Today, four young beneficiaries of the boarding school for children with mental deficiencies from Orhei started a new life. Marcel, Serghei, Victor and Ivan were abandoned since their birth and they lived until now in a residential institution. Thanks to the social service “Protected housing”, initiated by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Social Protection for persons with mental disabilities, the four young men have now their own house.
 
The aim of the service is to increase the level of independency and self-determination of young people with disabilities and to encourage them to develop their own potential. “They will be assisted to improve their professional skills, so as to be able to find a job. As well, the social assistants will work with them to manage together things in the house and finances", stated Stela Grigoraş, Minister of Health, Labor and Social Protection.
 
The four young men turned 18 years old and were transferred to the boarding school for children with mental deficiencies from Orhei, as a result of the deinstitutionalization program and their wish to be placed in the community.
“We have waited for so long and with so much willingness, and it is only today when this dream came true. When I entered this room, I did not know what to say, I was full of emotions and I thanked everyone” said Marcel Lemnaru, one of the four young beneficiaries of the protected house.
 
During the inauguration event, the boys were congratulated also by the representatives of the Foundation of Vlad Plahotniuc “Edelweiss”, which has provided them electrical appliances for equipping their new house. “We support the persons whom life treated a little bit tougher. They are an example of determination and courage for each one of us. Today we have supported them within this very nice event. We bought for them the necessary electrical appliances for their house and we ensure them of our full respect and consideration” said Lidia Cucoş, Executive Director of the Foundation of Vlad Plahotniuc “Edelweiss”.