AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM 2009-2010

The first steps have been taken in the Republic of Moldova to place children from orphanages with families. For many of these children it is difficult to integrate into the society. The social workers overseeing the beginning stages of this transition are trying to manage the given situation, but because of the lack of finances the process is slow and they face many difficulties. LSM is attentively assessing the situation in the country.  Mrs. Valentina, a Social Worker In Zimbreni village of Ialoveni district came to LSM requesting assistance in working with children from troubled backgrounds or from impoverished situations. The plan was for the children to stay after classes, have lunch and do their homework. The LSM humanitarian department decided that we can do much more for these children than just provide for their basic needs so the LSM after-school program was initiated as an educational project. In a couple of days, LSM launched the project by enrolling 30 children in the first after-school program providing a meal for them after school and paying the salary of several teachers to be after school tutors assisting with homework and activities and a cook to prepare the meals. This is how the first After School project began in Moldova and currently it is the first of its kind in the country.  Their testimonies demonstrate improvement in academics and behavior.

Ion, 12 years old, 6th grade- He and his brother Octavian are orphans. Their parents died in an accident. They live with their grandparents who are ill and are not able to assist the boys with school work. The LSM After School Program helped them advance in school resulting in improved grades. They also received individual attention from the teachers working in the program, which is crucial to their social and psychological development. This after-school program has served as a ‘substitute’ for the absent parents giving these boys the opportunity to succeed in school and in their adult life.

Ludmila, 14 years old and Vladimir, 12 years old, orphans.  Their story is similar to the one of Octavian and Ion. They are also orphans and live with ill grandparents. The children are very grateful for the After School Program. “We study at the same school with those who attended the LSM After-School Program last spring, but we never thought we would have the same opportunity. Now, this program was able to bring us closer together. Now together as classmates in school and in the After-School Program we are united and we are strong!!!”

Daria, 13 years old, 7th grade. She enjoys being here around other children. She used to be lonely before coming to the After-School Program, but now has made many friends. Daria likes studying a lot and the After School program helped her fall in love with learning even more. She is excited to see that her grades have improved.

Ana, 10 years old, 4th grade- (alcoholic parents) attends  LSM After School Program. I come here with great enthusiasm. I know that a warm meal awaits me, something that I never had at home. I am more open with my teacher than I used to be with my mom and I put a lot of effort into homework. By never missing classes, I began receiving better grades. In one word-I am happy!!!

Seeing the success of this project,   LSM has extended it for the 2009-2010 school year  to three more villages: two in Ungheni district, one in the North and the other one in Singerei district, now totaling 5 locations.