With encouragement from Talita Kum, Lavinia is on the right path
Helping teens to persevere at school
At 16 Lavinia is older than the other children in Blythswood’s after-school programme, Talita Kum. But as she has progressed as far as second year at high school, the TK team are determined to give her the support she needs to continue her education.
Lavinia lost her father when she was very young and now lives with an older married sister. She has been in Talita Kum since she started school. The regular meals and the one-to-one tuition which the programme offers have meant that she never needed to repeat a year at school.
“She has always been hard working and tried her best,” says TK director Adrian Popa who oversees the programme in Jimbolia, Romania. Although she didn’t get into the high school which she wanted, we see her journey as a success. Her sister would have been happy for her to stay at home and help with childcare but she has come to like her classes and pursues other interests outside of school.”
Lavinia still attends TK2 – the programme intended for 11 to 14-year-olds – for meals and for support with her homework. She has also enrolled in a hairdressing apprenticeship.
Adrian says: “Whatever her ambitions, Lavinia is on the right path.”