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.