A Chance for a Better Future: Turning Vulnerability into Hope
Whether we acknowledge it or not, vulnerability is part of being human. But for some, vulnerability is more than trait. It is a daily reality that shapes their childhood and their opportunities for the future.
According to a 2025 report by Save the Children foundation, 19 million children across the European Union were at risk of poverty, while approximately 33% of children in Romania faced the risk of poverty or social exclusion.
Since 2002, Missio Link International Foundation has been responding to these needs through its Children at Risk department. We believe that every child deserves a chance, and that this is especially true for those growing up in vulnerable circumstances.
The Chance to Have a Normal Childhood
Adela’s family consists of her older brother and sister and her paternal grandmother. She is not yet ten years old, and although she is not to blame for any of it, she is already bearing the consequences of the poor choices made by the adults in her life.
Her grandmother is the pillar of the family. Although life has not been easy for her, she has found the strength to be both mother and father, as well as a grandmother. Her love for her grandchildren gives her the strength to provide them with the support, care, and protection they need to grow and flourish. Adela has inherited her grandmother’s determination and strength. Despite facing difficulties of her own, Adela has made progress at school through hard work and perseverance, learning to read and write along the way.
Through our Back to School program, carried out in partnership with the ‘Constantin Păunescu’ School Center for Inclusive Education in Recaș, we help vulnerable children stay in school by providing Christian education activities, food, and essential hygiene supplies. For some families, including Adela’s, providing even the basic necessities can be a constant struggle. These hardships often lead children to miss school or, in some cases, drop out altogether.
The Chance for a Fresh Start
When we first met Răzvan, he was only 15 years old and facing a three-year sentence. He rejected any form of authority and shut down whenever someone tried to offer him help. His words revealed deep anger and distrust.
Răzvan’s story is one of many we encounter in our daily work at the Buziaș Educational Center, where, through our Harmony program, we work with young people who are deprived of their freedom.
Through weekly classes, we encourage these young people to embrace values that can guide them toward better choices, help them build character, and understand the importance of faith in God. We use resources such as Abstinence = Freedom, Freedom in Truth, and Choices for Freedom. The latter are accredited by the National Administration of Penitentiaries, and participation can earn them points that contribute toward a reduction in their sentences.
After more than a year of attending our classes, Răzvan has begun to open up and ask questions. His story has reminded us that change doesn’t happen overnight. Every young person carries their own struggles, disappointments, and questions. Learning to consider a different perspective on life takes time, patience, and perseverance.
The Chance to Build a Future
Behind the statistics about Romania’s child protection system are real stories and young hearts still holding on to hope. Nadia’s story is one of courage, ambition, and the right to dream.
Her case came to the attention of child protection authorities for a second time before she had even turned ten. The only family she has ever known is her mother and her maternal grandparents, who have always been there for her. From an early age, she tried hard not to be defined by the label of “a child in the system.” She paid close attention to her appearance and behavior and worked hard to do well in school. Through determination and ambition, she achieved good academic results.
Today, Nadia is a ninth-grade student at a high school in Timișoara, with a clear vision for her future. She hopes to attend university and build a career of her own. But her greatest dream, the one that motivates her to get up and go to school each morning, is tied to turning 18. She dreams of having a home of her own where she and her mother can live together. At an age when many teenagers look forward to birthday parties and expensive gifts, Nadia dreams of being able to provide her mother with a home and the support she needs.
At Deborah House, girls who have experienced abuse, neglect, and exploitation find safety, love, and hope. Our two homes are designed to be places of healing and new beginnings. We provide a caring, Christian family environment, counseling and psychotherapy, access to education and vocational training, as well as medical and legal assistance.
When they turn 18, each girl has the opportunity to continue her journey through our Aspirations program.
No child should have to carry the weight of their future alone. We can help make the road ahead a little easier. If you would like to be part of these stories of change, we invite you to get involved—whether by keeping these children and young people in your prayers, making a donation, or offering your time and skills as a volunteer. Together, we can help more vulnerable children and young people receive the support they need to move forward.
Fivi Dănălache and the Missio Link International Team
Donations: https://mli.ro/doneaza/
Voluntariat: For information about volunteer opportunities and requirements, please contact us at office@mli.ro .
