Why inclusion in crisis response can’t wait
Armand, a project officer with Plan International Romania, reflects on what inclusive humanitarian response truly means, and why care must be the cornerstone…
About us in Romania
Plan International started operations in Romania in March 2022 to respond to the unprecedented scale of refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine.
Plan International started operations in Romania in March 2022 to respond to the unprecedented scale of refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine.
Across Romania, thousands of girls who have had their lives uprooted by the war in Ukraine are rebuilding their lives in new communities. Plan International Romania exists to make sure they are not left behind.
Four years on from the escalation of the war in Ukraine, this crisis is no longer temporary. Children are bearing the brunt of long-term disruption: their education has been interrupted, their mental health affected by stress and trauma, and their safety is at greater risk as they adapt to new environments. Many are growing up in uncertainty, having lost stability, routine and a sense of normal life.
At the same time, funding constraints and access challenges are reducing the reach of humanitarian support, leaving many without consistent services at a time when needs remain high.
Partner-led approach
Our partners
- Youth for Youth
- Asociația ANAIS
- Asociația Carusel
- Centrul FILIA
- Asociația DEIS
- Fundația Națională pentru Tineret
- JRS
- Protagoniști în Educație
- ADRA
- AMI
Since the start of our response, we’ve partnered with 10 local organisations to run programmes that support every part of a girl’s world. By collaborating directly with local organisations, we’ve made sure children and young people get fast, reliable and long-term support across Romania.
Across the response in Romania and the wider region, Plan International has been committed to letting local organisations lead the way. Partners play a critical role in delivering services across all key areas, including education, mental health and psychosocial support, child protection, gender-based violence, and sexual and reproductive health and rights. Through these collaborations, our programmes are better adapted to the evolving needs of children and young people and contribute to safer spaces in host communities.
Our priorities
We believe in supporting all aspects of a girl’s life. Plan International Romania partners with local organisations that uphold the rights of girls and offer necessary aid. Our work focuses on restoring access to education, including on sexual and reproductive health and rights, expanding mental health support and creating safer environments for children and girls.
The organisation focuses on:
- Restoring access to education, including sexual and reproductive health and rights.
- Expanding mental health and psychosocial support.
- Strengthening protection and creating safer environments for girls and children.
To better understand the issues that girls confront today, we’ve worked with a range of collaborators in research studies. These projects have ensured our programming remains relevant to the needs of children and young people by putting their voices first. You can find more on our publications page.
We stand with girls to promote equality, inclusion and diversity, to ensure that young people in all their diversity can take part, lead and shape their own futures.
Key response figures
Our work is making a strong impact in Romania. Since 2022, we’ve supported more than 70,360 people to strengthen their well-being and move forward with dignity.
In the last year, we’ve reached 22,500 people in Romania, including:
- 4,178 people participating in our projects, and a further 18,331 people in communities impacted by our work.
- 213 young people empowered to access economic opportunities through language and skills courses.
- 521 people protected from violence, including gender-based violence and violence against children through psycho-social and legal assistance.
- 1,511 people supported to strengthen their sexual and reproductive health and learn more about their bodies and rights through education and access to information and medical services.
- 1,933 people, including refugees, provided with essential humanitarian aid.
Ukraine appeal
Children and families affected by conflict in Ukraine need your support.
Categories: About Plan International, Emergencies, Protection from violence, Sexual and reproductive health and rights, Skills and work, Youth empowerment
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