Reaching Out to Romania
Romania is a country that is steeped in history and unfortunately poverty. Although one of our EU neighbours, the people of Romania struggle to make ends meet. With nearly 25% of the population living below the poverty line, there are plenty of struggling families who need our help.
When you think of Romania, you might think of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, the Carpathian Mountains, the Black Sea.
Lots of history, lots of stunning scenery…
...but you might not think of the poverty.
Extreme poverty exists there.
I visited some of our projects there last September. It was my first time in the country even though I have been working with Bóthar for the past 20 years. I can’t describe how upset I was after leaving.
Heartbreaking...
For such a beautiful country with beautiful people, what certain communities have to exist in, is nothing short of shocking.
Families are living in desperate conditions.
No running water, smoke-filled rooms from leaking
man-made fire pits, constructed in an effort to keep warm in freezing temperatures.
Simply shocking conditions.
And it’s not their fault.
They are doing their best.
It’s frightening to think in this day and age that our European neighbours are living in conditions like this.
The alternative is a move to the bigger cities of Cluj and Bucharest but being uneducated, the chances of having to take unsuitable, unsavoury employment opportunities are quite high.
For those left behind in rural villages, family life breaks down if one or two parents have to relocate to support the families they leave behind. Huge social problems develop in their absence.
It’s not a life you’d wish for anyone.
You can help...
Bóthar is making progress in certain regions and it’s all thanks to people who have donated in the past and given the gift of an Irish dairy cow.
In the remote village of Roades, in the region of Sighisoara, families who desperately want to stay together need an Irish dairy cow. Bóthar started working in this village some years ago and the results have been dramatic for the families who have received an Irish dairy cow.
Those in the village who are waiting to hear if they have been accepted onto the Bóthar programme were begging me to help them. All they want is to stay in their community but they need the means to do this.
An Irish dairy cow affords them the opportunity to do this.
I promised them I would do my best to help. I’m asking you to help. I know you might think it’s Europe, but it’s a world away from how we live here. Bóthar works with families for months prior to them receiving their animal and prepares them for the arrival of their animal.
Once they receive their animal, they receive veterinary support for three years after to ensure the health and milk yields are maintained, so they can earn an income that will support their family.
There is a huge difference between the haves and the have nots in these villages. The solution is the gift of an Irish dairy cow. Imagine telling a family they can stay together...
That they can be happy together in the village they know so well.
Sheer joy.
I really hope you can see how your donations are making a huge difference and if you can donate again, plenty more will reap the benefits. Please send whatever you can. If it helps just one family, it will have been worth it.