Sponsor a Child

Search for a Child
Back to Top
Who are the people?

Romania began making the transition toward democracy in 1989 when the country’s long-time dictator, Nicolae Ceausescu, was violently overthrown. Today, Romania is still working to establish a free-market economy and to realize democratic reforms.

Roughly the size of Oregon, Romania has 21.8 million people. Most are ethnic Romanians and speak Romanian. Hungarian and Roma (Gypsy) minority groups have lived in Romania for centuries, but still struggle against discrimination.

Romanians are proud people with a rich cultural and religious history, reflected in their beautiful cathedrals. Yet one-quarter of the population lives below the poverty level, making Romania one of the poorest countries in Europe.

One in two Romanians lives in rural areas and survives through subsistence farming. Poor families struggle to keep warm during the severe winters, when the temperature often drops to -22°F.

Free and mandatory education helps ensure a high literacy rate, but a lack of good job opportunities means that unemployment is high and labor unrest is common.		Sponsor a Child from Romania



 
Country Statistics 
Population22 million
Land Mass88,934 sq. miles
Life Expectancy72 years
Infant Mortality Rate25 / 1,000
Literacy Rate98%
School Enrollment95%
Access to Safe Water57%
Average Annual Income (GNI per capita)US$3830
 
 
While health care is also free, facilities are overcrowded and do not have the necessary equipment and medicines to properly treat patients. Problems such as inadequate nutrition, drug use, and alcoholism add to the country’s health needs.

What is it like to live there?

The eastern European country of Romania is bordered by the Black Sea and several neighboring countries, including Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary, and the Ukraine.

Established as a province of the Roman Empire in A.D. 100, Romania has survived various conquerors throughout its history. In recent years, earthquakes and environmental pollution have posed more serious threats.

Romania has a varied terrain, including dry and sandy plains as well as high mountain ranges. Summers are hot and sunny with frequent rain and thunderstorms. Winters are cold and cloudy with plenty of snow and fog.

Children from poor families often lack the proper clothing or shoes to safely walk to school during bitter winters. Families live in simple brick and mud houses, and may move into a single room during the winters to conserve precious heat.

Typical foods include potatoes, cabbage, onions, beans, grains, eggs, and cheese. But poverty makes it difficult for families to get enough nutrition.

World Vision is working to tackle the causes of poverty and to improve the quality of life for your sponsored child. Families and communities also benefit from educational, health care, and spiritual nurture opportunities, thanks to sponsors like you!

How You Can Pray for Your Sponsored Child
  • Pray that your sponsored child might respond to God’s love and grace.
  • Ask God to guide your sponsored child as he or she learns, grows, and moves toward a future full of hope and possibilities.
  • Pray for God to protect the health of your sponsored child and his or her family.
Sponsor a family from Romania

Unfortunately, at this time, online picture folders are not available from Romania. You may still be able to sponsor a child from Romania by submitting a special request.
Print Page
E-mail Article
Back to Top

Newsletter Sign-Up

World Vision
Phone: 1-888-511-6548
P.O. Box 9716
Federal,WA 98063-9716
© 2009 World Vision Inc.