Project: EveryChild Day care center in Cluj-Napoca
Organisation: FRCCF
Mission
FRCCF’s mission is to ensure access to education for vulnerable and marginalized children by working closely with families, communities, and local authorities. The organization focuses on preventing school dropout as a key strategy to reduce poverty, recognizing that completing compulsory education is essential for future employment and stability. Research shows that unskilled labor, which typically earns lower wages, is a major contributor to poverty. In Romania, completing compulsory schooling is a prerequisite for becoming a skilled worker. Therefore, FRCCF prioritizes efforts to reduce school dropout as a long-term investment in breaking the cycle of poverty.
Programs
The EveryChild Day Center in Cluj-Napoca provides daily support to children from disadvantaged backgrounds, such as those from low-income families, the child protection system, or those struggling with low school motivation or behavioral challenges. The center offers a safe, welcoming space for 40 children aged 6–14, where they receive educational support, psychological and speech therapy, and personal development guidance. A multidisciplinary team, including educators, psychologists, social workers, and therapists, works closely with local social services to create tailored intervention plans. Children attend the center before or after school, enjoy a warm meal, and participate in engaging, educational activities,even during school holidays. The center’s neutral setting, separate from their schools, fosters openness, peer connection, and a sense of belonging.This holistic approach empowers children to stay in school and break the cycle of poverty.
Impact
Each year, around 45 children aged 6–16 receive daily support in a safe and welcoming environment, where they can catch up on schoolwork, build confidence, and develop social and emotional skills. A multidisciplinary team—including educators, psychologists, and social workers—offers tailored guidance through creative and engaging activities. The center also supports families and strengthens local schools by improving student outcomes and providing teachers with additional resources. This holistic approach helps break the cycle of disadvantage and opens new paths for children’s futures.
Each year, the EveryChild Day Center supports around 45 children aged 6–16, helping them stay in school and complete their compulsory education. The program strengthens their academic performance, emotional resilience, and social skills through a wide range of activities from homework help and storytelling to art, music, and workshops on emotional intelligence. It also benefits families and schools by improving student outcomes and providing teachers with additional resources. By offering a holistic, community-based approach, FRCCF not only supports individual children but also contributes to stronger, more inclusive educational environments. The involvement of volunteers and potential mentorship programs further extends the center’s reach and impact.