This week school started for over 3 million kids in Romania. We actually get quite long summer holidays in Romania starting in the beginning of June and ending mid September. Therefore is always a shock to the system for the kids going back to school.
New Term at the Homework Club
The homework club also started this week. The first week is always very busy just enrolling the kids and going through the daily routines with them. This week we have had 20 kids enrolling onto the homework club which means we are very busy and don’t have much space.
The Tree of Hands under construction
Thankfully the kids came back to a room which had been newly painted and desks and benches we had all been freshly varnished. We even had an artist Claire Hollywell who painted some great symbols on the walls; a rainbow and a tree of hands. We hope to make more use of Claire as she has volunteered to do art classes with kids this term.
The Finished Rainbow
In the next 2 weeks we welcome Steve Marsh and his team from the Isle of Wight. They faithfully come every year bringing donations from the Isle of Wight. But more of that in our next Newsletter.
Our kids summer camp this year was held in June. With the team from Kings Church Horsham and our own Romanian volunteers plus many giggling excited kids we made our way to Podu Olt a village just out side Brasov.
This year all the kids were staying in tents, a change from the last couple of years where we have stayed in chalets.
The theme of this Camp was The Fruits of the Holy Spirit and the Horsham team did a fantastic time in their drama presentations and running the whole meetings. The typical day would start with the volunteers meeting for prayer, then breakfast and devotions for the kids. We would then have a morning meeting starting off with worship, some great ice breakers for the kids, drama presentation and a short talk. The rest of the day would be full of sporting activities and games. In the evening we would have another meeting.
Horsham Team on Fruits of the Spirit
The rest of the time on the camp was full of various activities from playing net ball, football, face painting and we even crammed in some horse riding for the kids.
Creative Arts with the Kids
One day we decided to take an outing where we would walk with the kids for a couple of hours up to a hill overlooking the village. We started off in the morning the weather was reasonable only for within an hour to be hit with a monsoon of rain which came out of no-where with no warning at all. Of course we thought it was only going to be quick shower. Oh how wrong we were. Everyone was completely soaked to the skin.
Just Singing in the Rain
When we got back to the camp a lot of the camp was full of water. But thankfully all our tents remained waterproof apart from one of the small ones. The water soon subsided but it was day none of us will forget in a hurry.
We were actually very thankful for the facilities in this camp as the last 2 days it rained quite heavily however we had a barn we could use for the meetings and all the games.
All ages seemed to enjoy getting their faces painted
We are also extremely grateful and thankful for the funds and sacrifices people had made to allow this camp to happen. With the current global economic situation we were very aware leading up to the camp that it might be a financial challenge to have the camp where it was. But thanks to God for his Perfect Provision in providing the funds and resources for this years camp.
At the Stupini Kids day centre we have just finished the final week of this academic year. On average we have been getting 16 kids a day coming to the centre, although this number has dropped off over the last couple of weeks as kids go on summer outings with school and get into the spirit of summer.
Picnic Time
Last week we all went for a picnic to the outskirts of Brasov. The sky was very cloudy that day and we were really praying it wouldn’t rain. Thankfully it stayed dry and we had a great picnic, played a few games and then went to the Brasov Zoo for a day out.
Having Fun in the Park
Brasov Zoo has great collection of animals from Brown bears, lions and tigers and we were all treated at the end of tour by one of wardens (we assume he was the warden) playing with one of the lions.
Looking for the Bears
Greetings from Brasov Zoo
On the 19th of June a team from Kings Church Horsham come to Brasov to run a camp for the Stupini Kids. Andy Robinson and his team have been coming to Brasov now for several years and the camp is also a significant time in the lives of many of these kids and is probably the highlight of their summer holidays.
A couple of weeks ago a few of us prepared the ground where our tents will be by setting up a fence and just clearing the ground for the camp. The 2 days were worked on the camp certainly was hard work but we all had a great laugh and of course all got sun burnt.
Nicu and Dragos getting this years camp ready
We look forward in telling you about the camp in our next news letter and for now we wish you all a happy summer
In this update we interview Ioana Deak who has been coming to the Stupinikids centre for a few years, first as child and now as a volunteer.
Ioana Deak
StupiniKids
Ioana how long have you been involved in the Stupinikids club?
Ioana
I met Lacra when I was only 10 years old when she ran a kids club in Stupini, when I was 14 I started coming to the homework club which Lacra ran. I have now been volunteering at the homework club now for 4 years now.
StupiniKids
Why did you decide to start coming to the homework club when you were 14?
Ioana
Some of my friends went there and it sounded good. Plus I realized that I needed help in completing my homework and to finish my schooling.
StupiniKids
How did you get on at school?
Ioana
I have now finished my school and passed all my exams 2 years ago now. I started university this year doing a degree in Social Work.
StupiniKids
Could you have passed your exams without the help of the Stupini homework club?
Ioana
No I know that I wouldn’t have completed my schooling if I hadn’t come to the Stupinikids homework club. Coming to the homework club helped me to pass my exams which wouldn’t have happened if I didn’t come here.
Ioana helping the kids at the homework club
StupiniKids
So you are a fantastic example of the evidence of how important homework clubs are. Now you are a volunteer at the Stupinikids centre. Why did you decide to volunteer?
Ioana
Someone helped me and I also want to help other kids. So basically we are helping to shape these kids futures.
StupiniKids
So in your experience is the homework club important for the kids?
Ioana
Definitely it helps kids through their education and if you want a good future it’s vital that you have an education.
StupiniKids
So what are your long term plans now?
Ioana
I will finish my Social Work degree and hopefully do a masters and then work as a Social Worker.
StupiniKids
Thanks Ioana for the interview and for being such a great example for the kids.
On Thursday 1st April it was the last day of the homework club prior to the Easter Holidays. The last few days the kids have been getting quite excited with the thought of the 2 weeks of holidays from the schools.
Easter Eggs Painted by the Kids
Thursday however was a time of celebrating where some of Kids painted eggs which is the traditional thing to do in Romania and had a special meal with the Street Kids charity, played a few games and heard a message of the True Meaning of Easter.
Easter Time with the Stupinikids
The kids and the volunteers are now on holiday for 2 weeks and then we start the final term leading up to holiday..WOW can’t believe how quickly this year has gone.
We would now take this special moment to to wish all our readers and supporters a Happy Easter.
As we write this update Christmas is well behind us and we are now looking forward to the Easter Break which will be in a few weeks time. Every now and then we get a little hope that spring is in the air only for it to be dashed with sudden snow showers.
In a couple of weeks time we will have the Easter party!!! The kids will paint some eggs, play games, eat cakes and will hear the story of Easter. We are all excited and look forward to that.
Last week we had the enormous pleasure of Andy and Hazel Robinson, from Horsham UK, visiting Brasov to carry out engagements with the church here but also to spend time with the Stupini Kids.
Andy and Hazel Robinson and Kings Church Horsham have over the last few years made significant financial and time contributions to Stupini Kids. Therefore it was great have people spending time with the kids who are totally behind the vision of Stupini Kids.
Andy Robinson with the Stupini Kids
Currently at Stupini Kids we are still seeing approximately 16-20 kids coming during the week for a hot meal and help with their homework. Ioana and Gabi who used to be kids on the homework club and are now volunteers are also doing well in their first year at university, both have just done well in their recent exams. It is such an encouragement in seeing these kids who completed their schooling now excelling at university. Gabi and Nicu both now have jobs…… hopefully we can catch up with them on our next newsletter just to find out what they are now actually doing.
Lunchtime with the Stupinikids
The last few months have been significantly challenging for us as the Global recession takes its toll. In the UK and Germany we have seen a significant decrease in the regular sponsorship due to people not having the ready cash to give. We are extremely grateful for people who have been regular sponsors over the last few years but for now can’t support the project. We want to take this opportunity to thank you for the sacrifices you have made in the past and can understand if you no longer have the means to support us. Thanks for being such a blessing to the kids here.
On the back of these challenging times we were shocked, in a happy way, to receive a significant financial gift from FeG Rebland a church in Germany. This gift covered one month and the half of the financial cost to run the project we are very thank full. We were also thank full to receive regular financial support from CVJM Rumanienhilfe Steinheim in Germany. ( Lacra and Andy are also thankful for the recent financial gift, a real financial blessing).
We are extremely encouraged and blessed by these gifts which allow us all to sow positively into these kids lives. Thank you all for your support and sacrifices we find them extremely encouraging in some financially challenging times like that.
On Wednesday 16th December Stupini kids had their Christmas Party. The Christmas party as every year ran in partnership with Asociatia Centrul Vietii Noi, the Street Kids charity.
Stupinikids Christmas Party 2009 Awaits
From Stupini kids 25 of our regular kids turned up plus about another 25 kids from the Stupini area who have in the past attended the day centre. With approximately 50 kids plus some of their parents and a few babies and not forgetting the street kids it was very packed Christmas party.
The Shepherds get all excited in visiting baby Jesus
The party started with some Christmas songs and many games. The Stupini kids then did some presentations and then the kids acted out the Nativity story.
The 3 Wise Men looking very Wise
After the Nativity play the suspense in waiting for Santa was broken as Santa turned up with much delight and squeals from the kids and handed out many Christmas presents to all the kids.
Some of the Kids getting for their part in the play
The carefully wrapped Christmas presents were as always supplied by Kings Church Horsham which Heather Playfoot has faithfully organised over the years and also from CVJM Rumanienhilfe, Steinheim which Hilmar, Reinar and their team have over the years faithfully organized.
Many kids and their families have over the years been extremely grateful for the Christmas shoe boxes sent from Horsham and Steinheim.
Christmas Shoe Boxes being handed out by Santa
This year we were also extremely grateful for the provision of chidren clothes from Horsham Kings Church and new shoes for the children which were supplied by Gunter Weckbecker from Moselkern, Germany. The warm shoes with no holes in them over the winter is something which is an extreme blessing for many of the kids.
The Christmas party has always been a joyful occasion with many kids looking forward to it for months. The fact that 50 kids turned up for the party demonstrates how much they love attending it and receiving the precious Christmas shoebox gifts.
It is a special thanks to so many people who have made it possible. Many of you have made great sacrifices and many of you are unknown to us and will never receive any official recognition. However we want to thank you for bringing such joy and blessing into these kids lives.
The Nativity Scene from the party
We also want to take this opportunity to thank all our sponsors for all your support over the years, especially during this time as many of us face great economic challenges but still have given faithfully in supporting the Stupinikids day centre.
We wish you all and your loved ones and very Blessed Christmas and a Prosperous 2010.
In September Steve Marsh and crew arrived in Brasov after driving from the Isle of Wight for a few days with 2 vans packed with aid. The team from the Isle of Wight has been driving out here faithfully for the last 5 years. This year the team was; Steve Marsh, Dave Edwards, Paul Wray and Tony Delannoy.
Steve Marsh and Dave Edwards unloading their van
We are really appreciative for what they have given Stupinikids during the last 5 years. This year was no exception as we received numerous clothes for children and adults, note pads and stationary which are fantastic for the kids, basic medicine, bedding, towels, toys and other items to numerous for us to mention.
Tony Delannoy taking time out with the kids
Most of the stuff we have now given away, especially the clothes which many families appreciate during this time, especially as we see more and more families struggling under the economic situation in Romania.
It is a pleasure to see so many kids happy with their new warm clothes and a special thanks to everyone who contributed in so many ways in seeing these kids blessed. I’m sure most people from the Isle of Wight may not appreciate or comprehend what a blessing these gifts have been too many children and their families.
Isle of Wight team with Stupinikids staff
The day centre is going well with 22 children now turning up daily for help with their homework and to receive a hot meal. This month Rodica becomes a full-time employer at the centre. We welcome her on board and she will be a great resource for Lacra and Anna as they see so many kids now coming to the centre.
Gifts from the Isle of Wight being given out
We are also very grateful for a couple of families from the UK who are sponsoring Gabi and Ioana through university here in Brasov.
The current political situation in Romania is very fragmented, initially one would wonder what effect this could have on our home work club. But with Romania now without Boc’s government to push through the reforms demanded by the IMF when they gave a 20 billion euro loan in the summer and parliament and the president no further in agreeing a prime minister. This could affect further installments of the IMF loan if the IMF conditions are not met and could destabilize the economy even further.
This will have an effect on everyone in Romania and unfortunately the poorest and most vulnerable will be the most affected.
The kids started the new academic season 3 weeks ago. Long gone are the memories of the summer holiday as the new term kicks into life.
At the homework club we have 17 kids registered for the homework club and who would turn up to the club every week day when they have school. This year for the first time we have taken 2 kids into the club who do not live in the Stupini area.
To give you a brief update, if you are new to the site, on what happens on a daily basis is that the kids would take the bus to the center after they finish school usually at noon. We would give them a meal and then help them complete their homework.
Anna with the watchful eye
Sounds very basic but the aim of our club is to help the kids with their homework so they can have a greater potential in leaving school with a better education and thus better prospects for work and making informed decisions in life.
This year 4 of our dedicated volunteers who came through the Stupinikids club finished their high school education. Congratulations to Nicu, Rodica, Ioana & Gabby who finished their education with good marks.
The challenge now, especially in the current economic crisis, in Romania is to see these guys getting work. Ioana & Gabi now enrolled into university, which is fantastic news. However they will still need to find work to fund this.
Some of the kids playing in the yard
We have taken Rodica on as a full time worker through a scheme run by the Romanian government where they pay a basic wage. (Similar to the old YTS scheme in the UK) However there is no funding available from the Romanian government and in principle when the funding comes through Rodica will be paid. So in the meantime Rodica is a full time volunteer.. Congratulations Rodica!!
Ioana doing homework with the kids
Next week we await for Steve Marsh and the Firemen crew from the Isle of Wight who are driving from the IoW to Brasov with charity aid which was donated by people in the Isle of Wight. But more of that in our next news letter.
On the 21st June the Stupinikids 2009 summer camp kicked off with a dedicated team of volunteers from Romania, plus Andy Robinson and his team from Kings Church Horsham in the UK. Also not to forget to mention 25 excited kids overjoyed that school had finished a week earlier, now they had a whole week camping with their chums and most of them were looking for a great adventure.
For a lot of these kids this would have been the first time they would have stayed away from the parents for any length of time. So was a great challenge for some but also a great opportunity where many of them made new friends, gained self confidence and just had a great adventure.
The Days were packed with games
The camp this year was on a camp site just outside a town called Rasnov which is about a 30 minutes drive from Brasov.
The daily programme consisted of a time together in the morning after breakfast where we would have a time of worship, games and a short talk.
For the rest of the morning games and activities would be arranged before stopping for lunch, then more games and activities in the afternoon, followed by dinner and an evening session of worship, games and a short talk.
Daily worship time
The theme of the camp this year was Hero’s from the Bible and how relevant were the Hero’s actions and faith for us living in modern day Romania.
The kids simply loved the games
Some of the memorable times of the camp was our visit one afternoon to the Rasnov fortress, lighting a bonfire one evening and melting marshmallows on sticks then eating them on biscuits as we sat around a bonfire in the summer night as looked up to the stars and sang some great Romanian songs.
Summer camp visiting the Rasnov Fortress
The face painting session
Blindfolded Yoghurt Feeding!!
The summer camp was a great experience for the kids and volunteers alike and the kids looked pretty disappointed when the camp finished 5 days later on the Friday morning. It seemed a lot had gone into planning and making this camp happen and it was with great satisfaction in seeing how the team bonded together and how the kids just loved these 5 special days.
