Since our kick-off event in October 2003, Blue Heron Foundation has:
2003: Started the “Loving Arms” program by hiring 8 full-time
qualified caregivers to hold and cuddle babies at the “Micul Print”
orphanage in Brasov, where 200 children under 3 years of age had
only one adult for every 10 children. This program cost
$18,360.
Sent over 1,000 lbs. of new toys and clothing to Romania.
2004: Built a state of the art sports court and playground at Rupea
placement center, where 75 children ages 4 to 18 had only a muddy lot
to play on.
After an auction where 5 contractor bid for the job, the most
qualified company was awarded the contract. The project cost
$32,000, with money sent in 4 stages. The last 20% of the money was
sent upon completion and inspection of the project by Blue Heron
Foundation’s president and vice-president during their October 2004
visit to Romania.
Continued the “Loving Arms” program
at “Micul Print.”
2005: Interviewed 62 students from six counties in Romania: Bacau,
Brasov, Iasi, Prahova, Sibiu, and Suceava. University
scholarships for the 2005-2009 school years were granted to the 26
most promising students who become the first “Blue Heron
Scholars.”
The scholarship consists of a monthly stipend of $43 (the Romanian
govt. provides students $8/month as spending cash) and covers full tuition for the duration of studies ($500/year
- for
students whose tuition is not subsidized by the university). Blue Heron Scholars whose
tuition is waived as a result of high entrance examination
results receive a personal computer.
In addition, the
scholarship also pays for the ECDL (European Computer Driver
License) and Cambridge English courses (a total value of $1,000
provided to BHF at a discount of 65% through our partnership with
ECDL-Romania). All scholars are invited to a 5-day team building
summer camp at the Black Sea.
Blue Heron Scholars are required to submit a monthly activity
report, which, after their first year at university, will need to be
in English. Additionally, they are required to perform weekly
5 hours of volunteer work, consisting of tutoring in various
subjects other children in the placement centers of the county where
they are studying.
The total sum for these 26 scholarships is $80,000.
