Entries by Comunicare MLI

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Summer 2025 at Alpiniș

The summer of 2025 was an enchanting chapter in the story of the Alpiniș Leadership Center. Each week brought a new group of guests: youth, children, families, and leaders, all coming to reconnect with one another and with God, in nature.

The season began with the annual retreat for pastors of the Great Commission Collective (GCC), together with their wives. In an atmosphere of genuine fellowship, they shared burdens, lifted prayers, and were encouraged by the message on “Returning to First Love,” delivered by Pastor Ray Koprowski. It was a time of rest for weary souls and a celebration of the new church-planting initiative in Iași.

The first summer camp at Alpiniș was with the children from Bethel Baptist Church No.1 in Timișoara. For a week, 61 children explored “The Greatness of God,” learning the Gospel through vibrant colors tied to creation. Alongside games, hikes, and creative activities, the children also enjoyed a campfire.

The group from Deo Gloria Church in Sibiu spent time at Alpiniș in a discipleship camp with the theme “The Word That Changes Lives.” Biblical teaching was harmoniously combined with rest and moments of service, strengthening precious connections.

The week of July 14–19 was marked by a remarkable international collaboration. Fifteen youth and leaders from Zionsville Presbyterian Church (ZPC) in the USA joined youth from partner churches in Giurgiu, Fetești, and Călărași in the “Navigating through Life” camp. Together, we discovered how the Bible serves as God’s map to guide us on life’s journey. Here is what ZPC youth said about their experience in Romania:

“Hi, my name is Emma Woods, and I’m a junior at Zionsville High School. This trip to Romania has been the most incredible experience of my life. I am overwhelmed by the Lord’s kindness throughout my time here and by all the people I prayed with, worshiped with, and grew close to this week. I had the privilege of leading worship alongside very talented people, and I will always treasure the sound of different languages united in praise to the same God. This week I saw the Lord in the most beautiful mountain landscapes and in stunning sunsets. I pray I never forget these moments of deep worship and the love I received from people who, at first, were strangers.”

Alongside Emma, Cooper, Ethan, Melanie, and other youth shared their experiences, which you can read here.

Our own youth were also encouraged by their time:

“I learned how important Bible study and prayer are for a better life with Christ. Outdoor games and the mountain hike reminded me how beautiful God’s creation is and that I should enjoy it every day. No matter the language spoken or different customs, we can still have a great time together! These five days of camp changed my thinking and perspective on life with Christ in a remarkable way.” – Sara

“This camp was a huge blessing for me. I felt God’s presence through the songs, messages, and fellowship with others. Here I understood more clearly how much the Lord loves me, and I was encouraged to draw closer to Him through the camp’s messages.” – Daniel

Alpiniș has also become a place for families to reconnect. In the summer family camp, “The Story of Our Emotions,” parents and children had the opportunity, guided by Ina Bulzan, psychotherapist and storyteller, to strengthen their relationships in a safe environment, away from the rush of daily life. Each activity was designed to build bridges, highlighting the importance of family.

We also had the joy of hosting the Providence Kids Camp for children from Providence Baptist Church in Timișoara, who traveled along the “Highway to Heaven,” a journey full of games and exploration, culminating in a surprise visit to Sibiu Zoo.

A memorable camp was the one for girls from Deborah House, alongside a team from Christ Church, Oak Brook, IL, USA, a partner of MLI since 1993, and the children from the Orphanage and “Holy Trinity” Church in Lupeni. Together, we learned a simple but profound lesson: “faith as small as a mustard seed can do great things” (Matthew 17:20). Through hikes and games, they discovered that even small acts of faith can lead to extraordinary changes.

During the week of August 11–16, we hosted youth from “Harul Titan” Church in Bucharest, who sought answers to essential questions about faith. Their sincerity created an atmosphere of unity, and the time spent at Alpiniș strengthened their Christian based convictions.

The EuTiH camp continued this search, addressing difficult questions and exploring deep themes that reinforce faith. The outing for families from Golgota Church Bucharest, with guest Prof. Emil Bartoș, was a precious time of fellowship.

The season concluded with the LDM Connect camp for youth from the “Students Today, Leaders Tomorrow” Association. It was a clear confirmation of Generation Z’s need to disconnect from artificial sources and rediscover authentic connections.

The summer of 2025 proved that Alpiniș is a place where lives are touched, relationships are strengthened, and faith is deepened. We are grateful to everyone who made this unforgettable season possible!

Summer family camp, “The Story of Our Emotions,”

Providence Kids Camp

Deborah House Summer Camp at Alpinis

Harul Titan Church, Bucharest

LDM Connect Camp

14 October 2025 by
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Pastors’ Conference 2025

For the pastors and partner churches of Missio Link International, since 2001, the first week of September has become an opportunity for connecting and learning, at the Alpinis Leadership Center (ALC), where pastors and ministers, along with their wives and families, have been participating.

Pastor Sam Polson and his wife, Susan, from West Park Baptist Church in Knoxville, TN, our friends and partners since 1997, shared from a lifetime of experience. Pastor Sam led a series of main sessions on the theme “The Glory of God in Ministry,” offering a deep and practical perspective on pastoral life. Together, Sam and Susan led a workshop on “The Theology and Practice of Prayer,” providing concrete tools to deepen spiritual life.

In addition to the main sessions, the conference included practical workshops designed to address essential topics for ministry and family life. Pastor Daniel Bulzan discussed “The Potential of the Lord’s Supper to Renew and Transform a Church,” while Pastor Florin Iosub highlighted “Faithfulness and Testimony in Evangelical Couples.”

We also enjoyed moments of relaxation and fellowship. We had the opportunity to worship together through songs and prayer, socialize around a campfire, enjoy nature, and even go on a hike in the mountains. These activities provided a much-needed break from daily routines and created an atmosphere of friendship and mutual support.

The feedback from the participants after the conference confirmed the need and desire for such gatherings, which encourages us to continue the work.

“The conference was a great encouragement and renewed the motivation to serve the Lord with dedication and sacrifice, knowing that He is truly worthy of all our praises. Sam and Susan Polson, Daniel Bulzan, and Florin Iosub created the context for interaction on some challenging issues and helped us to enrich our minds and spirits. Everything was excellently organized: accommodation, food, worship, sessions, and hikes, so that our bodies and souls could rest and be refreshed. Thank you!” – Adrian & Florica Simion, Zimnicea, Teleorman

“Meeting people like Sam and Susan Polson, Daniel Bulzan, Florin Iosub, and others who organized and provided for the conference humbles me—they are exceptional people, and it is so rare in life when you have the chance to interact with them. It was a privilege for me and my wife to be part of this conference, and I am so grateful and thankful for the opportunity to be here. May God bless you all!” – Bebi & Neli Prica, Ciuta, Buzău.

 

We thank all our partners and friends, through whom God blessed us with the necessary resources to make this conference a setting for rest and spiritual renewal for His servants. We are honored to come alongside our partners to encourage and enable Christian witness and action. 

6 October 2025 by
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Short-Term Mission Teams – September 2025

West End Assembly of God, Richmond, VA, USA

What better way to end the summer holiday than with dear guests and activities filled with smiles? From August 31st to September 6th, we had the joy of hosting a short-term mission team from West End Assembly of God (WEAG) in Richmond, Virginia, USA. The team was led by Sue Schlesman, the church’s Director of Discipleship. Eight women came with a clear purpose: to serve, bring joy, and spend precious time with the children in our “Children At Risk” (CAR) programs.

The partnership between WEAG and the MLI team began a long time ago, back in late 1993. After MLI was established in 2001, WEAG decided to include MLI on its list of international mission partners. In the early years, they provided financial support for the renovation and construction of the two Deborah Houses. Even through leadership transitions and the challenges of the pandemic, WEAG has remained a faithful partner of MLI-CAR.

With open hearts and prepared with creative and educational materials, the WEAG team organized various activities that filled the children’s days with joy. There were moments of play, learning, and storytelling, all with the desire to build and strengthen friendships and to make our girls feel valuable. Being healthy means more than just feeling good physically; it means taking care of and valuing yourself. That’s why one of the most successful workshops was dedicated to health and personal hygiene. In a playful and friendly way, the girls learned about the importance of personal care. These small daily habits are actually a way to feel a little more confident every day. Each activity was a small piece of a larger puzzle, designed to help the girls rediscover themselves and build healthy self-esteem.

Each day of the week, a special time was dedicated to the story of Esther from the Bible, a wonderful example of courage and self-worth. The girls learned that, like Esther, every girl is chosen by God for a unique purpose. Caring for our bodies is important, but especially caring for our hearts. This story teaches us that, beyond external appearance, true beauty lies in the courage to act, the humility to listen, and a heart that allows itself to be used by God to make a difference in the world around us.

The children and youth from the other CAR programs also enjoyed the ministry of the WEAG team:

The MLI “Back to School” Program: together with the WEAG team, we organized a special activity at the “Constantin Paunescu” Center for Inclusive Education in Recas, connecting with the children through interactive games. Some of the children’s mothers took part in a health-focused session, where they received valuable information about first aid, medical advice on household accidents, and participated in a Q&A session, asking about various health issues affecting them or their loved ones.

The MLI “Harmony” Program: at the Buzias Educational Center, together with the girls in the program, MLI and the WEAG team created connections through a specially prepared craft, shared a snack, and had heartfelt conversations.

We sincerely thank our friends from West End Assembly of God Church for choosing to be with us and our children!

6 October 2025 by
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Deborah House Summer Camp at Alpinis

Let us tell you about a week full of adventure at the Alpinis summer camp! The girls from Deborah House were joined by a team from Christ Church, Oak Brook (CCOB), IL, USA, and the children from the Children’s Home and the “Holy Trinity” Baptist Church in Lupeni, accompanied by Pastor Mircea Ursu, his wife Cristina, and the team from the children’s home.

MLI has partnered with “Holy Trinity” church in Lupeni for many years, and we especially appreciate this church’s ministry in the Jiu Valley community, both in proclaiming the gospel and through the Children’s Home and other social projects.

“All the camps organized at Alpinis in recent years have been highly anticipated by our children. This year’s camp was a great success as well. I was very impressed by the connection that was made between our children and the girls from Deborah House. The program, the activities both indoors and outdoors, and the Bible study sessions led by the Christ Church, Oak Brook team all contributed to the charm of our time at Alpinis. We are eagerly looking forward to a new experience at Alpinis next year, if the Lord wills!” – Mircea Ursu

Through games, crafts, and hikes, the children discovered a valuable lesson together: that a small faith, like a mustard seed, can do great things. The week was dedicated to exploring this idea, and the children learned that no beginning is too small and no faith is too little if it is placed in God.

One of the highlights was the hike, a tradition everyone loves. On the mountain, the children learned that we need each other to reach the top. Other activities included interactive games, crafts, bracelet making, campfire, archery, and sports competitions.

From the letters we received, we felt the children’s joy and gratitude for everything they experienced at camp. Some thanked us for the “creative games” and for “all the lessons that made them more curious about God.” Others appreciated that “we had energetic games and fun activities that brought us together,” and the delicious food was not forgotten.

We are convinced that a small act of kindness and a sincere faith can make an extraordinary change in the lives of those around us. The camp is a wonderful example of what God does when His people work together. For this experience, we thank Christ Church, serving with us in Romania since 1993, and an anonymous US partner who, through Missio International, has generously supported the participation of the children from Lupeni in the camp for the past few years.

Letters from the Children:

“I just wanted to say a big thank you for the amazing job you did organizing the summer camp activities. I liked that you approached the theme of the mustard seed and that you introduced the idea of a journal to help us reflect on it. The games and hands-on activities were also really fun and enjoyable! We really appreciate all the effort you put in. I hope we can do something like this again in the future. All the best!” – Daria

“Thank you to everyone for all the fun activities, thank you for the hike in the mountains, thank you for taking us to Arka Park, thank you for staying with us, thank you for the food, for the water, for the candies, for the rooms, and thank you for reading this. I hope I’m going to see everyone next year.” – Alessia

“With all my heart, I want to thank you for making this camp a new, beautiful, and memorable experience. It was more than a camp: it was a time of joy, friendship, and getting closer to God. We had energetic games and good fun, exciting activities that united us, and moments of Bible study that nourished our souls and taught us precious things. The food was delicious, the accommodation was comfortable, and the atmosphere was full of warmth and care. Thank you to all the sponsors and those who gave their time. May God reward you and bless you for your generosity and love. We hope to see you next year.” – Alexandra

6 October 2025 by
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Short-Term Mission Teams – Northern Ireland, UK, July 2025

Allow us to tell you about our partners in Northern Ireland… especially about the Free Presbyterian Churches and Serve Youth. The story of this friendship began in the early ’90s when Rev. Stanley Barnes visited Romania and established a valuable relationship with Pastor Eugen Groza [1954-2018], a founding member and president of Missio Link International (MLI). Rev. Barnes is the one who introduced us to the Northern Irish community, opening doors for a fruitful collaboration. Over the years, at his invitation and that of Hillsborough Free Presbyterian Church, the girls from Deborah House have had the joy of visiting Northern Ireland on multiple occasions. The legacy of service left by Dr. Stanley and Ina Barnes is continued with dedication by their daughter, Heather Garrett, by Sharon Craig, and other partners in the area.

This friendship, along with Sharon, also brought Phil Hartin, the leader and founder of Serve Youth, to join us. In 2022, together with Serve Youth, we organized a camp at the Alpiniș Leadership Center specifically for our girls! Annually, since 2017, Serve Youth teams have been organizing camps and Vacation Bible Schools for both the children and youth in MLI’s programs and for children in rural areas near Timișoara.

We cannot talk about our partnership with Northern Ireland without mentioning Rev. David Park and his wife, Susan, from Hebron Free Presbyterian Church, Ballymoney, who have been serving in Romania with dedication for 17 years. Their shared desire is to see the girls from Deborah House overcome their past difficulties and succeed in life, happily recalling the success story of Mirela, who became a doctor (find out about Mirela’s story here). The mission of this church reaches vulnerable people, especially from Roma communities, in areas such as Aleșd, Moldova Nouă, and the Buzău Mountains.

In addition to sending teams and making visits, our Northern Irish partners are generously involved in supporting programs for children and youth from vulnerable communities. A special model of partnership is the Matching Grant between Missio International, Knoxville, USA, and Hillsborough FPC, UK. Annually, for over ten years, communities from different countries, and even continents, have joined their efforts to support children in the CAR-MLI (Children At Risk) programs.

All these carefully woven examples over the years bear witness to the impact a partnership between Christians can have when it’s based on testimony and action.

Rev. David Park & team

Serve Youth

2 October 2025 by
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The Story of Our Emotions

Alpiniș Family Camp – July 2025

In the fast-paced world of today, the Alpinis Leadership Center is increasingly becoming a place where parents and children reconnect. Beyond a welcoming setting, our family camps—whether skiing in the winter or enjoying the quiet of the mountains in the summer—represent a voice of the gospel in family life.

This July, we had the joy of hosting ten families at our “The Story of Our Emotions” camp. It was a week full of captivating stories and workshops led by Ina Bulzan, psychotherapist and story teller, designed for both parents and children. In addition to creative crafts, interactions and sports activities, we explored nature together through hikes and a treasure hunt, flew kites, and had fun with water games. We also had moments of spiritual reflection, with songs and Bible stories adapted to the camp’s theme.

After this experience, Ina Bulzan shared some valuable thoughts:

“I consider the family camp to be a unique vacation opportunity for parents who want to strengthen their relationship with their children, actively participate in their lives, and fully embrace their parental role. The theme of emotions proved to be extremely beneficial, allowing for a variety of activities and, most importantly, contributing positively to relational dynamics. It was a significant effort for both children and parents to learn how to recognize, experience, express, and, at times, regulate their emotions.”

Ina added that “managing frustration, fatigue, agitation, focus, and conflicts is an ongoing effort for a parent alongside their child. However, in the relaxed context of the camp, alongside other participants, this work becomes easier. The group brings additional challenges but also numerous advantages: new friendships for children and parents, role models, support, and valuable resources.”

The families’ interest, openness, and willingness to participate in everything offered, and their flexibility and joy were remarkable.

“For me, the parents’ discussion group was a truly special moment. It was a rich source of ideas and support, vital, I would say—the ‘village’ we all need to raise our children. It was an excellent opportunity, fully utilized by parents, including for expressing their spiritual convictions.”

A truly remarkable aspect was the presence and contribution of adoptive and foster families. We believe the impact was mutual: these families, in turn, found acceptance, support, and encouragement from the other parents.

There are so many voices and models that shape parent-child relationships. We see a growing need among families for these kinds of experiences—a need for authentic reconnection, a search for what is best. Through these camps, we offer an alternative anchored in Christian values, a framework where parents and children can rediscover the joy of being together.

“This was the second year we gladly returned to the family camp at Paltinis. From hikes, water play, sports activities, competitions, and so much more, lovingly planned by Cosmin, to crafts, games, and stories about feelings carefully prepared by Ina, the camp week flew by, but we left with a ton of family memories that we will cherish for a lifetime.”

12 August 2025 by
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Short Term Mission Teams, USA – July 2025

This summer, the spirit of selfless service shone brightly at Missio Link International (MLI) as two dedicated Short Term Mission (STM) teams, one from Mt. Bethel Church in Marietta, GA, USA, and another from First Baptist Church of Clinton (FBCC), MS, USA, visited us and served the children in our Children At Risk (CAR) programs. 

Mt. Bethel Church has been a steadfast partner for over 25 years, supporting Deborah House and MLI since its inception, including during the renovation and construction phases. Chris Sweitzer has faithfully led teams from Mt. Bethel since 2001, returning regularly, often accompanied by his wife and two sons. This year, the team included two mother-daughter pairs, with the daughters being part of a Mt. Bethel youth group that regularly connects with our girls via Zoom. 

The FBCC team was notably led by Megan Moore, a young woman whose connection to Romania runs deep. Megan first visited the country at the age of 12 with her parents. Later, she returned with a team from Mt. Bethel Church and even spent a summer volunteering at Deborah House.  Megan’s role as an ambassador of MLI has grown as she joined the Missio International board of directors, a testament to her profound commitment and a living example of long-term dedication. 

The purpose of both teams was clear: to serve, to be a witness, to spend precious time with the children and young people, and to actively engage in the activities of MLI

MLI’s CAR programs, including Deborah House, Aspirations, Back to School, and Harmony, are dedicated to combating child abuse in all its forms—exploitation, sexual abuse, human trafficking, violence, and neglect. Through licensed residential care, trauma counseling, educational support, vocational training, and social reintegration assistance, these programs offer tangible support deeply rooted in the Gospel, aiming for transformation in the lives of vulnerable children and young adults.

The dedication of these STM teams, their willingness to invest time, energy, and love, provides invaluable encouragement to both the children and the MLI staff. Their presence, time spent in talks and activities, makes our children feel seen, valued, and deserving of a future filled with hope.

To our dear friends from Mt. Bethel and FBCC, you are always welcome, and we deeply appreciate your presence and partnership in this vital mission!

Mt. Bethel Church

First Baptist Church of Clinton

1 August 2025 by
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“Navigating through Life” Camp

Missio Link International and Zionsville Presbyterian Church, IN, USA

The partnership between Zionsville Presbyterian Church (ZPC), IN, USA, and Missio Link International (MLI) is truly special. It’s a relationship that has transcended geographical and cultural barriers, blossoming into a lifelong friendship spanning over 25 years! ZPC is a deeply committed partner, involved in various aspects of our work, from training pastors and leaders to organizing youth camps, church planting and sharing of resources. Their global focus includes a significant commitment to Romania.

One of the most anticipated expressions of this partnership is the annual youth camp at the Alpinis Leadership Center (ALC). This year, from July 14-19, we teamed up with ZPC to host the “Navigating through Life” camp. 15 youth and leaders from ZPC joined over 55 youth from our partner communities in Giurgiu, Fetesti, and Calarasi, south and south-east of Romania. It was an extraordinary experience of friendship and learning—a true Adventure with Purpose.

The camp’s theme, “Navigating through Life,” guided the young people in a shared discovery: how God has given us a map—the Bible—for life’s journey. Team spirit and connections were strengthened through challenging activities and moments of introspection. Even when the weather wasn’t ideal, the youth managed a hike up the Batrana Peak, with some even going further, which was perfect for bonding and contemplating creation and Creator.

The focus was truly on teamwork and growing together. Constructive group discussions allowed the young people to delve deeper and better understand “what’s behind the facade,” referring to emotions and relational dynamics.

The youth also had the chance to try archery, learning the importance of focusing on the target and avoiding distractions. They also tested their concentration and determination on the ropes courses at Arka Park, an outdoor adventure park, where a key life lesson was reaffirmed: “we don’t have to win; it’s important to help each other finish.”

We are profoundly grateful for every young person who attended and for ZPC’s unwavering faithfulness. This camp was more than just a series of activities; it was a transformative experience that solidified friendships, offered practical life lessons, and underscored the power of unity and faith. 

1 August 2025 by
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ProTECT

ProTECT is a social initiative dedicated to combating human trafficking, in which the Missio Link International Foundation has been an active member since its inception. This year, we focused on strengthening support for survivors (individuals who experienced trafficking) and influencing policies at both national and European levels. Our work ranges from creating an essential guide for interacting with survivors and establishing standards for assistance centers to actively shaping the National Anti-Trafficking Strategy and rejecting a pro-prostitution report at the European level. Our work continues.

Pioneering Survivor Support: Interaction Guide and Licensing Standards for Assistance Centers (2025)

One of the key objectives for the ProTECT Platform in 2025 is to create an Interaction Guide for Survivors, specifically for individuals who have exited exploitation. This guide aims to support organizations working with victims by providing them with the necessary tools to understand the context from which survivors come and, at the same time, to offer concrete services and support to individuals with experience of trafficking and exploitation.

Simultaneously, we intend for this guide to be a valuable tool for potential employers, educational institutions, and even public bodies, specifically for the staff within these institutions who interact with human trafficking victims in their daily work. It is crucial to emphasize that the status of a trafficked person is not a deficit or a label. The purpose of this guide is not to portray victims as inferior individuals who require indulgence and tolerance from others, but rather to raise awareness of this phenomenon among those who interact with this vulnerable category.

In early 2025, the Platform contributed to the development of national standards for licensing centers dedicated to human trafficking victims. These standards represent the legal framework upon which centers offering services to victims of human trafficking will be licensed and legally operate. These standards, mandated by current legislation, are essential to guarantee the quality, safety, and effectiveness of services offered to this vulnerable group, ensuring them a coherent and structured path toward recovery and a new life.

A Consolidated Vision: National Anti-Human Trafficking Strategy 2024-2028

The normative act concerning the National Anti-Human Trafficking Strategy 2024-2028 has been published, and the ProTECT Platform contributed substantially to the drafting of this document. Based on the pillars of Prevention, Punishment, and Assistance, the strategy incorporates ProTECT’s proposals, including a funding mechanism for victims, a National Identification and Referral Mechanism (NIRM) for human trafficking victims, and last but not least, trafficking prevention (including for migrants). Future priorities involve operationalizing funding and the NIRM, creating assistance standards, and monitoring the implementation of the plan. Together, we are making a real difference!

Victory at the Council of Europe: Stopping the Pro-Prostitution Report (October 2024)

On October 3, a pro-prostitution report, which could have indirectly legalized prostitution within the European Union, was withdrawn from a plenary vote at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). This crucial victory, a result of remarkable collective mobilization, was led by Romanian MEPs, alongside MEPs from Sweden, France, Spain, and Germany. With 51 votes for withdrawal, we gained precious time to advocate for a redrafting of the document in favor of trafficking victims. The year 2024 has been favorable for the anti-trafficking movement at the European level, marked by the adoption of several resolutions and the rejection of a pro-prostitution report. The fight continues for a Europe where the most vulnerable women and girls are not commodified.

Contribution to the Evaluation of the Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) (2024)

At the invitation of the Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA), which evaluated the Romanian state’s actions to raise awareness and reduce this phenomenon, the ProTECT Platform contributed the perspective of non-governmental organizations experienced in human trafficking to the questionnaire for Romania’s fourth evaluation round. Our responses, alongside those of state institutions and other NGOs, will form the basis of GRETA’s country report, which will include recommendations for addressing vulnerabilities in human trafficking.

10 July 2025 by
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Project Management at Păltiniș Leadership Institute

In a world where periods of change overlap and become increasingly longer, companies must find a balance between the two dimensions of their activity: (1) Operations, which aim to exploit current capabilities to achieve objectives, and (2) Projects, which add value to the organization by exploring new competencies. In other words, they must simultaneously focus on the organization’s functioning and its transformation.

Thus, the transformation of the organization, through the execution of projects, is an essential dimension for the company’s future. It includes all strategic and tactical initiatives and programs of the organization. Organizational change refers to innovation, transformation, agility, and long-term value creation.

However, only 8.5% of large projects achieve their targets regarding both cost and delivery time. In other words, 91.5% exceed the allocated budget and delay delivery! It seems unbelievable, but these are the results of Bent Flyvberg, who maintains a database of over 16,000 projects! Furthermore, 99.5% of projects exceed the allocated budget, delay delivery, yield unsatisfactory benefits, or combine all three parameters. As Flyvberg observes:

“To do what you said you would do should be routine or at least commonplace, but it almost never happens!”

One of the main causes of these failures can be found in the statement “Fail to Plan… Plan to Fail!” This statement is often attributed to Benjamin Franklin, but the author is less important than the implications of a lack of planning! If you fail to plan, you are simply planning to fail!

In this context, at the Project Management workshop, organized in Păltiniș from March 28-30, 2025, we reviewed and practically applied the steps to follow for project execution, thus (re)discovering the importance of good planning!

The topics covered included the definition of a project and project management, but especially the application of concrete tools in the project management phases: Initiation, Planning, Execution, Monitoring & Control, and Closure.

The Project Management program offered a valuable opportunity to learn and apply essential concepts for project success. Through a practical approach and the use of case studies, participants were able to better understand the challenges encountered in project management and develop concrete planning and execution skills. The importance of rigorous planning was emphasized throughout the training, reaffirming that success in the project domain largely depends on prior preparation and organization.

Many thanks to everyone involved for their contribution to this learning experience, and thank you to the facilitator Adrian Hudulin (www.train2excellence.ro)!

[1]  https://hbr.org/2021/11/the-project-economy-has-arrived

[2] Bent Flyvberg and Dan Gardner, How Big Things Get Done.

2 July 2025 by