Christian Charity – Active and Efficient!
Charity Foundation & Social Centre
ANNUAL REPORT
2014
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„You will come to know the truth and the truth will set you free” (John 8,32) What is a life experience and which are its real values? Does the past teach us and why are we so worried about the future, neglecting the present? When we look around us and observe the quality of people’s relations or when we really understand the personal views, we find out that the so called „life experience” is very often an experience which repeats year by year the same wrong attitude or the same wrong choice. Such an „experience” lacks a permanent renewal, it doesn’t stimulate innovations and the life creativity, which are indispensable for an authentic evolution and growth. And, as a result, it provokes the same negative results. The history teaches us that we learn nothing of it. However, there exists a vital space that can help us, in which we can become persistent and coherent disciples of Life. Only charity, generosity, compassion and love help us permanently to aspire to the realization of our existential vocation, to be people according to God’s image and likeness. This affirmation is not a religious abstraction! It is an authentic truth about us. Man’s life is a fundamental opportunity and a dynamic potential, which allow us to form ourselves, to transform, to experience a spiritual and psycho-emotional metamorphosis, in order to become what we are called to, Human Being and not only a species called Homo Sapiens. This process supposes a high attention for all creative, spontaneous, innovational, new! Every day, every moment we can observe, perceive and realize our reactions, sentiments, beliefs. We
Fundația de Binefacere
can choose them! We can join our Creator and become co-creators of our own existence! And so, we will rediscover, little by little, the beauty in its whole splendor, simplicity and diversity. Like children do. We will return and be like them and we will enter the Kingdom of Heaven (Mathew 18.3), which starts here and now, every moment, in an eternal present. This is the experience we have at the House of Providence! We thank Lord for His love that streams from His Divine Providence! We thank our benefactors and beneficiaries for the opportunity to be the servants of God’s Charity! God reward you a hundred times!
Deacon Edgar Vulpe 3
DAILY CENTRE FOR CHILDREN 4
IF YOU WANT TO BRING UP A GOOD CHILD, YOU SHOULD SPEND TWICE MORE TIME WITH HIM AND HALF OF MONEY OF THE AMOUNT YOU SPEND NOW small and modest table and poor meals. His father stays in bed and cannot help in household duties, his mother works since early morning until late in the evening in order to survive and offer her children the necessary. They do not have a washing machine and because of this, The kitchen, where they prepare and she washes the linen of the five family eat the food, is very small, with a very members manually. They do not have
Costel* is a 10-year-old boy, who lives with his family, consisted of five members: his father, his mother, his brother, his grandmother and he. They live in a one-room flat, with its total surface of ~39 m2.
their ant – Mrs. Viorica*. Because of the financial problems faced by the family, their parents had to leave for abroad in search of a better life. The children have not seen their parents for 4 years, they cannot embrace them and neither enjoyed their warm embraces for holidays. Ancuta* and Tudor* are sister and During this period, the children had brother of 8 and 9 years, who live with to live with many persons: the grandhot water and they heat the water on the gas cooker in order to wash. Because of the difficulties faced by his family, he grew up faster then others and they made him understand the beauty of the moments spent together.
25 children Permanent activity Caritas Vienna Christian Initiative for Europe
mother, the ant on the father’s side and the ant on the mother’s side. Because of the frequent changes in their lives, of the neglect, the children have poor results at school, problems of integration, being seen as bad and disobedient children. At present, Mrs. Viorica* has a two-month child and she has no time to pay the necessary attention to her nephews.
the possibility to realize their abilities or favor their development. Here, they cannot only enjoy a hot tea and a meal, but they are also instructed in doing their homework and have recreation and socialization activities. The enterThe DAILY CENTRE FOR CHILDREN tainment, excursions, sketches, artistic opens its arms from 12.00 to 17.30 and workshops are only some of the carried welcomes these children, offering them out activities. However, first, we offer to These children have to fight for the protection of their own rights, because love means so much for them because they do not have it. They need only one chance to demonstrate their value.
these children our friendship and care to share their daily joy and problems. What we do at the DAILY CENTRE FOR CHILDREN is to fight every day in order to gain their confidence, because their heart is more precious than any treasure, more fragile than a flower and richer than all world’s wealth.
* Changed names
Number of children: Duration of project: Philanthropists: Partners:
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SUMMER CAMP
„Childhood Cherries”
Every year at school Ionel* listens with interest the memories told by his colleagues about their beautiful summer’s vacation, he imagine the world as seen by them, rejoice the mischiefs that were made as if he attended them. Unfortunately Ionel* cannot afford such a vacation, he learned that sea water is salty,
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the class friends have confirmed it, but he cannot believe ... where a sea or ocean be taking so much salt? ... It is a mystery for Ionel*. He is experimenting at home to mix salt and water in a bucket, splashes into it and he says he was also at the sea. He is listening to Ilenuta* how she spent two weeks at the sum-
mer camp in Vadul lui Voda and he wanted to go even one day there but grandma cannot pay a sheet of rest. At the beginning he thought he does not want to, he asked her a lot, he was good, learned well, and always helped her, hoping to persuade her. And one day they did not have bread on the table nor the second, nor the
third day. He asked then his grandmother why they do not eat bread? The people of the bread factory left in vacation? Then he realized that no matter how much he wants, he will not go into a rest camp, because there are children who do not go ... But one day Ionel* heard the grandmother talking with a neighbor who
100 children 7-11 years one month Caritas Vienna AVI Moldova, AIESEC
gave her a sheet, he did not know what’s in it, but he knew it was for him, for neighbor said „Ionel will like it”. He waited patiently all day, the second day, and the evening grandmother took Ionel* in her arms and said that he will go to a camp right here in Chisinau. His joy was so great that he could not sleep all night. He
imagine how he will go to school and tell his colleagues about his camp. He was HAPPY. Since then he calls a neighbor the „holiday angel”. Summer camp for children is organized every year with a special generic that personalizes even more. This is a different camp from those Ionel’s
colleagues go because in addition to games, children learn how to be brave and wise, what is love, friendship and respect, learn to help each other and to discover a new power - Truth and Faith. This year the camp’s generic was Childhood Cherries, stories inspired by Childhood Memories of Ion Creangă. For two weeks about 100 children guided by a
team of 25 volunteers-animators found the beauty of Nica’s childhood - the main character of the story. The summer camp offers an unforgettable life experience both for children and volunteers, revealing that the sweetest cherry of the „cake of life” remains childhood.
* Changed names
Number of children: Age: Duration of the project: Benefactors: Partners:
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KINDERGARTEN, BĂLŢI 8
THE EUROPEAN CENTRE FOR PRE-SCHOOL EDUCATION „BLESSED ALFONSO MARIA FUSCO” „The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles, but to irrigate deserts.” C.S. Lewis The sisters of the Congregation of St. John the Baptist met Dragoș’s* family six year ago, when they brought the elder brother Ștefan* at the Educational Centre. The boy was very sociable, curious and was developing fast. At the first sight, they seemed to be a happy family. Later, their mother gave birth to the second child and the sisters observed that the boy became very depressive and had obvious signs of violence on his face (scratches, bruises and swellings).
Even if his mother did not tell anything, the child, being sociable, was telling the sisters about his father, who consumed a lot of alcohol and beat his mother nearly every day. The things continued in such a way until he was arrested and imprisoned for domestic violence. After a while, mother brought the younger son, Dragoș*, to the Educational Centre. This boy was different from his elder brother. He had obvious signs
of mental slowness, but physically he was more developed than other children of his age were. At the age of three he was not able to speak fluently, he did not communicate with other children and showed no interest towards group activities. He was afraid of everything, being depressed and impeded.
he was not receiving within the family. Due to this and with the help of God, this special child is changing in plain view. He is joyful when he comes to the Centre, he became more receptive, trying to be active during the classes, gets involved in games, becoming more social with other children and believing Together with the sisters, the kinder- in himself. Dragoș* is a joy for the entire gartener tried to give Dragoș* a special Centre’s team and, for sure, he will grow attention and care, offering him the love up a correct and wise person.
Number of children: 55 children Age: 2-7 years Benefactors: Sisters of St. John the Baptist, Moldavenir, Kindermissionswerk, Sternstunden Activities’ program: 8.00 – 17:00
Nicu* came to the Educational Centre 4 years ago. From his behaviour it was clear he was a loved child in his family, being open, sociable, intelligent
and responsible. Very soon, he became the leader of the group. He participates in all parties and performances, learns very easy. He was praying with joy and devotion and the children wanted to be like him. Of course, Nicu* follows the nice example of his parents, who teach him the true about world and God. Now he is in the first form, has extraordinary results at school, reads Bible with pleasure and wants to become a priest.
Two years ago, Nicu’s family brought tional Centre. This active girl hardly his younger sister, Doinița*, who was waits the next day to come to the Centre. only two years old, but she adapted The majority of children attending the quickly. She was always near her elder European Centre for Pre-school Educabrother, the kindergarteners and sisters. tion „Blessed Alfonso Maria Fusco” have Although she was the youngest a similar history, fact that motivates and among all children, she was not back- convince us once again of the necessity ward, learning easily. Now, she is like to continue this project. Through it, we her elder brother, being among the first want to offer these kids love, affection in diligence and studies. She likes very and a lesson of love and truth in a clean, much to spend her time at the Educa- nice and modern environment.
* Changed names
Unfortunately, the indifference makes us blind towards such cases when children ask our help in silence. The European Centre for Preschool Education of Bălți became the second home for Dragoș* and his family, where they can learn the art of love and peace.
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KINDERGARTEN, CREŢOAIA
THE PRESCHOOL EDUCATION „When we try to instruct our children about all things of life, they teach us what life is.” Angela Schwindt The pre-school children of the kindergarten are taken care of by the sisters of the Roman-Catholic community from Cretoai, leaded by the parish priest Father Andrei Dăscălașu. These children are really nice, knowing since their babyhood the sufferings and family dramas. They come from broken families, families which sometimes face alcoholism problems, with parents that are happy to entrust their children in the care of sisters, being sure they will receive the education and concern they cannot offer them, because they have to work since early morning till late at night for a miserable remuneration. The kindergarten activates since 2009. Within the period of 2013-2014, there were enrolled 22 children, which were attending daily a pre-school curriculum, between 8.00 and 16.00.
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intersect reality, even for a short period. All children are equal here; they are learning daily a lesson of life. One of disciples is Marin* of four years old, one of the most optimistic children; his first gesture is to shake hands: he is a big pacifist. As for his family, his stepfather is paralyzed and motionless in the result of an accident and his mother is unemployed; after working many years in Israel, she has to stay at home and take care of her child and husband. They live in a hired house in the village, at the subsistence level. His mother expresses her thankfulness for the kindergarten’s project practically every day.
Mihaela* and Vasile* are another brother and sister, who come every morning long before the beginning of the program. The negligence they are treated in the family is seen from the The little heroes are very happy be- clothes they wear. One year ago, Micause this is the place where dreams haela* suffered burns all over her body
Number of children: 22 children Age: 2-7 years Activity program: 8.00 – 16:00 Benefactors: Roman-Catholic Congregation „St. Anton” of Padova, fathers, private benefactors of Poland, Kindermissionswerk, Moldavenir.
* Changed names
In the summer of 2013, Roman Cathbecause she was left home alone with a kettle of boiling water. Very often, they olic Diocese of Chisinau has initiated a are left alone in cold and being hungry. project of reconstruction of kinderTherefore, the Kindergarten is a refer- garten in Cretoaia. Thanks to generous ence point for them too. benefactors, among which are RenovaFrequently people are selfish beings, bis, Lions Club, Catholic Diocese of Cobut God calls us and the life teaches us logne, Kindermissionswerk and others, to aspire to perfection and to perfect ourthe Kindergarten is renovated by Euroselves – these children are the proof that from the insignificance they have, they can pean standards in the field of preschool offer something more. If they can make the education, and children have the opporworld better every day, offering their inno- tunity to grow in favorable conditions for cence and kindness, we can do more. a genuine Christian education.
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SOCIAL CANTEEN
„Give to the world the best and it will be never enough ... Give to the world the best of you, anyway.� Mother Teresa Ms. Alexandra* has 77 years, she worked all her life as accountant, and with her husband raised two beautiful daughters. They have tried to provide the best for them, helping them to make their way in life. The eldest daughter had a family, brought joy to her parents through two grandchildren, but the economist salary did not allow to support her family in the country and she had to choose exile. So at first she just went to work abroad, and after the whole family followed her. The second daughter is an unemployed teacher being alcohol addicted, for this reason she often argued with the parents. For more than four years Mrs. Alexandra is widow, and it is almost impossible for her to face alone with the hardships of the old age. After breast cancer was detected she was immediately operated, and since then health problems have multiplied. She is not allowed to do exercise or to lift weights, but who will
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do it when no one is visiting her, tells tearful Mrs. Alexandra*. All the pension of 1120 lei (about 50 euros) she is dividing between medicine and bills always growing for apartment maintenance, having almost anything for food. The Soup Kitchen is a blessing for her. She is eating soup here often without bread, keeping a quarter of bread for morning tea, and carefully puts the second course in a jar and takes it home for dinner. She eats only a lunch all day. From bread she receives weekly as a supplement, she cooks crackers for Saturdays, Sundays and for the coming months she will not come at the canteen. Another beneficiary of the project, Mr. Semion*, is one of the most optimistic. One of the walls of the house was demolished after a neighbor unauthorized construction, he has no children, siblings or other close relatives, and the pension is so small that he is ashamed
Total lunches: 38 500 lunches Age of beneficiaries: 57-90 years Project duration: Permanent activity Benefactors: Augustine Community, Groupe Bolloré, Moldavenir, Sovereign Order of Malta, „St. Vicentiu de Paul“ Associatio Partners: Sisters of Providence Congregation, the Roman Catholic Diocese, the „John Paul II” Foundation, AO „Insula Speranţelor“ was a blessing for the Foundation but especially for our customers when, starting from June in our canteen was opened also the Soup Kitchen of the Sovereign Order of Malta offering daily meals for another 50 people. This was possible thanks to the financial support of the Sovereign Order of Malta with which we are in close friendship and cooperation. But nice surprises have not stopped with hot lunches. In December, thanks to the generosity of the Sovereign Order of Malta Ambassador to Moldova, HE Mr. Peter Canisius von Canisius, and his wife, Mrs. Birgit Canisius von Canisius, all beneficiaries of the House of Providence, the elderly and children, have received substantial gifts on the occasion of the Christmas.
The other 460 beneficiaries of the Social Canteen which we hosted during 2014, have similar stories, where they receive daily from Monday to Friday, a hot lunch provided with maximum hygiene. Monthly more than 100 elderly came humbly to us, in a hurry and ashamed, sometimes, of the state in which they are, as they were teachers, It is also important to mention that in our Candoctors, engineers, educators and finally they are teen prepares the meal for the children of the Euroa burden to themselves. The number of persons pean Centre for Preschool Education, which is manwho asks for our help is constantly growing, so it aged by our partner, the „John Paul II” Foundation.
* Changed names
to say it aloud, as he worked a lifetime as a specialist in the radiology department of the oncology hospital. He is always cheerful and with a good mood. He calls our Canteen „a restaurant”. Before, he feed himself from dumpsters, and he can even draw a map of „rich dumpsters” in Chisinau. He knows that it is not just hygienic, but at his age of 76 years with a body irradiated beyond admissibility, he says that it is important for him not to feel hungry, because, after all he will die anyway.
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DAILY CENTRE FOR ELDERLY 14
The care for old people guarantees the future of our children. Old people... some say they are like children, others say they have no enthusiasm and energy. Many times you can see them sad, but, in fact, they are thoughtful, because they live with the past and compare it with the present, which very doubtful for them. Coming to the House of Providence, they expect to find support and care. A hot soup and a smile. „I had a beautiful life. It is safe to say I am very happy. I had a united and loving family. I had a job which was bringing me financial stability and satisfaction. I was a very active person, I never refused to participate in an activity, in which I had to sing or to perform a role. Sport had a special place in my life, many years I was engaged in boxing. Now, being in an advanced age, although
Number of beneficiaries: 200 beneficiaries Duration of project: Permanent activity Benefactors: Caritas Vienna Partners: Christian Initiative for Europe, Association „The Island of Hope”, ADVIT I am not so agile as in my youth, I don’t want to loose the zest for life and the optimism. The House of Providence offers me not only a tasteful lunch, but also spiritual food. Here I have the possibility to feel useful, to feel young again and active.” These are the words of Mr. Tudor*, who looks nostalgically into the past, because the present seems not so nice to him. Although, he lives in an apartment with his children and grandchildren, he feels neglected and lonely. All around him fight for the single property he has: the roof under his lives.
melotherapy, watching different moves, artistic activities – presentation of small theatrical performances, lessons of foreign languages organised by the volunteers of the European countries and the occupational therapy. The number of the admirers of these activities amounts to 200 annually and enjoys this space from Monday to Friday, during 11.30-16.30.
* Changed names
It is natural for people to become closer when they spend a lot of time together and this pleasant phenomenon is present at the Centre, where warm and friendly relations are The Daily centre offers a psychological and made. Here the old people can find friends, spiritual shelter. The beneficiaries can daily advices, entertainment and discussions – enjoy different activities, like: table games, things they can not have at home.
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HOME CARE SERVICES
„There is no greater joy than to have joy. There is no greater devotion than to bestow yourself! There is no greater happiness than to make the unhappy happy!� Mihai Pop Mr. Leonid* lives alone more than 15 years, and for so long he has never been out of the house. The story of his life began beautifully, as a scientific researcher within a renowned institution, feeling so fulfilled professionally. In his spare time he liked to do sports and participate in various social activities. But all ended in one day when a tank with mercury exploded in the laboratory where he worked, radically affecting and changing the life of all people in the room, seven in total. Since then Mr. Leonid* has not seen the sunlight, never read a book, not a walk in a park, despite the fact that he lives around one. Authorities have made that have not heard of this incident and those who visited became fewer. He left alone with the imaginary world during his youth, abandoned by his wife, daughter and most friends. He blindly learned to cook, to wash, to clean. It is difficult for him, he often do not know what to do with an object because he cannot perceive it and leaves it against a wall, so that day by day his apartment
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The number of given packages: 1 362 packages Project duration: Permanent activity Target group: The elderly and disabled persons Benefactors: Moldavenir, „Sf.Vicenţiu” Association
Mrs. Elena* of Dubasarii Vechi does not give up even at the age of 80, facing many tragedies and difficulties that strengthened her even more. She was working all day long in the field; when she was walking on the road her support was a stick, when she was working in the field her support was a hoe. She is always in a rush, a grandmother with a child’s soul indeed. She buried all her children one
by one, this is the most painful wound in the soul of a mother, the latter being the blind daughter. She modestly gets her food package, being ashamed to take something that she did not work for, but as she is weak and the road through the village to the shop is long and arduous, she enjoys she will not have to go through it so often. The project „Help for the persons in need at home” offers monthly a material support for 85 older people, but also for single mothers. Food packages contain products strictly necessary in the kitchen, and industrial package provides beneficiaries with the necessary products for personal hygiene and household. Project beneficiaries are in Chisinau and five villages of the district of Criuleni (Dubasarii Vechi, Malaiestii Noi, Malaiestii Vechi, Balabanesti, Corjova).
* Changed names
is crowded, full of useless things. You can read the joy of a child on his face when we knock at his door, being anxious to ask us about the weather, the air outside, the street colors. Foods that he receives monthly through the „Help for the persons in need at home” are the basis of his food intake. Stories as sad and nostalgic have others about 1,000 beneficiaries of the project mentioned above, some being abandoned by children, other by society.
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SOCIAL PHARMACY
Offered medicines: Target group: Philanthropist:
1 000 medicines The elderly people The Movement of Catholic Workers of Italy
Health is the most valuable heritage someone can have. „When we are young, we are always busy to discover new things, we rush into everything life offers us and pay so small attention to our health. During these years, it seems to us that strength will never leave us and youth is eternal.” So was the beginning of Mrs. Larisa’s* story. Today she would like to return to the past and close the books she was reading at night or even to light a candle, because in such a way she would not have lost her sight in proportion of 90% at both eyes. The doctors prescribe her efficient
pack of prescriptions. The majority of them renounce to follow the treatment prescribed by the doctor, because they can not buy the medication and their condition aggravates till they have to stay in bed. The „Social Pharmacy” project helps these people, giving them a hand of hope and a gleam of hope. The medication is offered on the basis of the prescriptions issued by the There are a lot of people suffering of different dis- family doctor for persons whose remuneration is very eases, who have to go monthly to the drug store with a small, like elderly people. treatment for the improvement of health or for slowing-down the blindness process, but their acquisition is above the possibilities of a pensioner. When she got to know that the „Social Pharmacy” project will offer this medication free, she was so amazed that for several days at a time she was asking if it is true or she understood wrong.
Pensioners
People with disabilities 18
* Changed names
Other
During 2014, in the House of Providence there were also organised other social-medical events: ◊ Free stomatological services, offered by a group of specialized doctors of Germany - Dr. Rames Neshet Sabieh and Dr. Elke Forst. We thank our partner Pr. Markus Dördelmann of Germany, who promoted this initiative. Every year this team helps hundreds persons of different institutions. Due to their generosity, this year about 100 beneficiaries of the House of Providence had the possibility to treat different dental problems absolutely free. ◊ Optometric services, offered by two Italian doctors, Mr. Boncore Marco, together with his wife and assistant, Luiza. During many years, Boncore family helps the old people and children of our country, offering not only consultations, diagnostics of sight problems, but also glasses, and all this – for free. ◊ Medical consultations offered by local doctors, specialized in cardiology, Dr. Svetlana Soldin and endocrinology, Dr. Migali Nuțu. The consultations are offered during all year, according to a pre-established program with the Foundation. God bless and reward everyone!
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The project Adoption at the Distance opens a new door for Moldova’s children, it offers them the possibility to go to school or to live in a family. This is the case of Vova*, a 14-year-old boy, who became orphan, because his mother died of an incurable disease. He never knew his father and hardly understood how it is to have one. Because of the fact that the last years his mother stayed in bed, Vova* was not encouraged to go to school, becoming a bastard of the village. After the death of his mother, he used to hide in deserted sheds, was scared, ate from stolen things and never washed, except on summer when he was going swimming. Some distant relatives of his biological mother heard about Vova’s* situation and although it was a young family with a small income, they gave a hand of help to this boy and adopted him. At his 9 years old, the age when he was adopted, he didn’t know to write, to eat with the spoon, to sleep in a bed. So, it was
„The world renews with each child which comes in our life.” Robert Brault
hard at the beginning. After the birth of the first child, the adoptive family began to face a more difficult financial situation and they were thinking to bring Vova* to a placement centre. But it happened a miracle. Due to the Project Adoption at the Distance, Vova* receives now a material assistance from a French family, which was touched by his life story. Because of this project, the boy continues to live in a family, makes progress at school, being already a help for his adoptive parents. The Adoption at the Distance is a gesture of charity made by the French families, who undertake to help a child till he attains his majority. The adoptive family invests materially and affectively. Many of these families correspond with the children, encourage, support them and offer advices. The beneficiary children are from different rural zones of Strășeni district and their age varies between 8 and 18 years old.
* Changed names
ADOPTION AT THE DISTANCE 20
Number of beneficiaries: 11 children Partners: Association „Moldavenir”
FRIEDENSGRUND – THE CAMP OF FRIENDSHIP, RECONCILIATION AND PEACE Since 1990, on the initiative of the Roman-Catholic Diocese of Hildesheim, Germany, the Camp for young Christians of Europe was organised in many countries, like the Czech Republic, Croatia, Ukraine, Romania, Belarus, Serbia, Poland, Lithuania, Bosnia–Herzegovina, Germany, Hungary, Russia. During the last years, the camp was organised by the volunteer team led by our friend Martin Marahrens, Catholic priest of Germany. In the summer of 2010, in partnership with the House of Providence, the project was, for the first time, implemented in our country, in Creţoaia village and since then Republic of Moldova was part of in each edition. The year 2014 was the conclusive year of the Friedensgrund, but also a beginning year for another original project - „International Youth Meeting”. Over 100 young people, among which a group of 11 volunteers of Republic of Moldova, participated in an activity program, consisted of two parts. In the first part they worked for the local community, they prepared presentations for the cultural evenings and they sang for the last time the hymn of the Friedensgrund. The
second part of the program was the initiation of the new project and sensibilization of the young people with the subject „Frontiers or What separates us”. The young people reflected on and discussed about the past events: the fall of the totalitarianism symbol, the Berlin Wall, as well as, the tragedies of the Second World War. In this context, the former concentration camp of Bergen-Belsen was visited. During these years, hundreds of Christian young people of different confessions and nations showed in practice a high interest for a sincere communication and for openness, because they want to apply the evangelical values and principles in their daily life, which is very often not so easy. But their volunteer work and their dynamic spirituality is the proof of their sincerity. So, the prophetic vision of the one who initiated these meetings a quarter century ago, Bishop Josef Homeyer, speaks us clearly about the necessity of strengthening the dialogue between all Europeans, especially, between the young ones, who are so different and, at the same time, so close. 21
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
VOLUNTEERS ARE OUR BENEFACTORS OF HONOR Is very relative to call the volunteering a work without payment. The work itself is already a noble deed, and when you do it for the good of the community it becomes both a charity and personal development, which enriches the soul. This door that opens new horizons, complacency can become even a motivation for anyone. Volunteers from the House of Providence are involved in Day centers for children and the elderly, Soup Kitchen, help for the persons in need at home and other activities, which we continue to implement together. This year was organized a seminar for volunteers „I - Leader?”, which aimed to stimulate each participant’s leadership potential and communication skills of persuasion, team collaboration and finding solutions in conflict situations. All volunteers who come to us have something to say. They are different from Moldova and abroad.
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Tanea (Republic of Moldova): „For me, the term of volunteer involves responsibility, even if it is an unpaid work, although in this case, the term of „remuneration” is relative, given that volunteering helps you develop as a personality, it helps you to see the world differently and begin to appreciate things you didn’t appreciate before, as a „thank you” casually said, a smile, a hug. Being voluntary, I am „paid” with gratitude and love from those I serve.”
Maëlle (France): Olga (Germany): „I am very pleased to work in the House of Providence. This is especially due to the team, which is so open, friendly and very cheerful. Already after a month I feel fully integrated into the team because I know my everyday tasks, such as arranging tables in Soup kitchen or preparing food for children. Greetings with my colleagues in the morning, having lunch together, smiles and talks give a very familiar environment. Plus, all the elders who come to lunch every day. There was no day to be hard for me to smile because elders are not skimp on compliments and they enjoy any conversation, even insignificant, and I enjoy myself too.”
„If I would characterize Moldova in three words, they would be: - Genuine – the society is organized differently from Europe and it is difficult to explain why, but relations between people seem to be more sincere and true. The family occupies a very important place and people are ready to do anything for their family. When you travel in Moldova, you can really feel this authentic part. - Inventive - even if life is not easy here, people always manage to find ways to deal with problems. I think people are strong here. They help each other, there is a solidarity. - Wonderful - because I lived most exciting experience of my life!”
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On behalf of all our beneficiaries, we thank all of our partners and benefactors who have supported us during 2014.
PRIVATE BENEFACTORS: Ingrid and Georg Freundl Hermann Zoeller Sarl Pastore Kent Larson Ernst Meinhardt Pecoraro Luigi father Ioan Sirbu ‌ and many other benefactors ‌
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PARTNERS: Roman Catholic Diocese of Chisinau Sisters of Providence
BENEFACTORS: Movimento Cristiano Lavoratori, Italy Augustinians Community, France Caritas Vienna, Austria
The Foundation „John Paul II” Social Mission „Diaconia” The Foundation „Regina Pacis” The Foundation „Don Bosco”
Bolloré Group, France
Private Foundation, Germany/Austria Renovabis, Germany
Association ”Kolping” Sovereign Order of Malta The Foundation Caritas Association of International Volunteering ADVIT Moldova AIESEC Association „Insula Speranţelor”
Moldavenir, France Kindermissionswerk, Germany Conference of St. Vincent de Paul - Veneto e Trentino, Italy Congregation of Sisters ”St. John the Baptist”
Association CERI
Sternstunden, Germany
FIDES center
Christian Initiative for Europe, Germany
French Alliance of Moldova
Kirche in Not, Germany
VOCATION: THE CALL OF GOD
„You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5,13-16) The formation of a Catholic priest needs a specific preparation in the social field too. Year by year, the Roman-Catholic Theological Institute of Iași sends to our country seminarists, who activate during the year in different charity organizations within our Diocese. On the one side, it is a social volunteer activity of the young seminarists, but, at the same time, it supposes pastoral and spiritual actions within the charity projects.
turity. From 1 September 2007 by decree, the Bishop of Chisinau Anton Cosa was founded the Catholic Parish „St. Alois Scrosoppi”. The community is leaded by Father Stefan Socaciu, one of the first priests came after 1990 in Moldova for spiritual assistance to Catholics in this country.
The young seminarians have the opportunity to participate daily in liturgical moThe experience of the pastoral year is very important for the future priests, both ments and pastoral activities of the parish, being always guided by the parish priest for a correct discretion, concerning the personal vocation and for their spiritual ma- in this process, decisive in their lives. „My wish for this pastoral year, which I am going to spend here in Chişinău, as a seminarist, has two big objectives. The first is to strengthen and mature my vocation, in order to be more conscious of the step I am going to do soon. And the second is to increasingly discover the beauty of serving others. A motto which guides me a lot in my life for a successful conclusion of my mission is that of Baden Powell, the founder of scouts: Leave this world a little bit better than you found it.” (Farcaş Leonard) 26
„In this pastoral year, I want to collaborate as more as possible with the personnel of the Social Center „Casa Providentei”, in order to testify about Christ’s love and offer a reason for joy to people around me.” (Ciobanu Valerică)
PROVIDENCE, CHARITY, MINISTRY, PRAYER. want to testify Christ alive and resurrected, ministering our indigent brothers, entrusted to us by God, meeting the needs of everyone. Encouraged by the example of our founder, who, in his holiness, invites us to live a life of charity, which has its origin in the words of Jesus: „My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you”. (John 15.12), we are also called to meditate, to interiorize and to live the hymn of love of St. Paul. Providence, charity, ministry and prayer are four dimensions that join us in our mission. We, the Sisters of Providence, are directed by these four aspects. St. Alois Scrosoppi, the founder of our Congregation, left us, as testament, this advice: „Charity, charity. Save the souls and save them through charity.” Living our charisma, we
We can gladly affirm that during this mission, the „Providence”, like a careful mother, never abandoned us, but, on the contrary, it always visited us with its help on the right moment, for making us a „providence” for others. Through this help we can meet the needs of those expect help, having the power to not leave any person without receiving the appropriate help.
Being grateful to the Providence of God, which reaches us through different and generous philanthroFaithful to the advices of our founder, through the pists, we want to thank by sharing its gifts with our daily prayer that gives us force, we want to live all brothers, so that their joy may become the gratification these quoted aspects, meeting with availability, joy of philanthropists. and generosity all the persons who come into our It is said that „the shared gifts multiply” and with this house and to be that „Good Samaritan”, who tries to certitude we continue our mission in Moldova. soothe, with the oil of joy, the sorrows, the worries and The Community of the Sisters of Providence. concerns of those who face difficulties.
OTHER ACTIVITIES, ALSO VERY IMPORTANT ... 28
Besides the projects and social activities, which already became traditional for the House of Providence, we did not stop here, being always open for new collaborations and initiatives. So, during the year it were organized meetings with different non-governmental organizations of Moldova, in order to strengthen the national collaboration; it was organized a seminar with the subject „Time Management” and a master class on the cutting-out technique and the glass painting for the employees and volunteers of the Foundation. We participated in: • The Fair of Volunteer Activity within the event „Partnership for quality”; • The International Scientific-Practical Conference „Maintenance of the family integrity – priority politics for the protection of the child”; • The seminar „Christian Initiative for Europe” organized in Dresden, Germany. We hosted activities, like: • The Vocational Camp for a group of 25 young people of 7 Roman-Catholic communities of Moldova; • Spiritual exercises for laymen organized by Pr. Manfred Huber and Sister Margarita Valappila of Germany; • Courses of professional advanced training for the following specialties: cook, pastry cook, baker.
THE SERVANTS OF CHARITY All activities implemented by our team are far from being perfect! The qualified personnel, the community of the Sisters of Providence, the local and foreign volunteers – we all are simple people: we have different illusions about the reality and don’t know the complete truth, but we search it; we have prejudices, wrong convictions and we often do mistakes, but we ask forgiveness; we search and we find, we knock and the door is opened to us; we are glad of our results, but above all – we are grateful. We are very different: among us there are Moldovans and Germans, Russians and Italians, Romanians and Ukrainians; we are Catholic, Orthodox and from other Christian confessions, religious and those who don’t practice religion, spiritual and not nearly so; we speak different languages, have different abilities, qualities and defects, studies and life experiences. We are very different! But we understand each other! We are a family in which the relationship is formed and consolidated day by day. We became more than friends not because we know each other very well, but because we mature together our personalities, we are creative in our activities and we act with responsibility. We host our guest with arms wide open. We offer to everyone with generosity, we serve and serve again all those who need our concern: elderly, children, poor, indigents, lonely and the lost. You should admit: it seems an utopia, an ideal that cannot be reached! And you are right, for us, people, this is impossible. But we are active and efficient because we completely entrust our mission in the Divine Providence! We are from the House of Providence! And for God – all things are possible.
STATISTICS
Home care services
Team Director 1 Accountant 1 Social assistant 4 Manager 1 Technical administrator 1 Service desk assistant 1 Cook 5 Educators 2 Medical assistant 1 Cleaning stuff 4 Night guard 3
Social Canteen
years years years years years years years
Distribution des fonds par projet
Pensioners Patients bedridden Single mothers
Budget
During the year, together with us, there also activated 3 sisters of the Congregation of the Sisters of Providence and 3 sisters of the Congregation of St. John the Baptist, 4 seminarists of the Theologic Institute of Iași, 16 local volunteers and 11 – international.
Social canteen Food Packages Daily Center fro Elderly Daily Centrer for Children Social projects Investment Administrative costs
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Social Pharmacy Other
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"Those who work for the Church’s charitable organizations must be distinguished by the fact that they do not merely meet the needs of the moment, but they dedicate themselves to others with heartfelt concern, enabling them to experience the richness of their humanity." Benedict XVI, Deus Caritas Est, 31
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For persons who want to support the further implementation of the projects mentioned in this publication, they can do it entering the heading DONATE of the organisation’s web page www.casaprov.org.