Romania

Romania Projects

Transitional Training Programme for Homeless Youth in Bucharest-working with street boys

What happened to the abandoned children of Romania (1990) after the media spotlight faded?

They are young adults now and most are ill prepared for life outside the care system. At 18, they have to leave the care system, without any emotional and financial support.  They have very few choices and even fewer opportunities, forcing them to live a life of deprivation on the streets of Bucharest.

Amurt Romania is one of a few NGOs that have taken on this challenging target group. In our programme, at least 80% of at risk young adults will be capable of living independently, in a social or private residence, rather than on the streets or in a homeless shelter. We aim to raise this success by; increasing the number of beneficiaries, improving its existing facilities and constructing/renovating low cost workshop buildings.

Mission Statement

“To enable Romanian homeless youth, and those leaving the care system, to permanently exit the social service system, start meaningful sustainable careers and discover their true potential.”

The Programme

In preparing these young people to become active citizens, AMURT Romania, in partnership with the Bucharest Social Institution - DGAS, provides an education in Life Skills as part of a unique Transitional Training Programme. 

The Programme is undertaken in two parts:

• Transitional Living Programme
• Independent Living Programme

Transitional Living Programme

This is the first stage of the Programme and develops both personal and social skills within the Multifunctional Centre in Domnesti. The boys live full time at the centre and receive motivational counselling, life skills and career training.

Independent Living Programme

At this stage, they are ready to move to one of our AMURT apartments in Bucharest. They have to look for and hold down a job, pay rent and take care of other related life matters themselves.

Both programmes have a set of life skills which include; personal development, money management, daily living skills, creative expression, self care, social relationships, house and community resources, work and legal skills. In order to accomplish this, the centre provides services and activities grouped into three major areas: education, psychological and social skills.

Looking to the Future

AMURT aims to make this programme self sustainable and to this effect AMURT has formed partnership with the local government. Sponsorship of the programme began three years ago in 2009 , however, due to the economic situation in Romania, the annual budget has recently been cut by 61%  putting the this unique programme at risk of closure. At the same time it is anticipated that the number of beneficiaries  will double especially as cold weather sets in. Your donations will help to change a young person’s life and are the quickest and easiest way to give your support. All our work targets young people living on the streets of Romania (Bucharest) - €15.00 provides for one youth’s weekly food supply.

Any donation large or small will go directly to help make a real difference to young people living on the streets of Romania.

Donations are gratefully accepted via our website: www.amurt.org.uk

Read more: www.amurt.ro