Child Sponsorship Background from Bucharest, Romania

SOS Children's Village Bucharest

Bucharest, the Romanian capital, is situated in the southeast of the country. The SOS Children's Village Bucharest is situated about ten minutes from the city centre. The site of the SOS Children's Village is relatively large and covers 4.8 hectares. A popular recreation area, with a park and the Floreasca Lake is nearby and within easy reach. The family houses were built in the typical local style as bungalows with attic extensions. The official opening ceremony of SOS Children's Village Bucharest took place on 22 October 1993.

SOS Children's Village Bucharest comprises fifteen family houses for up to 90 children, a community building, and a house for the village director, workshops, an administration and service area and a sports field.

Other SOS Projects in Bucharest

The adjoining SOS Nursery was opened in October 1998. It has a capacity to take in up to 60 children and consists of three group rooms, a room for medical treatment, a multi-purpose hall, and a library. To meet the needs of the growing number of youths who have already outgrown the SOS Children's Village, an SOS Youth Home was established in 1999. The youths can stay there during further training or higher education and prepare themselves for an independent life.

The Family Strengthening Programme offers access to essential services for children’s development (eg. educational, nutritional and health support, social skills) and supports families to protect and care for their children. The programme also aims at linking families with income generating activities and offers help to improve the parents’ parenting skills. The SOS Playbus is a mobile centre for children offering imaginative play material and educational games, stopping off at public parks and hospitals, at orphanages and grey concrete tower blocks. Activities such as playing theatre, dancing and various craft activities aim at helping children to achieve confidence in themselves and in others.

Background to Bucharest

Bucharest is the capital of Romania, with a population of approximately two million.  It is one of the main industrial centres and transport hubs of Eastern Europe.  It is known for its mix of Communist era and historical architecture.  The Communist architecture is most evident in the huge People's Palace, the vision of ex-leader Nicolae Ceaușescu. Today it is a cosmopolitan, inclusive city, with a dynamic cultural scene.