A set of juggling balls – how about that for an unusual gift? And, as happens time and again with such inspired choices, they landed in the right hands.

At 16, Nicu is the oldest attendee at Talita Kum, Blythswood’s after-school programme in Jimbolia, Romania. Brought up by a single mum, he has overcome many disadvantages to persevere at school.

“He is good at art,” says Talita Kum director Adrian Popa. “I’m encouraging him to pursue further education and to qualify as a graphic designer.

“Nicu has moved around a lot and was taught to juggle by a French circus artist. You can see he’s done this before!”

Nicu found a set of juggling balls in his shoebox.

Unusual gifts have a way of reaching the right hands.