Fred and I were asked to take a look at this school for children with cardio vascular problems to see if we would be interested in partnering with Counterpart International (an NGO) to help with some renovations. The children who attend this school come from all over Moldova for rehabilitation. THis school provides boarding and education. This school has accommodations for 200 children, and there are 6,000 to 7,000 children in Moldova that need this kind of assistance. The school was started in 1977, and 5,000 children have used this facility since it opened. Most of the children come from low income families. The government provides funding for feeding, boarding, and treatment of the children. No funding is given for renovations. There have not been any major renovations since 1975. The Ambassador for the United States has toured this school and has taken a special interest in wanting some reparations made to this school. The physicians have made recommendations for the most necessary reparations. When Fred and I walked into this school, the smell almost knocked me over. Some of the bathrooms have had some renovations, but most need major renovations. The sewer system was not working well, and that is why the smell was so bad in the school. I think they get use to it, but it was hard for me to be there that day. So number 1 is they need restroom renovations. They also have a hard time cleaning these bathrooms because they are so broken and in disrepair. The paraffin room (this is a treatment they use) needs to be warm. The physical therapy room they need a place to store pharmaceuticals. Their doors all need replacing so the cold air doesn't come in from outside. I really want to see these bathrooms repaired so this school will at least smell better!!!!
