IAȘI, ROMANIA
Romania is a Balkan country located at the crossroads of the European continent and steeped in a rich history dating back to antiquity. Romanians have endured under the rule of Roman, Ottoman, and Hapsburg empires as well as Soviet occupation. Even today, the deeply rooted resilience of the Romanian people continues to shine as they recover from the devastating and recent impact of forty-two years under an oppressive Communist regime. Home to the Carpathian Mountains, rolling hillsides, coastlines, and the warmth of the Romanian people, Romania is one of Europe’s best kept secrets.
Why Romania?
Currently considered to be a developing nation, Romania continues to be plagued by unemployment, lack of material resources, dissolution of families, spiritual darkness, and limited opportunity.
Low incomes, lack of job opportunities, material shortages, and socio-economic instability have contributed to large emigration rates - with some estimates citing as high as 20% of Romanians working abroad. According to local reporting agencies, this leaves an estimated 100,000 or more of Romania’s children with one or more parents working out of country. Children are often left to live independently or in the care of other relatives. This leaves many children vulnerable to resource scarcity, exclusion, and victimization. Incidents of opportunity-seeking emigration, fractured families, and populations living below poverty level are the most concentrated in the northeastern region of the country where Iași is located.
The City on Seven Hills
Iași is a metropolitan city and cultural hub located just a few hours drive from the Republic of Moldova. In addition to being the second largest metropolitan area in the nation, the city is also seen as a leader in artistic, social, academic, and economic life. Boasting one of the highest numbers of educational institutions, Iași also enjoys a rich tapestry of students who travel from across the globe to attend the city’s universities. Beyond the city’s cultural significance, Iași is renowned for being home to one of Europe’s most significant religious pilgrimages. Each year hundreds of thousands of people gather each year to pray to the relics of Saint Parascheva, considered to be the protector of Moldavia.