United Way Romania, Together with Țiriac International Foundation, Implements the “Learn and Live Healthy” Project for Children from a Vulnerable Community in Brașov County and Opens a Reading Club Designed as a Modern and Interactive Educational Space

United Way Romania, in partnership with Țiriac International Foundation, is implementing the “Learn and Live Healthy” project, an initiative dedicated to supporting children from disadvantaged communities through education, sports activities, and life skills development, with the aim of offering them a better and healthier future.

Implemented in a community in Brașov County, selected based on educational and social needs, the “Learn and Live Healthy” project, with a value of nearly EUR 150,000, is carried out over two school years. It involves 200 children, 50 parents, and 4 teachers.

The initiative addresses the challenges faced by some children in Romania, such as poverty, learning difficulties, school dropout, and lack of access to a healthy lifestyle. According to the National Institute of Statistics, 27% of children aged 0–17 live in poverty, while PISA test results show that nearly half of Romanian students are functionally illiterate, with a significantly higher proportion in vulnerable environments. At the same time, in the field of children’s health, in 2024, data from the World Health Organization show that 40% of Romanian children have weight-related problems. As a result, Romania remains among the European countries with the highest rates of childhood obesity.

On January 21, as part of the project, the reading club was opened in the community school. It is designed as a modern space and a library adapted to children’s age. Here, children will take part in weekly reading activities organized in small groups, using interactive methods that stimulate curiosity and the pleasure of reading. Literacy levels will be constantly assessed in order to adapt activities to each child’s needs.

“For over 20 years, United Way Romania has been developing educational programs for children from vulnerable backgrounds, driven by the belief that every child has potential and deserves the support needed to discover it. The reading club we are inaugurating today is more than a space with books – it is a safe and friendly place where children can learn, dream, and gain confidence. We thank our partners at Țiriac International Foundation for supporting a project that brings together education and balanced living,” said Adriana Dobrea, Executive Director of United Way Romania.

“The role of Țiriac International Foundation is to invest in the young generation and to create real opportunities for a better future for Romania. The <> project is one of the ways in which this mission comes to life, offering children from vulnerable communities the support they need to move forward with confidence. Together with United Way Romania, we are building a sustainable model that supports education, encourages healthy habits, and opens real perspectives for these children. Their success matters for Romania’s future, and we are committed to standing by them on this journey,” said Andra Farcaș, Charity Officer, Țiriac International Foundation.

The sports and health component of the project includes weekly sports workshops and annual “Sports Day” events, focused on cooperation, fair play, and team spirit. In parallel, children will take part in monthly educational sessions on the importance of a healthy lifestyle, addressing topics such as balanced nutrition, hydration, physical activity, sleep, emotional health, and risk behavior prevention. At each activity, children will receive healthy snacks or a hot meal, as tangible support for families in need.

“Learn and Live Healthy” also pays attention to the adults in children’s lives. Teachers will participate in professional development sessions and will receive ongoing support throughout the implementation period, in order to better support students from vulnerable backgrounds. At the same time, parents will be involved in information and awareness activities, to encourage reading, healthy eating, and physical activity.

In the long term, the initiative aims to increase school attendance, reduce the risk of educational dropout, improve children’s well-being, and develop essential life and social integration skills. The project seeks to create a sustainable intervention model that can be continued by the school and the community even after the funding period ends.

With over 20 years of experience working with vulnerable communities, United Way Romania continues to develop programs that bring together schools, families, and communities to generate lasting change in children’s lives.

About United Way Romania

United Way Romania is a non-profit organization that supports the development of vulnerable communities through integrated programs in education, health, and financial stability, mobilizing resources and partnerships for sustainable social impact.

About Țiriac International Foundation

Țiriac International Foundation was founded and operates based on the belief that investments in children and young people are at the heart of a better future for Romania. For this reason, the foundation’s philanthropic mission focuses on increasing the well-being of communities in Romania by ensuring equitable access for children and young people to opportunities, especially in education and sport, as drivers for healthy and capable new generations.

The objective of the Țiriac International Foundation is the visible and measurable improvement of educational performance for children from disadvantaged backgrounds in the communities where it invests. In the long term, the foundation aims to see: children with increased motivation for education; families and communities with greater awareness of the importance of education; schools with active leadership and teachers dedicated to the success of all children; and local institutions committed to supporting schools as growth hubs for local communities.