A UBI Program in Romania Has Helped Children Succeed And Even go to The Olympics

A UBI Program in Romania Has Helped Children Succeed And Even go to The Olympics

In the quiet, rural areas of Romania, children have been given a chance to succeed like never before. A special program providing basic income to families has transformed the lives of many young ones.

As the Business Insider reports, the Romanian program began in 2007 with a single family of four but has grown to about 80 participants. This initiative has not only raised spirits but has also produced Olympians.

The children and their families have used the funds for essential needs like food, clothing, and school materials. The impact has been profound, leading to better health and financial stability for the participants.

The effort, started by Alexandru Ureche with support from a nonprofit, continues to show promising results.

Three Successful Stories

Christian began his journey with the program at just 15 years old, hailing from a financially challenged family. Excelling academically, he earned a computer science degree from a top university in Romania.

Christian’s career took off when he secured a job at Electronic Arts, followed by positions at other esteemed companies like Microsoft. He also devoted time to volunteer work, assisting underprivileged Roma communities.

Together with his then-fiancée, they saved diligently, enabling them to purchase their first home, which they fully paid off within four years. Now, they’ve acquired a second property for investment and additional income.

Presently, Christian is employed at the United Nations and enjoys the financial security he always aspired to. His well-being score soared from 6.3 to 8.9 over nine years, reflecting a significant improvement in areas such as financial stability and goal setting.

Laurel, known as Laura Coman, joined the program in ninth grade. Ureche and his team encouraged her to engage in sports, leading her to try rifle shooting. She excelled rapidly, becoming the national champion and earning multiple gold medals in international competitions.

Laurel also competed in the 2020 Olympics, ranking in the top 10.

Initially, Laurel faced challenges with the rigors and emotional demands of elite sports. With the researchers’ guidance, she developed greater discipline. Off the shooting range, she gained admission to ASE Bucharest, Romania’s premier business school.

To support her educational and training needs, the program increased her financial support, allowing her to afford necessities like food, textbooks, therapy, and sports equipment. Laurel is now a stable income earner, employed by the Romanian police.

Her overall well-being improved remarkably, with a jump from 6.7 to 9.3, alongside perfect scores in physical and emotional health, as well as extracurricular activities.

Gabriel faced a difficult upbringing, raised by an alcoholic father after his parents divorced. During his teenage years, he lived with various neighbors. He entered the basic income program in fifth grade, and despite his challenges, Gabriel persevered.

With additional emotional support, Gabriel managed to cope with his unstable home life. He later graduated with a law degree from a top university in Romania and now works as a clerk for a judge in Transylvania.

Living with his partner, Gabriel looks forward to potentially starting a family. His well-being score increased from 6.2 to 8.2 over a decade, showcasing a notable rise in financial stability and trust in others.

Picture of Adrian Volenik

Adrian Volenik

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