In rural areas, 88% of adults have completed at most a vocational school, and 80% of parents wish for their child to continue their studies in high school in the future. However, these aspirations simply remain wishes, considering that 56% of students do not pursue further education after completing the primary school cycle due to the precarious financial situation they face.

According to the World Vision study on the Well-being of Children in Rural Areas 2022, the proportion of family assistance with homework decreases from primary to middle school, and there is also an increase in cases where the child receives no help at all.

Additionally, a very small proportion of children have resources to afford private tutors. At the same time, 88% of primary school children and 73% of middle school children have never been to a camp.

World Vision Romania and PENNY Romania Foundation provide students from rural areas the opportunity to continue their education after completing middle school through the "Vreau în clasa a 9-a" (I Want to Be in 9th Grade) program. PENNY supports 70 students from rural areas in Bacău, Buzău, Dolj, and Ialomița counties, facilitating their path through high school education and offering them the opportunity to access university studies and integrate professionally in the future.

"We have been implementing the 'Vreau în clasa a 9-a' program for over 14 years to reduce the disparities in opportunities between students in rural and urban areas. Our goal is to support teenagers from families with limited resources to continue their high school education, pursue their passions, and even enroll in college. We thank all our partners who understand the value of investing in children's education and have the power to change the destiny of a child from a rural environment," stated Mihaela Nabăr, Executive Director, World Vision Romania.

"The promotion of education and the development of children and young people is an integral part of our CSR strategy and an important goal for our business mission and identity. The good collaboration with our partners at World Vision Romania allows us to act where support is most needed: in communities of students from rural areas, to give them better chances in education and professional training. We are delighted whenever we receive positive news from the students in the program because we know that we have been alongside them," said Roxana Bălașa, PENNY Romania Specialist.

"I really liked today's activity because, through games, we had the opportunity to learn how to communicate without speaking. Also, I found out more about what it means to be a volunteer, heard opinions from people who volunteer, things that I believe will help me in the future if I choose to become a volunteer myself," said Elena, a PENNY scholarship recipient.

PENNY scholarship students benefit from a package that includes:

• Monthly sessions of personal development and vocational guidance, covering various themes such as social skills, gender equality, non-discrimination, violence prevention, financial education, and ways to find employment.

"For me, this meeting was very interesting because we talked about violence. I learned and realized many things that I used to do and were not right!" shared Alin Constantin after the session on violence prevention.

During the year, the 70 PENNY scholarship students also participated in internships at PENNY stores, divided into three periods. Their transportation was reimbursed, and they received the equivalent of one meal for practice days.

"I really enjoyed the internship period because I learned a lot of things that will help me in the future. I collaborated excellently with the PENNY employees, and I'm glad I could help them. The idea of doing my internship in such a place, surrounded by colleagues and customers, is very interesting! I hope that in the future, we can participate in such activities again!" shared Viorel Gheorghe.

According to the study on the Well-being of Children in Rural Areas, 4 out of 10 children do not participate in any extracurricular activities, and 73% of middle school children have never been to a camp.

Thus, 55 PENNY scholarship students were fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in the summer camp organized within the program, for many of them being the first time attending a camp.

"The camp within the World Vision Romania project meant a lot to me. Even though it was the first camp I attended, I really enjoyed it. Through the activities, we learned to work as a team, to cooperate, to listen to each other, to express our opinions all the time, and most importantly, to make new friends.

I really liked making collages and paintings with my team, but I enjoyed the sports games just as much. I played bowling for the first time, and I really liked it. I also enjoyed the accommodation very much. I left with many memories and beautiful friendships. Thank you, World Vision Romania and PENNY. I look forward to the next camps!" shared Ana-Maria.

Daniel made us proud of everything we do for the children in the program: "In a spirit of gratitude and joy, I would like to express sincere thanks to the World Vision camp for a truly wonderful experience. Comfortable accommodation and delicious food added extra comfort to the days spent there.

Various activities such as going to the pool, climbing the wall, bowling, drawing, and sports games were captivating and delighted us completely. I am deeply grateful for all the special moments and valuable experiences I had there. This camp will remain in my heart as a memorable chapter in my life, and I would like to thank everyone involved in organizing this unforgettable experience."

Children receive food packages during monthly meetings (food products, water, and fruits), a food package during winter holidays and Easter, and a backpack equipped with school supplies at the beginning of the school year.