Rural poverty continues to be a harsh reality for people in Romania, even for those like Agi who manage to maintain a brave face.  Her husband is incapacitated by Parkinson’s disease and her son suffers from schizophrenia, making her a full-time carer who must also balance the family budget of 500 euros per month.

It’s not a lot for three adults.  Household expenses such as firewood for their two-roomed home, and medical costs take most of their financial assistance from the state as Agi, too, is in poor health and has sometimes been hospitalised for as long as two weeks.

“Since 2020 we have been helping this family with a monthly food package,” says Agnes Csiszer who volunteers for the Basis project, Blythswood’s project to help low-income families in and around Cluj.  “I meet her at the station when she comes by train with her son from the village where they live, 35 kilometres away.  We always take time to talk and I try to help her by listening to her and advising her.

“The monthly gift of basic food items such as oil, flour and rice is a big help to them.  As long as they are unable to move out of their current situation, I think they will continue to need Blythswood’s support.”