Romanian Association Aids Thousands Facing School Dropout

In Romania, the FDP – Protagoniști în Educație Association has helped thousands of children avoid dropping out of school over the past 30 years. The non-governmental organization began in 1996 with volunteers assisting children diagnosed with HIV in the Vidra Hospital. They later expanded to build family-style homes for children leaving institutional care.

FDP also developed after-school programs in at-risk areas and created social enterprises offering young people work experience. Their “Social Sports School Real Madrid” program shows zero school dropout among over 130 participating children in Bucharest and Dâmbovița County.

The association’s work extends beyond Romania, with projects now in Palestine, Kazakhstan, Italy, and Albania. While they have trained over 3,000 teachers, the long-term sustainability of these programs and reaching even more vulnerable children remains a focus. The association plans to expand programs and partnerships through 2027, continuing its mission to support at-risk children.