Celebrating Children and Community: New Home for the One-Stop-Shop Center Inaugurated in Bucharest
On May 30, we celebrated “Childhood Without Borders” an early International Children’s Day together with the children and teenagers from the One-Stop-Shop Center – a welcoming and vibrant space dedicated to refugee support and community building.
On this joyful occasion, we also marked the official opening of the center’s new location, made possible with the generous support of our institutional partners at the General Directorate of Social Assistance and Child Protection (DGASPC), Sector 2 – Bucharest City Hall.
“We hope this project continues to grow and reach everyone in Sector 2 who needs support. We know what you do, and it is important for us to stand by your side in this important work for the most vulnerable among us.”
– Alexandra Dobre, Executive Director, DGASPC Sector 2
The atmosphere was filled with laughter, color, play, and heartfelt emotion – a true celebration of resilience and togetherness.
“Following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, thousands of families sought refuge in Romania. Among them were many Roma families who were not only in need of shelter, but also of a sense of belonging – a community where they could feel accepted, understood, and valued. Since the opening of the One-Stop-Shop Center in spring 2023, funded by a grant from the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB), we’ve had the privilege of supporting over 400 beneficiaries. For many, our center has become more than a service hub – it has become a space of connection and solidarity. Through language classes (Romanian and English), educational workshops, counseling, camps, field trips, financial support, and training sessions for both children and parents, we strive to offer not just services, but hope.”
– Monica Călin, Project Manager, Roma Education Fund Romania
Among the speakers were also:
- Alexandru Băjenaru, a volunteer from Accenture Romania, who led engaging sessions with the children around the topic of artificial intelligence;
- Alexandru Zamfir, Education Expert at REF Romania, who presented a special storybook project being co-written with the children, drawing inspiration from their real-life experiences.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all participants, partners, and supporters who contribute every day to making this center a true refuge of safety, solidarity, and hope.
The One-Stop-Shop Center, opened on April 25, 2023, is a project dedicated to supporting Roma refugees from Ukraine, funded through grants provided by the Council of Europe Development Bank’s Migrant and Refugee Fund
