School endings!

School ends in Romania in the middle of June. Just like anywhere, the end of school years, represents endings of certain chapters and time to look back, reflect, and celebrate. This year we had four young men graduate from Branesti high school. This is an extra special mile stone, because these four men come from Peris, which is, in the eyes of the government, a special needs school and orphanage. If you are in a special needs school you only go to the 10th grade. These boys were given a special opportunity to transfer to a "normal" school after they finished 10th grade so that they could graduate from 12th grade. This gives them an advantage in finding better jobs. Because the "normal" school is more difficult they the special needs school, it was a difficult transition for all of them. We started, two years ago, with 9 kids and only 4 graduated. We are very proud of them and the effort it took to finish!

 
     Marin receiving his diploma                                 Marian Pana, Ionut Tudor, Jen, Marian Stefan, and
                                                                                                            Marin Dumitru

We had the end of the school year program at Peris as well.  It is a priviledge to get to attend and applaud in the place of these kids' parents.

In another big mile stone, Ruthie graduated from Pre-school and will start Kindergarten in the fall.  We are not sure where the time has flown, but we are so proud of the person she is becomming!

Last, but not least, Raluca graduated from University with a liguistics major.  Raluca was in our first girls transition program in 2005-2006.  It took her awhile to gain the courage to go to University, but she did it and finished!  Some of you were involved in sponsoring her schooling.  We are all thankful!

In yet another special moment for the month of June, we had our Transition Program graduation. We had 3 young men and 2 young women finish the program this year. Another reason to be proud!!