ANSA Hungary (Association of Norwegian Students Abroad) is running a charity project connected to the Saint Francis Foundation in Transylvania, Romania. A few years ago, Jørgen Linde, Miriam Sare, and Martin D Jære found out about the project through the Norwegian Embassy in Hungary. These three individuals are responsible for more recently inspiring many other students in Hungary to get involved in the project.

In the spring of 2007, Johannes Maubach was elected as the Charity Coordinator for ANSA. He is the leader of six individuals who are very committed to the project.

It all started in1992 when the Franciscan monk, Father Csaba, built an orphanage in Deva, Romania. Within a short time, many more orphanages and day cares were built, with a total of over 1500 children connected to the organization. After almost 20 years, the children are becoming young adults and some of them have already finished their University degree! At the present time there is a student home in the university city of Kolozsvar housing 25 students. This home is already completely full, and within short time the need for more spaces will be evident. This is the problem that the Norwegian students in Hungary have decided to take on. Our goal is to collect enough money to build a new student home as soon as possible! We find it very necessary to provide a safe childhood with an equally safe education! It is all about giving these children the same opportunities that many of us often take for granted

For many years now, the Saint Francis Foundation has been working to obtain a piece of land that was taken away from them during the Communist era. They have now succeeded in getting a portion of the site back, and thus we can start the construction of the home as soon as the money has been raised! The construction expenses in Romania are fairly low. Each square meter is estimated to cost about 80.000-100.000 HUF (2500-3000 NOK). We are hoping to raise enough money to build at least a 200-300 square meter student home.

By giving these children an education, they will become a valuable resource for Romania. With their background and their experiences, these students are the best judge of the problems that their country faces. Thus, they are the best solution to help change the current situation. Additionally, by providing more student homes, this will also free up spaces in the orphanages that are desperately needed.

We hope to get as many of you involved as possible so that one day soon we can accomplish the funding goal and start the construction!

If you would like to make a donation, please click here for account information, orcontact someone in the committee!