The Days' Diary Oradea, Romania 9 November 2009

Take time to say something good to people you meet. A genuine word of encouragement is worth more than money can buy.

Roger Charles Day

City of students
Our work takes us to many areas of Romania. We were recently in the beautiful city of Cluj-Napoca. Napoca was originally established 1900 years ago by the Romans as part of the province of Dacia. Over the centuries Cluj (as it is popularly known) has added some amazing architecture. It is a city of students, with around 200,000, making up more than half the population.

Learning to play
Six years ago in Cluj-Napoca a child was diagnosed with autistic spectrum difficulties (ASD) - the first ever in the area. As more children were diagnosed with ASD, parents began to wonder how to help their young children. They formed a day centre and now 46 children are being helped. The centre called on us because the 22 psychologists involved in a special socialising skills programme didn't know how to play with the children during breaks.

Action training
We were privileged to provide three days of action-packed training for the psychologists from the centre. This group is pioneering respect for ASD children and has even got the Romanian government to propose changes so that children under two can be assessed for the condition. We were thrilled with the response to the training. There was plenty of laughter and people couldn't wait for Monday morning so they could play with the children!

A stretch in the capital
We also spent nearly a week in the capital, Bucuresti, providing much needed therapy and supervision for therapists there. We stayed at what is claimed to be the largest hotel in southern Europe (1459 bedrooms, 42 conference rooms). It also had the longest stretched limo we have seen - an amazing Hummer that must be difficult to steer around corners in the city streets. During our stay at the hotel we rubbed shoulders (though very gently) with the karate and kick-boxing teams taking part in the world championships.

Caring for carers
We continue our informal support of and encouragement for Romanians and foreigners working with children in Romania. These unsung heroes have dedicated their lives to making a difference in the lives of children who are hurting or in difficulties. The least we can do is care for the carers. Playing and then sharing a meal with a boy with disabilities is part of our contribution.

Roger & Christine