In Necșești, the summer program continues every week with a new workshop designed to expand the children’s view of themselves and of the world. The latest session was called “Me, on the Map of the World.” Children reflected on what they’re proud of from the past year and created personal collages around that thought. Some painted their village as they imagine it growing. Others marked the places and moments that made them feel stronger. The activity helped them express identity, belonging, and direction, three things many of them rarely get to define.

The program was built as a structured summer intervention, with one creative and emotional development workshop per week. Progress is monitored monthly through individual evaluations, so we can better adapt to their needs and support their growth in a meaningful way.

One thing became very clear: these children want to learn. Without being prompted, many of them chose the Bibles from their afterschool library as part of their weekly reading. It wasn’t part of the plan. They simply opened the books and kept returning to them, week after week.

Mrs. Mădălina, their school principal, gave up her vacation time to be with them. She attends each workshop, not as an obligation, but as part of her own decision to stand beside them during this important phase. Her commitment, along with the support of the local town hall, has been critical.

Despite all this, there’s growing pressure from above to shut down the school in Necșești. Some believe these children will never catch up, and that continuing to invest in them is pointless. But we’ve seen their progress. We’ve seen how they light up when someone believes in them. Together with the school and the municipality, we’re doing everything we can to protect their right to stay in school, to keep learning, and to build a different future than the one expected of them.

OpenSoul Foundation was here.

Isaiah 58:12 (NIV)

“You will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.”