Meet Claudiu. He is 15 years old. His father left and his mother has disabilities. He has a younger brother and a sister.
This is Claudiu a few years ago.
Claudiu came to the Darius Houses through Child Protection Services because his mother was unable to care for him, and he often lived on the street. He came with some trauma from his mother’s actions.
Claudiu and Cristi, one of our Sunshine School teachers, at a fun event at the school.
In the past few years, Claudiu has learned lots of things, like feeding himself, dressing himself and sometimes even taking care of some of the younger kids.
Today, he is a strong teenager, full of life, and attends classes at the Sunshine School. Claudiu has worked hard all summer with our construction team, making a bike path on campus and building the new patio for Amy’s House. He also regularly helps with cleaning the house, setting the table and taking out the garbage.
Claudiu flying!
Claudiu’s biggest struggles come with big feelings that are difficult for him to control. He struggles to communicate his frustration. He requires extra attention, but with encouragement, he thrives and is capable of great things.
Claudiu (back center) and his class at the Sunshine School.
Claudiu loves helping, but his greatest joy is a simple can of juice. Twice a month on Fridays at the Sunshine School, they enjoy social activities like going to the theater, park or supermarket. So every other Friday, when he knows they’ll go to the store, he comes into Ovi’s office, asking him for 2 lei (50 cents) to buy a can of juice!
Another picture from the event on campus.
We don’t know yet what God’s plan for his life is, but for now we are working to create a program that suits him and helps him develop his communication and social skills.
Melon picking!