People who have inspired me as examples of vision and resilience in both education and care.
Simone and Dan Baciu told me their story - one that shows how through post communist Romania with a state of enforced state dependency and disempowerment an inspiration was born. In a world that left them yearning from freedom but not knowing what to do with it as they were unused to making their own decisions. Life was spent watching telly all day. After 2 years of inaction and realisation they were on their own to forge their own destiny, they took opportunity . They started a kindergarten in their flat for 12 children. Many of their peers had left the country to seek greener pastures but they stayed to re build their country,
They sought to learn from visitors and people from abroad . They filled the place with flowers to bring happiness to the children - they started a nursery to enable happy children in a society that devalues people . In Western Europe we see machines as assets and people as an expense. Things have gone wrong in both the East and the West.
This is a family affair with support from friends from abroad. A story of friendship solidarity, gratitude ad courage and passion is what they mean about creating happy kids free from aggression, judgement, discrimination.
They were led by their vision and passion to make children happy and learn what true freedom meant without judgement or aggression or discrimination.
Happy Kids kindergarten was born whose mission was to bring ‘smiles and twinkles’ to the children’s’ eyes.
When I visited there were over 600 children of the first international school in Romania, and the talent of their children is continuing their parents work. Dan and Simone never believed their hard work, personal sacrifice and dedication could achieve such great results and national and international accolades. You could feel the passion and commitment and self assured children, curious with a joy of learning. In a culture of unconditional regard, support and affirmation from parents and teachers alike, I was struck by the generosity, humility and kindness of both founders. They went out of their way to welcome me and introduce me into the bosom of their family and network immediately during my 4 day trip.
The underpinning values are based on Stephen Coveys habits:
Be proactive - you’re in charge
Begin with the end in mind - have a plan
Put first things first - know he difference between important and urgent
Thank win-win - a win for everyone lasts longer
Seek first to understand, then to be understood - listen with empathy
Synergise - teams achieve bigger goals
Sharpen the saw- take care of yourself.
Finding your voice- take are of yourself - helping others to find
The purpose of my visit was to help Dan set up a new care home and realise his vision to bring excellence to care of older people who had been left on the sidelines to fend for themselves languishing alone in unkept communist block buildings. Here there was little hope for a better life than drinking, sleeping and watching TV. His missionary zeal was palpable from the moment I got off the plane. It shows what a difference 2 people can make working against the tide, breaking down barriers with strong personal faith and assurance that they could do their bit. From acorns oak trees grow! A message of hope and tenacity , mutual support and love.