home feeling cold and hungry, these children can come here. Their parents might not be at home, but here at the centre, they’re under supervision and good care,” added Viorel. He’s a MWB staff member who gives regular support families in the area – and knows the challenges many of them face.
Claudia with siblings and MWB volunteers