2005:
Interviewed 62 students from six counties in Romania (Bacau, Brasov, Iasi, Prahova, Suceava and Sibiu).  University scholarships were granted to the 26 most promising students who become the first “Blue Heron Scholars.” The total sum for the 2005-2006 scholarships is $80,000.

The scholarship includes:
(1) Monthly stipend ($42/month; complementing the $8/month received from the govt.)
(2) Tuition ($500/year) for students who don't receive university tuition weavers
(3) Personal computer (for students whose tuition is waived by the university for high grades)
(4) Tuition for the European Computer Driver License, ECDL ($166)*
(5) Tuition for English courses (Cambridge) provided by ECDL's centers ($175)

Blue Heron Scholars are required to submit a monthly activity report in Romanian (in English after their first year) which is read by an executive our foundation paired each student with. This executive not only reports to BHF of the student's progress, but also acts as a mentor for career related issues.

The scholars are required to perform five hours per week of volunteer work, consisting of tutoring in various subjects other children in placement centers near their university. The main goal is for our scholars to get used to the act of doing good work for others without compensation as well as to encourage other teenagers to consider college.

* ECDL has over 300 franchised centers throughout Romania. This is a seven module program worth $495 so we wish to thank ECDL Romania's management for giving our scholars a 65% discount. The ECDL certificate is recognized by the EU and in 135 countries worldwide. ECDL started in 1997 and over 4 million people hold certificates. ECDL Romania also started offering English courses (in association with University of Cambridge); our scholars will also receive a 50% discount to enhance their English at ECDL's centers.
 

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 five contractors bid for the job, the most qualified company was awarded the contract.  The project cost $32,000, with money sent in four 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.


2003:
Started the “Loving Arms” program by hiring eight 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.  BHF covered the monthly salary of the caregiver ($160) and in the second year we were left with four full-time caregivers. This program cost $18,360 (Jan. 2003 - June 2005).

Sent over 1,000 lbs. of new toys and clothing to Romania worth $3,500.