Little John's House
History
Little John’s House grew from the conviction, which one young lady from Devon had
that she could make a difference to the life of one child – Ionut (Little John).
In 1993 Ionut Balan, a three year old malnourished child with severe hydro-cephalus
and very limited movement in his limbs, was invited to Derriford hospital, Plymouth,
to receive expert surgical/medical treatment as well as intensive physiotherapy,
professional nursing and a great deal of loving care. In Romania his only home had
been a “State Home for Irrecuperables” where the residents received minimum food
and clothing and where medicines were almost non-existent. However, Little John
made such an impression on all who cared for him in Britain that funds were raised
to purchase a home for him in Romania which would provide a secure future for his
care. This has become the base for the charity “Fundatia Little John.”
Little John's House Today
The initial concept of caring for Ionut has developed into a fully integrated specialist
children’s home which caters for a full range of social, health and educational
needs for a small group of children. The home is staffed entirely by trained Romanian
helpers with the medical advice of Dr Daniela Mutiu. Little John’s House relies
entirely on the help of International Donations and teams of volunteers who travel
at their own expense to help with practical projects. Throughout the summer months
Little John’s House opens its doors for respite help for children with special needs
throughout Sibiu county. Each day for a week at a time thirty or so children are
bussed in for enriching experiences involving social interaction, experimental play,
observational learning, music and art therapy. For many of these children this is
the only “holiday” they have in the whole year and often the only time their parents/carers
get a break. KLBC is one of the many groups that have spent time working with Little
John's House and a couple of our members are trustees of the charity. Ionut died
of a heart attack in 1997 but the memory and inspiration of him lives on in the
home and indeed in the whole village. Little John's House is a registered charity
(No. 1002714) and is based in Cisnadioara, Sibiu, Romania. |
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