Gabriel: Resilience and Hope, A Story of Strength

Target
Non-profit organisation
Organisation
Ana și Copiii (Ana and the Children)
Region
Romania
Year
2023

Growing with Gabriel - How Ana și Copiii (Ana and the Children Association) through the Growth Mindset Program are helping one boy, and hundreds of others, unlock their full potential.

Gabriel is the kind of boy who doesn’t go unnoticed. His energy fills the room, his curiosity leads him to ask questions about everything, and his hands are always busy: drawing, folding origami, or figuring out how things work. Behind that spark lies a story of growth, supported every step of the way by his family, his teachers, and the team at Ana și Copiii (Ana and the Children Association). Gabriel is one of the many children taking part in “Growth Mindset Programs for Vulnerable Children and Youth”, a three-year initiative aimed at strengthening educational and social inclusion for over 500 children and youth across Bucharest and Ilfov County.

Overcoming loss, embracing growth
Gabriel was five when he lost his father. It was a significant change in his young life, but he’s grown up with the steady support of his two older brothers and his mother, who works full time as a chemical operator. She’s the heart of the household, resilient and caring, even while managing her own health issues after thyroid surgery. Their home in Rosu, Chiajna, is a symbol of both loss and perseverance. Built by Gabriel’s father before his passing, the house remains unfinished due to financial constraints. Yet, thanks to donors from Ana și Copiii (Ana and the Children Association), the family now has a fully equipped kitchen, a sign that even small changes can bring comfort and hope. This is one of the many ways the association steps in to help families improve their day-to-day lives, starting from practical needs that make a real difference.

A fighter at heart
School has not always been a safe space for Gabriel. Like many children, Gabriel faced some challenges: being bullied, feeling different from others, sometimes misunderstood. He had moments when frustration would get the better of him. But with the daily presence and support of Ana și Copiii, things started to shift. At the centre, Gabriel found a place where he could express himself, learn at his own pace, and begin to build the tools to manage emotions and relationships. He worked on his patience, controlled his temper and, most importantly, allowed himself to seek help when needed. Through a holistic and community-based approach, Ana și Copiii supports children like Gabriel with their education and by addressing emotional, social, economic, and even medical needs. The association works not only with children, but also with their families—offering counseling, school supplies, access to medical services when needed, and guidance in navigating everyday difficulties. The aim is to create stability, so that kids like Gabriel can focus on learning, growing, and just being kids.

Growing with Gabriel - How Ana și Copiii (Ana and the Children Association) through the Growth Mindset Program are helping one boy, and hundreds of others, unlock their full potential.

Gabriel is the kind of boy who doesn’t go unnoticed. His energy fills the room, his curiosity leads him to ask questions about everything, and his hands are always busy: drawing, folding origami, or figuring out how things work. Behind that spark lies a story of growth, supported every step of the way by his family, his teachers, and the team at Ana și Copiii (Ana and the Children Association). Gabriel is one of the many children taking part in “Growth Mindset Programs for Vulnerable Children and Youth”, a three-year initiative aimed at strengthening educational and social inclusion for over 500 children and youth across Bucharest and Ilfov County.

Overcoming loss, embracing growth
Gabriel was five when he lost his father. It was a significant change in his young life, but he’s grown up with the steady support of his two older brothers and his mother, who works full time as a chemical operator. She’s the heart of the household, resilient and caring, even while managing her own health issues after thyroid surgery. Their home in Rosu, Chiajna, is a symbol of both loss and perseverance. Built by Gabriel’s father before his passing, the house remains unfinished due to financial constraints. Yet, thanks to donors from Ana și Copiii (Ana and the Children Association), the family now has a fully equipped kitchen, a sign that even small changes can bring comfort and hope. This is one of the many ways the association steps in to help families improve their day-to-day lives, starting from practical needs that make a real difference.

A fighter at heart
School has not always been a safe space for Gabriel. Like many children, Gabriel faced some challenges: being bullied, feeling different from others, sometimes misunderstood. He had moments when frustration would get the better of him. But with the daily presence and support of Ana și Copiii, things started to shift. At the centre, Gabriel found a place where he could express himself, learn at his own pace, and begin to build the tools to manage emotions and relationships. He worked on his patience, controlled his temper and, most importantly, allowed himself to seek help when needed. Through a holistic and community-based approach, Ana și Copiii supports children like Gabriel with their education and by addressing emotional, social, economic, and even medical needs. The association works not only with children, but also with their families—offering counseling, school supplies, access to medical services when needed, and guidance in navigating everyday difficulties. The aim is to create stability, so that kids like Gabriel can focus on learning, growing, and just being kids.

His love for learning
Gabriel has always been curious and bright, especially in computing and mathematics. At the beginning of the school year, he was struggling, less motivated, distracted, and unsure of his abilities. But thanks to the Digital Workshop at the centre and the patient support of volunteers and teachers, his mindset began to shift. He started showing up regularly, participating in group learning, and staying after school to review what he didn’t understand. One small success led to another, and soon his confidence started to grow. Getting a top mark in biology was a moment of pride, it showed him what he was capable of when given the right tools and encouragement. Spanish and history are still work in progress, but he’s not giving up. With the team at Ana și Copiii (Ana and the Children Association) cheering him on, he’s making steady progress.

A world beyond books
Gabriel is a creative mind and an artist, crafting intricate origami and sketches in his free time. He’s also a strong swimmer, attending weekly lessons through a partnership with Aqua Swim, a sport that not only helps with weight management but also boosts his confidence and emotional well-being.
At home, he’s a caregiver. Gabriel helps his mother with daily chores, carrying groceries, cleaning, and even cooking. He understands her struggles and never hesitates to step up, despite being the youngest in the family.

Future in the making
Gabriel’s journey is far from over. But with every lesson, every swim, every conversation, he’s gaining strength, learning to trust himself, and taking steps toward the life he dreams of. At UniCredit Foundation, we believe in children like Gabriel. Because with the right support, no challenge is too big, and no dream is too far.

His love for learning
Gabriel has always been curious and bright, especially in computing and mathematics. At the beginning of the school year, he was struggling, less motivated, distracted, and unsure of his abilities. But thanks to the Digital Workshop at the centre and the patient support of volunteers and teachers, his mindset began to shift. He started showing up regularly, participating in group learning, and staying after school to review what he didn’t understand. One small success led to another, and soon his confidence started to grow. Getting a top mark in biology was a moment of pride, it showed him what he was capable of when given the right tools and encouragement. Spanish and history are still work in progress, but he’s not giving up. With the team at Ana și Copiii (Ana and the Children Association) cheering him on, he’s making steady progress.

A world beyond books
Gabriel is a creative mind and an artist, crafting intricate origami and sketches in his free time. He’s also a strong swimmer, attending weekly lessons through a partnership with Aqua Swim, a sport that not only helps with weight management but also boosts his confidence and emotional well-being.
At home, he’s a caregiver. Gabriel helps his mother with daily chores, carrying groceries, cleaning, and even cooking. He understands her struggles and never hesitates to step up, despite being the youngest in the family.

Future in the making
Gabriel’s journey is far from over. But with every lesson, every swim, every conversation, he’s gaining strength, learning to trust himself, and taking steps toward the life he dreams of. At UniCredit Foundation, we believe in children like Gabriel. Because with the right support, no challenge is too big, and no dream is too far.

Education support