Every day lived in this uncertain season called COVID-19 is a continuous struggle for those who were affected not only from a health standpoint. We are facing a transition, both physical and mental, from a panicked state of mind to a relaxed one—the future is uncertain for everyone. We get ideas about what the “new normal” will be like—if things will ever return to normal. At this moment, ADRA Romania is on the field, helping and continuing to offer all the support for our fellow people in need. With God’s help and love, we will overcome any obstacles that come in our way.
In the 16th week of implementation of the COVID-19 ”Humanitarian Support” project, the ADRA team reached 1,526 people including: 253 single elderly people with acute subsistence needs; 163 children from disadvantaged backgrounds, but who have exceptional academic results; 1,090 adults fighting to obtain decent living conditions; 15 immigrants; and 5 victims of domestic violence.
Therefore, in the week of June 21-27, 2020 alone, the ADRA project “Covid-19 Humanitarian Support” utilized their specialized services adapted to specific needs caused or highlighted by COVID-19. These specialized services were implemented for 1,526 individuals as follows: 1,002 beneficiaries received basic food for a decent living, of which 75 people received a hot meal daily at home; 356 beneficiaries received food and hygiene products, medicines or protective equipment; 150 new-borns received help, according to their needs; 10 people benefited from social assistance and psychological counselling for crisis; and 8 people received help to provide shelter.
The humanitarian help offered by ADRA Romania consists of information, awareness, counselling, and distribution of food and hygiene products. The services and products were provided by the qualified personnel of the ADRA team, who acted in accordance with the security and safety policies and rules imposed by current laws of the World Health Organization (WHO), Strategic Communication Group, Health Ministry, General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations (IGSU). All of this was accomplished in partnership with local authorities and accredited institutions. Some specialized services have been outsourced.
“Personally, I think, the hardest part of the 21st century is the COVID-19 pandemic,” explained Viorica Bosnea, social worker for ADRA Romania. “Every day that I lived with the beneficiaries of the ‘AI CUM Babadag’ project was a real challenge and I seriously communicated to them the need to protect themselves, their family, and those around them. Social distancing did not eliminate the personal communication that, as a social worker, I implemented by approaching each beneficiary, trying to eliminate their fears in front of an unseen but real danger. With patience and perseverance, I helped them to accept the new situation we are faced with, [showing them] how to adapt to a new lifestyle and manage their problems, and, very importantly, how to develop personal initiative without neglecting the protection measures established by the authorities. The inner impulse they received often brought a smile to their faces, along with confidence and joy, in this period, with ADRA Romania who supported them not only by words but especially through deeds. By these reactions, you experience a pleasant spiritual fulfilment and gratitude to God that you are part of this project and belong to a great team named ADRA.”
“Working at ADRA during the pandemic was a unique experience both in restrictions and regarding the way God always opened the gates to those who needed help,” shared Vasilica Metller, the volunteer assistant manager and project coordinator for South Transylvania ADRA Romania. “Through the Southern Transylvania Conference, we had started work on the project ‘În Sfârșit Acasă’ and it was amazing that, during the STAY HOME order, we were able to buy building materials and to find people who are willing to help. I can say that, with the restrictions, we progressed more easily with the work than after they were lifted. Families who received our help have noticed how blessed they are during this period. Also, distributing food packages was a unique experience. Great and wonderful are the blessings of the Lord and those who apply the teaching ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself’. There are countless miracles.”
Since 1990, ADRA Romania has been involved in special projects to provide care for the beneficiaries in the whole country. Leading its projects under the motto "Justice. Compassion. Love.”, ADRA Romania brings joy and hope to the elderly beneficiaries, projects through which a better value and human dignity are promoted in the future. As provider of accredited social services, ADRA Romania is a part of the ADRA Internationalnetwork, the global humanitarian organization of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, one of the most wide-spread non-governmental organizations in the world. The network is active in more than 130 countries and their activities are implemented under the philosophy that caring combines compassion with the practical spirit, addressing people in need, without considering a particularly race, ethnicity, political orientation or religion, just to provide a human service so that the world can coexist as planned.
ADRA Romania
ADRA Romania report 16 is here. The original article appeared on this website.
