Al 21 jaar woont Viorica Hagagg in Nederland. Ze is jurist van beroep, maar zet zich naast haar werk al bijna tien jaar in voor mensen die het minder getroffen hebben. Haar focus ligt op Moldavië, een land waar zij het verschil tussen kansen en mogelijkheden dagelijks ziet. Via Stichting Noroc Olanda werkt zij samen met lokale organisaties om hulp te bieden die écht aansluit bij wat mensen nodig hebben.

Van initiatief naar stichting

The initiative for the Noroc Olanda Foundation originated in 2012. In 2021, the foundation was officially established. Since then, the foundation has been carrying out various activities, focusing on democracy and diplomacy, but above all on concrete charitable projects. The aid is directed at hospitals, care institutions, poor families, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

The key to this is cooperation with reliable local organizations. They know the region, understand the problems, and know what help is needed at what time. This makes the support more targeted and effective.

Assistance to vulnerable families and children

A recent project of the foundation was a shipment of milk for malnourished children. This project was carried out in collaboration with the organization Ask a Mom in Moldova. Many poor families lack not only money, but also knowledge about proper nutrition. Normal food can even be harmful to malnourished children.

By providing special milk and supplementary nutrition, these children are given the opportunity to grow stronger and develop better. In addition to milk, families often receive other basic necessities, such as toys or care products, through local aid organizations.

The situation in Moldova

Moldova is a small country that has struggled to build a stable infrastructure and strong economy since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Many villages are remote. People have less access to work and social networks. This leads to poverty, limited future opportunities, and sometimes problematic home situations.

Many families have several children and live on minimal resources. Single mothers and people with disabilities are among the most vulnerable groups. Various organizations, including Stichting Noroc Olanda, try to support them in different ways.

Meer dan voedsel en goederen

In addition to food, the foundation also sends medical aid, wheelchairs, furniture, and clothing to Moldova. This is mainly done using larger truck transports. Each project is carefully assessed to determine what is feasible and what will have the greatest impact.

Viorica regularly visits Moldova to see for herself how the aid is arriving and being used. That is not always easy. People who lack everything often say that they need “everything.” That is precisely why it is important to take a good look, ask questions, and understand the local situation. Only then can aid reach the right people.

Sharing knowledge is just as important

According to Viorica, knowledge is just as essential as material aid. Hospitals and institutions often lack specialist knowledge, process insight, and support. This includes medical expertise, psychological counseling, and social services.

Volunteers who want to share their knowledge can make a big difference. Because structural change does not come about simply by passing on information, but by helping people to take steps independently. As Viorica herself puts it: feeding people is important, but teaching people how to find food for themselves is just as valuable.

A lasting call

The need in Moldova is great. It is easier to list what is not needed than what is. Nevertheless, the Noroc Olanda Foundation remains committed to providing aid that is well thought out, respectful, and future-oriented. With an eye for the people behind the numbers and with confidence in cooperation.

Anyone who wants to contribute can do so with resources, knowledge, or involvement. Because real help starts with attention and understanding.