ADRA Romania has concluded its December 2025 campaign, “A Small Gift for a Big Dream,” delivering support packages to 603 high-achieving students from disadvantaged backgrounds across Romania. Organizers said the campaign was part of the broader “I Want to Go to School!” initiative, which aims to support students at higher risk of leaving school early.

According to ADRA Romania, Seventh-day Adventist church communities in Spain, England, France, and Italy contributed to the campaign, with total donations for the month reaching about EUR$45,000 (around US$52,000). Organizers said the funds provided material support, encouragement, and motivation for students who face financial barriers to continuing their education.

Regional impact and international collaboration

Distribution was coordinated by region in Romania and paired with donor church communities in Europe, ADRA Romania reported. In Moldova and Bukovina, 178 students were supported by Seventh-day Adventist churches in Watford and Newbold College in England, with additional support from Rome, Italy.

In Wallachia and Dobrogea, 117 students received support through the Seventh-day Adventist Church in London, along with donors in Rome. Southern Transylvania reported support for 78 students through the Eben Ezer Seventh-day Adventist Church in Madrid, Spain, while Oltenia supported 70 students with assistance from the Emmaus Seventh-day Adventist Church, also in Madrid.

In Banat and Crișana, 63 students were supported through the Maranatha and Alcala de Henares Seventh-day Adventist churches in Madrid. Northern Transylvania and Maramureș reported support for 59 students through the Grenelle Seventh-day Adventist Church in Paris, France.

An additional 38 students in Wallachia and Moldova received focused support from the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Rome, Italy.

Focus on school retention

Organizers said the “I Want to Go to School!” project focuses on two key transition points: entry into middle school and the move into high school. By identifying students who maintain strong academic performance despite financial hardship, ADRA Romania said it seeks to reduce economic pressures that can contribute to school dropout.

Regional coordinators said support packages were tailored to individual needs, with some donors selecting students by name to help ensure the supplies matched specific requirements. Daniel Andrei, ADRA Oltenia project coordinator, said the approach was intended to provide both practical support and encouragement.

“Your gesture went beyond a simple donation... it conveyed value, respect, and love,” Andrei said. “For these children, the packages meant encouragement and the conviction that someone, even from a distance, believes in them.”

About ADRA Romania

ADRA Romania, established in 1990, is part of the ADRA International network. The organization is an accredited social service provider in Romania and delivers humanitarian and development assistance, organizers said, regardless of race, ethnicity, or religious affiliation.

The original article was published on the ADRA Romania news site.