Education Romania Project #26458

Mobile School - Education for Children in Romania

by Save the Children Association Iasi

Project Report | Sep 18, 2026
Childhood, where are you rushing?

By Andrei Craciun | Project leader

“Childhood, where are you rushing?
Stay a little longer in our world full of stories.”

These are some of the words from the song that the children learned and sang at the end of our summer kindergarten. And somehow, they capture perfectly how we felt as the two-month programme came to an end.

For two months, 16 children aged 4 to 6 shared a space filled with learning, play, discovery and laughter. We watched them become more confident, learn new things, make friends and take their first steps towards starting school.

In the links below, you can find a video showing some of the special moments from the programme, the activities, the smiles and, at the end, the children singing together. For us, it is a beautiful reminder that childhood is made up of these small but very important moments, which stay with us long after they are over.

For all of the children, the summer kindergarten was their first experience of a structured educational environment. The main goal of the programme was to help children prepare for entering the education system. We wanted to make this transition easier by creating a safe and welcoming environment where children could learn at their own pace and become familiar with the routines and experiences of kindergarten.

Throughout the two months, the children took part in a variety of educational and recreational activities focused on motor and sensory development, language development and science. Through play, creativity and interaction, they had opportunities to communicate, explore, develop new skills and learn from one another. But the programme was not only about preparing for school. It was also about giving children the opportunity to simply be children, to play, laugh, make friends, discover new things and enjoy being together. The end of the programme was full of emotions. We celebrated with a well-deserved party, bringing together the children, their achievements and all the happy moments we shared during the summer.

As the summer came to an end, another important moment was approaching: the beginning of a new school year. For families facing financial difficulties, preparing for the new school year can be an additional burden. A backpack, notebooks, pencils and other basic school supplies may seem like small things, but for a child, having everything they need on their first day can make a real difference.

As part of our wider work to support children and families, our fundraising team also worked to collect backpacks and educational supplies for children who needed them. This year, we were able to collect and distribute 306 backpacks filled with the supplies children need at the beginning of the school year:

247 backpacks for children we support in Iasi County
59 backpacks for children in Suceava County

For us, each backpack represents more than school supplies. It means that a child can start the school year prepared, with the materials they need to learn and participate alongside their classmates. It is also a small message of encouragement: you are ready, you are supported, and your education matters.

We may not be able to make childhood last forever. But we can help make it a little safer, happier and richer in opportunities. These activities are made possible through the combined efforts of our organisation, our partners and the people who choose to support our work. Every contribution, regardless of its size, helps us continue responding to children's needs and creating opportunities for them to learn, grow and feel supported.

Thank you for being part of this work. Your support matters to us, and we are grateful to have you with us.

Links:

Video summer kindergarten

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May 20, 2026
How do you feel? Helping children express what they feel

By Andrei Craciun | Project leader

Emotions are a natural part of being human and play an essential role in the way we think, behave, communicate, and build relationships. Helping children recognize what they feel and understand why they feel it is an important step toward healthy emotional development. When children learn to identify and regulate their emotions, they become more resilient and build positive relationships with others.

Our psychologist organized workshops for 77 children that combined guided discussions and creative activities around the theme: “My Emotions – I understand them, express them, and manage them in a healthy way.” Special attention was given to fear and anger, emotions children frequently experience but often find difficult to express appropriately. Together, the children practiced simple and effective self-regulation techniques such as mindful breathing, taking a pause, and calmly communicating their thoughts, feelings, and needs.

The creative part of the workshop gave each child the opportunity to paint an “emotion mask” that reflected their inner feelings and experiences. Each mask had two sides: one representing words and situations that make them feel angry, hurt, or frustrated, and another representing words and actions that make them feel loved, accepted, and happy. Some children shared painful messages they sometimes hear, such as: “You are not good enough”, “You are ugly”, “I don’t want to play with you.” On the other side of the masks, they expressed kindness, friendship, and hope through messages like: “Let’s be friends”, “You are beautiful”, “You matter.”

At the end of the session, the children presented their creations and shared the emotions they chose to illustrate. Through this experience, they practiced empathy, active listening, and self-confidence in a warm and respectful group environment. Their enthusiasm reminded us how important and meaningful these activities truly are. For many of these children, workshops like this are far more than simple activities, are safe spaces where they feel heard, accepted, supported, and encouraged to grow in healthy and positive ways.

Your support helps us continue offering these valuable opportunities. Every donation provides more children with access to educational and therapeutic activities, creative resources, and safe environments where they can learn, grow, and thrive.

Links:

https://salvaticopiii-iasi.ro

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Jan 27, 2026
Ending 2025 with Impact and Hope

By Andrei Craciun | Project leader

As we begin 2026, we wish you a year filled with joy, peace, and hope!
During the final three months of 2025, our programs provided hundreds of children with learning opportunities, care, and support for their emotional well-being. From October to December, we implemented a series of meaningful activities that encouraged creativity, cooperation, and solidarity, with December being the most active month.

Due to cold weather, mobile school activities were moved indoors and carried out in addition to the regular educational activities already held in our educational center, as well as in our partner school.

Practical Life Skills & Creative Learning

Children took part in hands-on workshops where learning met fun. Through these activities, they developed practical skills while building confidence and teamwork:

Learned how to make waffles, prepare lemonade, and make pickles;
Practiced responsibility, patience, and cooperation;
Experienced the joy of creating something with their own hands.

Personal Development & Emotional Growth

Beyond practical skills, we focused on the emotional and social development of the children. Through guided group activities, children worked on:

Building trust in themselves and others;
Increasing self-esteem;
Cooperation and teamwork;
Positive communication and mutual respect.

These sessions help children feel seen, valued, and capable, essential foundations for their future.

Free Haircuts Thanks to Community Support

Thanks to the generosity of a local sponsor, a barber shop offered free haircuts to children in our program.

24 boys received haircuts exactly the way they wanted;
For many children, this simple act boosted confidence and self-image.

This activity showed the power of community involvement and how small gestures can make a big emotional impact.

Winter Support: Warmth When It Matters Most

Winter can be especially difficult for vulnerable families. During this period, we provided:

Boots and winter jackets to 321 children

This support helped ensure that children could attend school and activities safely, warmly, and with dignity during the cold months.

Christmas Joy for Every Child

To end the year with smiles and celebration:

321 children received Christmas presents

For many of them, this was the only gift they received during the holidays. These moments of joy remind children that they are not forgotten and that someone cares.

None of this would be possible without the support of our donors, partners, and community members. Every contribution helped us create safe spaces, warm winters, meaningful learning experiences, and unforgettable smiles.

As we step into 2026, we remain committed to supporting and promoting children’s rights, placing their voices, protection, and development at the center of everything we do.

Links:

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