A happy present and future for Andrei

Andrei is 17 years old and has life experience equivalent to that of many adults. Today, he lives with his father and his siblings, who have been raised by him since their mother passed away. Their mother left too soon, succumbing to an incurable illness. This marked a particularly difficult period for the family, but despite the challenges, the boys retained their kindness, sensitivity, and unity. Overwhelmed by the loss of his wife, the boys’ father struggled to meet their material needs and could not provide Andrei, the youngest, with the educational support necessary to keep up with his peers. As a result, Andrei was placed in institutional care shortly afterward, while his older brothers had to work occasionally in the village or abroad to support themselves.

The family reunited only during holidays and, rarely, during school breaks, when Andrei could return home. “…And there was no greater joy for the family than when they all came back to the parental home,” recalls an emotional Mrs. Elena, the teacher who guided Andrei and helped set him on the right path.

The local community admires the way this family manages their household. Andrei has a great love for animals and enjoys taking care of their calf and piglet, which gives him a sense of belonging and purpose.

A significant contribution to the family’s cohesion comes from the boys’ father, who maintained consistent ties with their extended family. Andrei’s aunt and uncle helped them navigate challenges and take care of their home. The older brothers bake bread and cook the most delicious stuffed cabbage rolls. They also manage the family’s winter supplies, preparing jams and preserves. The brothers support each other, wish each other well, and demonstrate a high level of attachment despite having lived apart for a period. They have learned from each other how to cook, clean, and care for themselves.

“Their parents can be proud of having raised hardworking, friendly children who earn the respect of the entire village,” adds Mrs. Elena.

Equally important in Andrei’s life is the social worker, who has been a key point of support for the family since Andrei was placed in care. She recognized his potential, encouraged him, and nurtured his love for learning. She helped him accept his physical appearance—Andrei suffered lasting injuries from a childhood accident—which had initially caused him fear of attending school and interacting with peers due to concerns about rejection.

Mrs. Elena ensured that Andrei attended the local day center, where he received homework support, made new friends, had access to computers and books, listened to his favorite music, and pursued drawing—another passion discovered by his teachers.

Thanks to Andrei’s perseverance, the active involvement of his teachers, and the support provided by PPFC, Andrei is now among the top students in his class. For more than two years, he has been back home and attending his community school. Still, the stress of exams (as he completes the 9th grade) is palpable, and Andrei admits, “…if it weren’t for Math and Romanian, which give me the most trouble, …the exams would be much easier.”

Nevertheless, his future plans speak for themselves. Andrei is undoubtedly a well-raised child with strong life principles and a well-developed sense of responsibility. He wants to continue his studies at a vocational school to acquire a profession, work, and help his family, so that his father and brothers will no longer have to go abroad to provide for them.

Andrei’s story is a success, one that inspires us because it reflects not only the evolution of a family but also the dedicated work of an entire team: the social worker who supported him during his most difficult moments, the teachers who worked diligently to help him catch up academically, and, of course, the PPFC project team that provided the family with all necessary support, helping them become another strong family for the five brothers.