Helping to Build a Better Future for Communities in Romania

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kids sitting on desks in a class room

We have been discussing our partnership with Habitat for Humanity for some time now and are thrilled to share an update on a project in Rumania. It is making a significant impact just 20 km from Bucharest, in the Flamânzeni and Buciumeni neighborhoods. 

These communities, marked by social exclusion and low living standards, are witnessing positive change thanks to the efforts of Habitat for Humanity Romania.

What the Project is About

The Flamânzeni and Buciumeni communities have very low standards of living and experience precarious educational standards leading to a lot of school dropouts and a repeating cycle of poverty. Habitat for Humanity Romania has undertaken the initiative to build a community center for the youngest members, the BufKids Educational Day Center. It includes classrooms and a kitchen with a cafeteria for the communities in the city of Buftea.

Community Educational Centerkids playing outside

The center is going to provide 50-70 children a day with a proper education and a number of social activities. The children attending are between the age of 6 and 14 (soon to include preschoolers as well).

Here, they benefit from tailored programs designed to increase internal motivation, develop essential skills, and provide holistic support through various activities such as guidance & counseling, non-formal education, homework assistance, and creative workshops.

These are just a few of the efforts taken to enhance their chance for a brighter future. The people from the two communities are taking part in the construction, therefore creating a sense of appreciation and ownership.

Glice’s Crucial Role
panels used for construction

We are excited to share that Glice has played a pivotal role in facilitating the construction of the second building – the community kitchen and canteen. Panels at the end of their product life cycle were donated to Habitat for Humanity and are now used for the construction. The unique properties of Glice products have been harnessed as formworks with special dimensions for concrete works, ensuring the structural integrity of this vital space. 

With the completion of this second building, the center is now complete and ready to serve the 50 to 70 children daily with fresh, home cooked meals. Without this cafeteria it would be “unthinkable and totally inefficient to try to educate such vulnerable children” , says Petruta Stanescu, the Executive Director of the NGO that coordinates the center.

man building a wallthe new built community center

For more Togetherness

The BufKids community not only provides essential support to 150 children annually but also acts as a source of inspiration, fostering a sense of unity among the people it serves. Even the youngest members are enthusiastically embracing the spirit of volunteerism, eager to contribute to and uplift the community. Ten-year-old Daria, for instance, shares, “When I grow up, I aspire to help people just like the volunteers and the center’s team are helping us now.” The ripple effect of positive influence from BufKids is clearly sowing seeds of compassion and a shared commitment to making a difference.


two kids with teddy bears

Your support, through your product contributions, is transforming lives. Together, we are creating a positive environment for these children, boosting their hopes for a better life and a brighter future.

As the project continues to unfold, we invite you to stay connected and witness the positive changes taking place. Your ongoing support is invaluable, and we are grateful for the difference you are making in the lives of these children.Thank you for being a crucial part of this transformative journey. 

To learn more about our other ESG initiatives, visit our Skate for the Planet and Sustainability pages.