About the Orphanage
Romania: Harghita Megye, Szekelykeresztur, Zeyk Domokos
The orphanage was a construction from the post war communist era regime. Around 1000 orphans resided here where schooling, sleeping, eating, washing were all contained here at Zeyk Domokos. Everyday living in the orphanage was difficult without guidance from a normal parental family. Conditions were regimented, everyone had to eat at the same time, bathe at the same time often without hot water. There was very little training for caregivers and a very bad ratio of caregivers to children. There was abuse and the teachers often could not control the pupils who were struggling with developmental delays and malnourishment.
Many of the orphans suffered from mental, social and relationship problems which some still deal with in their everyday lives today. They had no place to run because the relationships with other family members had not been developed. Study quality was low and similarly the management quality was questionable. Upon adulthood the pupils leaving the orphanage many didn’t have the simple preparation for life; didn’t know how to budget money or have a grasp of other life skills.
This resulted in many failing to become independent and many ended alcoholic, homeless living on streets and some sadly committed suicide. After the communist era there weren’t many choices available for further education and less than 3% of pupils achieved graduation from university. This was not without the support of people of other countries offering sponsorship for educational development. Eventually many made their own lives in other countries around Europe and the world.
In early 1990’s teams from the UK and Germany arrived here and realised the need for extensive support for refurbishment of the building including bathing, electrics, decorating and kindergarten facilities. Eventually, the outdated child care institution was phased out dropping abandoned children into smaller family homes. In 2003 the children’s home was closed and today Zeyk Domokos Technological Lyceum is in the building. Many years later we can come together to share our post children’s home life experiences at this eventful reunion.
The Romanian orphanage 1955 - 2003
Orphanage approach
Canteen facility
Life in orphanage - childrens home
