FGCI has been working with Roma (Gypsy) children and young adults in Vulcanesti, Moldova, since the early 2000s.  Seldom do kids from this village finish elementary school, let alone high school [We hope to change that!]; even fewer continue their education in college.  Some contributing factors to this problem are:  1) the local school system ends at eighth grade; 2) ambivalent attitudes among the Roma culture about the necessity of education; 3) the inability—due to persistent poverty and joblessness—to pay for school fees, supplies, books, and travel to and from high school daily.

FGCI has spent many years encouraging Roma teens to finish high school.  Currently, we are sponsoring two Roma high school students who are working toward attaining their diplomas.  We believe that the courage and discipline exemplified by these students will motivate their Roma peers to desire a higher level of education for themselves, while convincing Roma parents of the priceless value of a good education for their children. 

This school year (2020-21) we will also begin sponsoring children to go to elementary school, especially now that the Vulcanesti elementary school may be closing.  We would also like to help Romanian students from the government orphanages by providing math tutors during their final year of high school.
 
The cost to sponsor a Roma student is $75/month, or $750 for an entire school year (10 months).  Your SponsorLink gift will help Roma students with the cost of school fees, books and supplies, plus daily transportation to school (8 miles one way) via public transit.  [It may also provide money for lunches.]  Once you become a sponsor, FGCI will send you the names of the students being sponsored, along with other details about them.  To become a sponsor, begin by clicking on of the donate buttons above.

[SponsorLink Student Sponsors’ funds are pooled together to offset the monthly budget for all of the students being sponsored in this program.]