Day Care Center for Romanian and Refugee Vulnerable Children Inaugurated in Iasi

Iasi, 20 March 2024. Iasi County Council, the General Directorate of Social Assistance and Child Protection of Iasi and the UNICEF Representation in Romania inaugurated on Wednesday the "ROUA" Day Center for the Development of Independent Living Skills.

The new day center is part of the Bucium Social Services Center and will benefit annually about 100 children in vulnerable situations, no matter their nationality, and their families, who will receive integrated services through a holistic, inclusive and sustainable approach.

"Today we have the opportunity to reaffirm our responsibility towards vulnerable children in Iasi, who need solidarity and compassion, integrated, quality and comprehensive services, in order to develop to their true potential and recover if necessary needed. I thank our partners in UNICEF, with whom we have worked closely since the first days of the refugee crisis and with whom we continue to work together for the benefit of children in need of support," said Costel Alexe, President of Iasi County Council.

"The ROUA Center, inaugurated today, will be able to provide integrated services tailored to the individual needs of each child, quality services that will be an important support for the community in the Bucium neighborhood. For refugee children in Iasi, the day care center will contribute to a better inclusion into the host community", said Florin Ion, Director General of the General Directorate for Social Assistance and Child Protection Iasi.

Renovating and equipping the space with furniture and other necessary equipment represents an investment of $200,000. Vulnerable children and their families will be able to receive support according to the needs of the target group, once the staffing structure is approved. The day center will provide social, psychological and educational counselling, as well as health care and rehabilitation services for children with mild and moderate disabilities.

"We thank our partners - Iasi County Council and DGASPC Iasi - for their efforts to change the lives of vulnerable children for the better. Children need protection and education, shelter and support, and through the cooperation we started two years ago, we are taking important steps for their benefit. UNICEF would also like to thank the Government of Switzerland for supporting this project through the Rapid Response Fund," said Anna Riatti, UNICEF Representative in Romania.