In Arad, Romania, a special project is changing lives and giving young people hope for a better future. What began with the support of just six children is now a place full of confidence and new opportunities for scores of children and young people. Since 2012, the organization Rubio Pro Copilărie Pro Viață has been supporting orphans and children from single-parent families in Arad. What began with just six children is now a flagship social responsibility project that has already reached more than 80 young people. Through the hands-on support from ChemTrend employees and donations from Freudenberg’s e² program, the project helps children overcome challenges that would otherwise be almost insurmountable. Rubio Pro Copilărie Pro Viață currently supports 36 children and nine students.
Education as the Key to Success
Construiește Viitorul Azi—"Build the Future Today"—is the name given to the project that provides scholarships, tutoring, and psychological support. Many of the children come from financially unstable backgrounds, where access to education is often limited. Without targeted support, their futures would be filled with uncertainty.
In line with the e² program’s ethos, Freudenberg employees actively engage with the project as mentors, guiding young people in exploring career paths, offering valuable soft skills training, helping them to discover their strengths and develop a vision for their futures. Through such mentorship, young people also gain access to university scholarships, significantly improving their long-term career prospects.
Building a Sense of Community
Beyond academic support, the project fosters a sense of community for the children. Summer camps, field trips, and seasonal celebrations like Easter and Christmas provide opportunities for joy and connection. According to Dr. Ciprian Cristea, Director of Chem-Trend and Klüber Lubrication in Romania, "It's about giving the children not just knowledge, but also joy and a sense of belonging. The active engagement of Freudenberg employees allows us to build personal relationships and show the children that they are valued." Environmental activities, such as the shared gardening project, promote teamwork and responsibility while instilling important life values.
"Our vision is to give as many children as possible the chance for a self-determined future through education," said Karin Overbeck, Chair of e² and CEO of Freudenberg Home and Cleaning Solutions. “The e² project in Arad demonstrates how targeted support not only opens doors to education but also fosters self-confidence and hope.”