Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/what-about-us-the-abandoned-children-of-romania/5007823/
In December 1989, Romania had a revolution and overthrew their dictator, Nicolae Ceaucesceau. A Communist, he was in power for 24 years. During that time, he allowed people nothing of their own. Ceaucesceau removed all forms of classroom education on psychology and early childhood development in the schools and universities. "Keep the people in ignorance and fear and you have people under your control." Birth control and abortions were forbidden, thereby producing thousands of children who were unwanted and inadequately cared for. Estimates are that there are 100,000 abandoned children in Romania.My first visit to Romania was in July 1990, after the miners' strike in Bucharest. It appeared to me that Romania is an island depleted of food, knowledge, and love. The people have focused on staying alive. They are filled with fear. Now they need help and guidance; they are hungry to learn everything that has been hidden from them for so long.
After our first visit, my husband and I were determined to return to Romania to see what assistance we might provide, especially to the children. Stefan, our guide, had told us about the state-run child ...