Sponsorship helps kids reach their full potential and increases their self-esteem

For the children and teens growing up in poverty in the north of Romania, expectations are low – and anyone who dares to have a big dream for the future is brought down to size. Poverty has characterized their families for generations, their parents are uneducated, and they live in remote areas, far away from new opportunities and a brighter future. 

We’re here to help her understand her worth

“Many children and teens give up on their dreams and that’s mostly because they’re told by their relatives or even teachers that they’ll never make it,”  said Simina. 

Simina works for Mission Without Borders (MWB), helping to run an after-school club for children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. She has seen over and over again how a negative mindset is engrained in so many of them – by their school, by their community, by their relatives. 

“Many children and teens give up on their dreams and that’s mostly because they’re told by their relatives or even teachers that they’ll never make it,” said Simina. 

Simina works for Mission Without Borders (MWB), helping to run an after-school club for children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. She has seen over and over again how a negative mindset is engrained in so many of them – by their school, by their community, by their relatives. 

“They develop these beliefs that there’s too many obstacles in their way, or  they start to think their aspirations are nonsense,” she said. “These thoughts are woven into their minds almost every day, over and over again by the people around them, and it confines them a life of hardship and regret.” 

MWB's after-school programs help kids reach their full potential. After -school programs are a key feature in MWB's sponsorship program.

Andra, 13 – the third and youngest in her family – is an intelligent and energetic young girl, but she’s also had to battle these insecurities, despite her parents being very supportive. Her two older sisters are both married and live abroad, and Andra lives with her mother and father in a remote, poverty-stricken area. Her father has a health condition that means he’s unable to work, and her mother is unemployed. They both have very little education – but want to see their children do well in life. 

Andra’s older sisters are her heroes. One of them became a nurse and the other one is studying to become a nurse, too. Their hard work, determination and self-confidence is paying off, motivating Andra to work hard and do something with her life, too. 

Simina said, “Andra understands well the difficult situation she’s in and she wants to overcome her circumstances, knowing it’s possible, but in many ways, she still struggles with self-belief. She worries that maybe her sisters only succeeded because they’re much smarter than her, and doubts sometimes that she’ll be able to do well, too.” 

Andra is in seventh grade now, and her daily prayer is to study hard and continue to stay positive in the face of all the hardship she faces – and the negative mindset she’s encouraged to develop by her community and school, who often discourage children by asking things like, ‘Why do you have so many dreams in your head?’  

Andra and her parents in front of their house in Romania.

Fortunately, Andra has a supportive community behind her, cheering her and helping her to ignore the naysayers. She has been enrolled on Mission Without Borders’ child sponsorship program, and goes along to after-school club every day where she receives help with her homework along with plenty of emotional support.  

Andra said, “My parents are happy that I have the chance to go to the after-school program. They know it might be the only way I can improve in my studies and get all the encouragement and support that I need. They want to see me 
break out of poverty and out of the low expectations that everyone has for a girl from my community. My parents love me, and I love them.” 

Like many other children, Andra considers herself blessed to be part of the after-school program. Spending time with the other children and with Simina and Florin is Andra’s favourite part of the day.  

Talking to Simina helps her process her thoughts and emotions and has helped her become more confident in making her own decisions.  

Simina said, “Andra is quiet, but very wise and practical. In time she has learned to focus on the solution more than on the problem. She is very respected by the others at the after-school program, and she’s often chosen to lead an activity.” 

Andra Works on math at MWB's after-school program

Andra’s favourite subject at school is Romanian language, and she does her best to keep up with Maths. She needs to do well in both subjects before her big first exam at the end of eighth grade.  

Simina said, “Andra needs to put in a lot of effort to keep up with her studies, as her school doesn’t support her. But if she keeps being determined and positive, she’ll be able to step into the brighter future she’s dreaming of.” 
Andra doesn’t talk much, but when she does, she is very articulate and manages to express her feelings and questions well.  

Andra said, “I like learning new things every day and I like learning from my mistakes. I also like working in a team and I love people. I enjoy working in the flower garden at home and I also like tidying up things.  

“Just like my sisters, I’ve thought about becoming a nurse, but I think I might want to try something else that helps people, as I find it really hard seeing people suffer because of their medical condition. I think I want to become a psychologist or a social worker.”  

“And she can totally do it,” Simina said. “Over the years we’ve noticed how much Andra loves spending time with and talking to people, how patient she is when she’s helping other kids with chores or homework, and we’re here to support and encourage her in anything she decides to do.  

“We’re here to help her understand her worth, develop a sound mindset and  grow in self-confidence. She is a great young lady and deserves all the help she can get for her dreams to come true.”  

In two years’ time, Andra will be starting high school in the city. She’s both excited and fearful of this new world unfolding that she’ll need to figure out on her own, but she is turning to God in prayer and trusting he will help her. 
It used to be the case that hearing words such as, ‘You can’t do it!’ would discourage her and drain her of hope. Now, however, although she’s still a little anxious, she’s growing more and more confident thanks to MWB’s ongoing support, and developing the skills God has blessed her with. 

Andra and her parents check on the bell peppers they grow in their backyard garden.

Florin, MWB coordinator, said, “Andra became a member of the big MWB family only three years ago, but she started attending the after-school activities about a couple of years before that. Her parents are both unemployed and uneducated, but they’re respectful, hardworking people and despite the challenges they face, they’ve always supported their children to become the best they can be. 

“Andra was always enthusiastic about learning new things about the world around her, and mostly about God, who she now knows is her greatest encourager."

“I get to see Andra every week and I’m impressed by her learning and her work ethic. She’s one of the most trustworthy and responsible young ladies we have in our program, and we all enjoy watching her grow in her character and skills and self-confidence. She’s often entrusted to watch and guide the little ones in doing their homework or help them get ready to take part in activities, and she does it well. She has a heart of gold and never misses a chance to go the extra mile, often without being asked.” 

There are lots of activities at the after-school program, and Andra loves taking part in all of them. There’s the chance to learn about planets and the solar system; support in understanding your own strengths and weaknesses; there are lessons following the lives and stories of various Bible characters; there’s cooking, singing, small group talks, hikes and making friends.  

As well as the after school activities, as a sponsored child Andra also gets to go to MWB’s summer camps, receive regular food and hygiene supplies, donated goods, and school supplies. She also takes part in the Bible Correspondence Course and Christian activities. 

She appreciates everything she’s given, but most of all, she values the love and support that she feels surrounded by.

Andra said, “I am grateful to all the sponsors who make all these things possible. Thank you for giving me and all the other children the chance to learn that we can become anything we set our hearts on – and that there’s more to us than what people around us try and tell us.”