When Vlad joined Blythswood’s after-school programme a year ago he demanded a lot of attention.  The 11-year-old and his mother had just moved to Jimbolia from another village in western Romania and he was suffering unresolved emotional distress from learning that his father had died. 

“His parents separated when Vlad was very young,” explains Carmen Popa, teacher at Talita Kum.  His father’s death from liver failure was a huge blow to Vlad.  He was unable to go to the funeral because it was too far away and sometimes he imagines that his dad may still be alive.”

In spite of this inner turmoil, Vlad has fitted in well to the Talita Kum programme.  “Vlad is very bright and we encourage him to tackle difficult puzzles which he is good at,” Carmen says.   “He enjoys reading but is easily distracted.  His handwriting is not good but every day we make sure that he completes the lessons which he did not finish at school.”

His mother is on a low wage as an unqualified factory worker, and she is unable to help Vlad with homework.  For children in such a situation, the care, nutrition and one-to-one tuition offered by Blythswood’s after-school programme is essential if they are to fulfil their potential.