School for Life Romania

School for Life Romania is a UK-based nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting disadvantaged children in Siret, Northern Romania. Registered as a charity with the number 1062953, it has been actively involved in providing life experiences and opportunities to orphaned and abandoned children and young adults in Romania since 1991.

History and Founding

The organization was founded in the summer of 1994 by a small group of Romanian teachers and UK volunteers who had been working in the neuropsychiatric hospital in Siret since 1991. This hospital, at its peak in 1986, housed over 1,310 children. The UK-based charity provides financial support, skill-sharing opportunities, and advice to its sister organization, Scoala Pentru Viata, which operates in Romania.

Mission and Activities

The mission of School for Life Romania involves helping disadvantaged and underprivileged children integrate into their communities. Historically, the organization has focused on providing education and life skills support to young adults, particularly those with special educational needs who suffered from institutional neglect and abuse during their childhood. Scoala Pentru Viata, staffed by Romanians, also offers supported housing and employment support, working closely with residents and former residents of an adult psychiatric hospital who grew up in the now-closed children’s neuropsychiatric hospital.

Operational Changes

As of September 2023, School for Life Romania closed its special needs school after three decades of operations due to economic constraints and funding uncertainties. Despite this closure, the organization remains committed to providing housing, security, and assistance to beneficiaries in its supported housing project.

Financial Transparency and Efficiency

The organization is notable for its high efficiency in using donations, with over 99% of all donations going directly to projects in Romania. UK administrative costs, travel expenses, and visits are privately funded, ensuring that funds intended for beneficiaries are maximally utilized.

Public Recognition

School for Life Romania has received recognition for its work in supporting young adults with special needs in Romania. It has been praised for employing Romanian special needs teachers to support the journey of these individuals towards independence.

[1] https://schoolforliferomania.org/about-us/ [2] https://schoolforliferomania.org [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1062953&subid=0 [4] https://ngoexplorer.org/charity/1062953 [5] https://ngoexplorer.org/country/ROU/show-charities?filter-skip=413