AUGUST 2018
Children living in poverty face many challenges and tremendous stigmatization. Showing up on the first day of school without the proper tools can make a child look and feel different from their classmates which is very embarrassing and stressful. Alina (pictured above, right) lives in a poor community in Romania where at age nine, she already does most of the work of taking care of her little brother, Aurelian (pictured left). The two children live with their grandmother as both parents work abroad in separate countries. If their father does return to see them, he is often drunk and aggressive. Their mother, however, brings small gifts when she visits to remind them of her. Mission Without Borders works closely with a church in Victoria to provide an After-School club for children like Alina and Aurelian, where they receive help with their homework, emotional support, the chance to play and make friends, and Bible lessons.
The club is a home away from home for children who do not always receive the love and support they need from their families. For many, it is their only chance to have a hot nutritious meal that day. In fall 2017, MWB provided these two — as well as many other children across the six countries where we work in Eastern Europe — with backpacks and much-needed school supplies. Our desire always is to encourage them in continuing their education, to break the cycle of poverty and hopelessness, and give them every chance of a positive future.
A donation of $35 can provide hope and a sense of new beginnings as school resumes this fall. In Victoria, unemployment soared after the chemical plant shut down, and many people resort to going abroad to find work, just like Alina & Aurelian’s parents. Those left behind frequently live in poverty and many children are neglected, vulnerable and at risk of dropping out of school. Addiction and
alcoholism are endemic. Alina & Aurelian are often left at home alone, with no running water, no bathroom, and a toilet that is outside.
$35 can make such a difference in the life of a child of poverty in Eastern Europe. SOME STATISTICS FOR ROMANIA •
Underachievement in basic skills remains one of the highest in the EU. This is due to educational factors and equity challenges. Access to quality mainstream education is particularly a challenge for students in rural areas and for Roma.
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The proportion of school drop-out among young people aged 18-24 decreased slightly (from 19.1 % in 2015 to 18.5% in 2016), but remains the third highest in the EU, with consequences for the labor market & for economic growth.
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By MWB providing a brand new backpack filled with school supplies, children can show up to school ready to start a new school year on the same level as their peers and excited to learn. Help us provide a great start to a new year of learning, exploring and social growth, as we attempt to break the cycle of poverty and help these precious children to learn that in Christ, there is always hope. Together with your wonderful support, we are impacting the lives of the poor and needy. Your continued financial & prayer support is very much appreciated! Sincerely, Bonnie Borowetz SPONSORSHIP COORDINATOR MISSION WITHOUT BORDERS CANADA
Romania’s general government expenditure on education remains the lowest in the EU: 3.1 % in 2015 compared to the EU average of 4.9 %. [Source: European Commission EU, ‘Education and Training Monitor 2017 Romania’]
For many young people living across Eastern Europe, unrelenting hardship colors every season. Even our own MWB field workers can become overwhelmed by the incredible need they see in so many families. For a family already struggling financially, the expense of adequately preparing children for the start of the school year can be a heavy burden.
MISSION WITHOUT BORDERS CANADA OFFICE LOCATION #4-30465 Progressive Way, Abbotsford EMAIL mwbcanada@mwbi.org | www.mwbca.org
TOLL FREE 1-800-494-4454 | LOCAL (ABBOTSFORD) 604-855-9126 MAILING ADDRESS Box 2007, Abbotsford, BC V2T 3T8 Follow us on Facebook at “Mission Without Borders Canada”
All donations are used where most needed to effectively help individuals, families and communities in Eastern Europe.