Stories from Todirești

The last flowers for mother

The story of three siblings from Todirești, Ungheni, unfairly put to the test by fate

The village of Todirești, located in Ungheni district, is home to approximately 3,300 residents. As is only natural, local authorities speak highly of their community members, describing them as hardworking, compassionate, generous, and always ready to help. These qualities emerge clearly from the life stories shared with us by the community social worker, the doctor, teachers from the village school, and other key individuals who care deeply about everyday village life.

The first story they told us was about Ionuț, Alina, and Ștefan (fictional names), three siblings who now live with their aunt and four cousins. Today they form one family, after enduring severe hardships and being forced to start life anew.

The three children lost their mother on March 7, 2016 — on the eve of Mother’s Day, when children in villages traditionally go to the forest to pick the first spring flowers. That day, the S. siblings brought their mother flowers for the last time.

Although they lived in extreme poverty and their dwelling could barely be called a house, the children always came to school clean and well-prepared, says Maria Savciuc, Principal of Todirești Gymnasium.

“They came to school neatly dressed, always had their homework done, and the girl still has impeccable handwriting. She is the top student among all 22 pupils in her class,” the principal shares.

She assures us that the other siblings also perform well academically. Poverty at home did not prevent them from attending school regularly or maintaining a responsible attitude toward their studies.

A tragedy that mobilized the entire village

“Immediately after we learned of the mother’s death, we decided to mobilize and ease the children’s suffering. The family was living in indescribable poverty. There wasn’t even a towel in the house, not to mention the funeral expenses,” the principal recalls.

The tragedy deeply affected the entire village. Teachers proposed donating their trade union bonuses, and together with contributions collected from parents, they purchased everything necessary to ensure the mother was laid to rest with dignity. The village priest officiated the funeral service free of charge, while neighbors and teachers prepared the memorial meal.

“At that moment, the entire village mobilized — from employees to ordinary citizens — everyone helped as best they could. We moved ahead of paperwork and formal procedures. The documents were not yet prepared, but we were already working, because intervention was needed immediately, not later,” says the principal.

Social assistance services, the priest, educators, the doctor, and even the local police officer were involved to ensure that the children’s father — known for alcohol abuse and violence — would not appear to threaten or distress the already grieving children.

In such moments, collaboration among all actors who come into contact with children and families in difficulty — the mayor’s office, school, medical services, social assistance, police, and community members — is essential.

Additional funds were later raised to support the children’s schooling. Clothes, school supplies, and food were purchased for them.

An aunt facing the challenge of raising seven children

Despite being pregnant with her fourth child at the time, the children’s maternal aunt took them in immediately and initiated legal guardianship procedures.

When asked whether she would manage raising seven children, she answered without hesitation:

“They are the only relatives I have — my family, my only support.”

Social services provided financial assistance of 2,000 lei per child. The family received a washing machine, and all necessary steps were taken to ensure access to social benefits. The children were enrolled in the school’s free meal program and received additional support measures.

The family doctor ensured comprehensive medical examinations. There had been a tuberculosis outbreak in the household, as the mother — though aware of her illness — had never sought medical care.

Today, the children live in a warm and supportive environment with their aunt. Although the crisis has passed, the family remains under social services’ monitoring to ensure the children’s well-being across all domains.

“Do not leave today’s work for tomorrow”

Another case in Todirești involved a family left homeless at the beginning of winter after two young children, aged 3 and 8, accidentally started a fire while playing with matches. The flames destroyed their household.

“We intervened immediately,” the social worker recalls. “One child attended kindergarten, the other school. We arranged for free kindergarten and school meals, and we appealed to the community for help.”

The response was overwhelming. Besides clothing and food provided through social assistance, community members donated construction materials to repair part of the house. Parenting capacity-building sessions were also conducted.

“No matter how skilled you are, you cannot solve such problems alone,” says Principal Savciuc. The key lies in responsiveness, shared responsibility, and intersectoral cooperation.

She recalls another example: when two children failed to attend school on September 2, she immediately contacted the police. Together, they searched door to door and returned the children to school the next day. The issue was not the children — but their parents.

“Our motto is: We must act TODAY, NOW — not tomorrow.”

There are no “difficult” children — only children with special educational needs

Todirești Gymnasium serves 339 students and is one of the largest schools in the district. It integrates 10 children with special educational needs (SEN), including one child with Down syndrome.

This boy, now in second grade, attends school part-time due to health issues. For years, doctors labeled him “deaf-mute.” Yet through the dedication of his support teacher, Svetlana Țînaevschi, he learned to speak. Today, at age 11, he recites poems.

His first word was “Oaia” (Sheep), addressed to his grandmother Olea. Later, he said “Ta-ta” (Dad) over the phone to his father working abroad — a moment that moved both to tears.

With patience, small rewards, and endless dedication, the teacher gradually taught him to count, read, and form words. She continues to visit him twice a week after school so that he “does not remain without books.”

Now he reads letters, recognizes words, plays with classmates, and proudly participates in school events.

A child connects syllables — A teacher connects destinies

Another teacher, Iulia Moraru, also retired but still active, works with children with SEN in the school’s Resource Center. Through play-based learning, children develop reading and writing skills. For them, even recognizing letters and forming syllables is extraordinary progress.

One boy with cerebral palsy, unable to attend school regularly due to the lack of a wheelchair, learned to read letters from his parents’ clothing. His reward for learning to read was a real microphone — and he proudly hosted a school celebration.

“These are successes,” concludes the principal.

Because when a community works together — miracles happen.