Help fund the Day Care Centre for children in Moldova

Moldova is one of the poorest countries in Europe. Previously part of the USSR and not yet part of the EU, life is hard with few jobs and opportunities for people. Many parents have no choice but to move abroad to find work, leaving their children with elderly grandparents. Amongst those who remain, alcoholism and domestic abuse are common, as well as very high rates of trafficking of women and girls. Against this background of neglect, abuse and severe poverty, children in the rural village of Gotesti are being helped by the Baptist Church, which runs a Day Care Centre.
 
The Day Care Centre is attended by 60 socially vulnerable children aged between 7-15. It is an after-school sanctuary where the teachers provide help with schoolwork, Bible studies, food, games, mentoring and counselling in a caring and supportive environment. This physical, spiritual and emotional support given to the children enables them to thrive and gives them a strong foundation for their future lives.
 
Help is needed urgently. I have seen this wonderful work grow and flourish since it started in 2015. However, due to changes in funding, this work is at risk of ceasing, leaving 60 children unsupported and the staff with no income. Due to the scarcity of paid work in Moldova, external funding from other countries is essential to support the Day Care Centre. Providing a modest income for the three teachers and the cook enables them to remain in Gotesti to support the children and their families.

In this funding round, we are looking to raise £5,000 to ensure that the Day Care Centre is able to continue after December 2025. Total running costs for the year are £14,500. Your contribution, however large or small, will directly help the 60 children and staff.

Thank you for reading this and – with your gift – for helping to care for these wonderful children.