Irinel can write but he will not speak. The extreme reticence of the 11-year-old lad perplexes the teachers at Talita Kum, Blythswood’s after-school programme in Jimbolia, Romania.

“He joined us in September and is from a large family in poor circumstances,” says Adrian Popa who has over 20 years’ experience of helping disadvantaged children to realise their potential at school.

“He needs someone to walk him to school, otherwise he gets lost. He comes to TK with two of his classmates but he refuses to speak. If you ask him something he will only shake his head or nod in agreement. It’s rumoured that he speaks to his younger brother but even his parents cannot confirm that.”

A cooked meal every day is a large incentive for the children to attend the after-school programme but the TK team have noted that Irinel hardly eats anything. “He sits at the table with the others buts eats less than half compared to other boys his age,” Adrian says. “We believe his silence and his eating behaviour are his way of communication. Perhaps something traumatic happened in the past.

“He is starting therapy with our psychologist and meanwhile his teacher keeps him busy with tasks he can complete. Although he says nothing, he seems happy to be here. We need to slowly build trust. He responds to kindness. His face tells you that he is grateful.”

Irinel is one of four children on the programme who have been professionally evaluated as having special educational needs. Adrian reckons that many more might be described as such. “Irinel has a realistic chance of recovery,” he says. “Others may have less potential. But they still deserve a safe and stimulating childhood. At Talita Kum we aim to provide both.”