One of our International Projects is to support La Via as it in turn supports a children in Chișinău, Moldova, a part of the former Soviet Union where harsh economic conditions make life difficult for young people. They fae issues that seem almost Medieval. We pay for the work of Doina, who recently sent the following report to Rita "Smiley" Hook.  Rita, thanks for relaying the news of how Rotary is (once again) helping young people all over the world to live better lives.
 
"As a part of the general afterschool program for the children, ages 7 to 17, about 50 kids brush teeth and receive a vitamin daily, together with an apple. I prepare and present lessons on health and hygiene monthly for each of the 6 groups, on topics such as nutrition and eating healthy, the importance of bathing and washing hands, healthy ways of dealing with stress, dental hygiene, bodily hygiene and puberty (for the older girls).
 
As the children are all from socially vulnerable families with limited facilities for bathing and hot water. Many use our shower facilities uring the course of the week, especially if suggested by their mentor/educator during the program.  Teaching the kids to take responsibility for their hygiene and care for themselves is an important part of encouraging their self-respect. 
 
Any child who does not have facilities at home to wash their clothes are encouraged to bring their clothes to be washed with our machine. As part of the shower routine, the child will put on clean clothes provided by La VIA. The clothes are then washed, and the child will have a change of clothes for next time. Many times I will simply throw away the underwear from home, as it is tattered and torn.
 
I also function as our nurse, treating superficial wounds and infections, stomach sicknesses, and ENT problems. If I take a child to the doctor, she will talk often with the parents and the child to make sure any treatment prescribed is actually being followed. La VIA helps with medical expenses as needed as well. I provide regular therapy for 3 children with varying degrees of scoliosis. One 4th grade boy also receives massage therapy weekly to help circulation on the level of skin growth and development as he has burn scars on 50% of his body.
 
At the beginning of the school year (September 2014), I did an assessment of the children's dental health. Of the 50 children that attend the program, 23 need dental treatment. I found a good dentist nearby that is willing to treat the children for a reduced price. The process has been slower, as the parent must go together with the child to the dentist, but this keeps the parent connected to them.
 
During the course of the year, the children are checked for lice. Three girls have been treated repeatedly, but now all the kids are being checked again, as we are going to camp – and trying to avoid an outbreak of lice! I collaborate with the school, but the problem is difficult to eliminate because the children often bring the lice to school with them from home.  Currently 12 girls are being treated for lice.
 
We have also received a large donation of multi-vitamins, and have been able to share them with the families of our children. I has also collaborated with The Rehabilitation and Treatment Center for children with Turberculosis in Cornești, a transition/placement center for children in Anenii Noi, the Pediatric Unit of the Oncological Hosptital in Chișinău, and a private community center for the socially vulnerable in Chișinău to provide vitamins for them as well."
 
Thanks for your generosity, which makes possible the help these young people receive.