ABOUT ELIJAH

In 2012, Ruth Zenkert and Father Georg Sporschill SJ founded the association ELIJAH to support neglected Romani children and their families in Romanian Transylvania. Through direct and effective assistance in improving their living conditions, they are given a chance to escape generations of misery.

The association takes its name from the prophet Elijah, who championed the poor and opposed injustice.

Since its inception in the village of Hosman, 30 kilometres west of Sibiu, the project has grown steadily. Today, ELIJAH is active in six locations, running four social centres, two music schools, a school dormitory, a women’s shelter, and a day centre for the homeless with two emergency sleeping facilities. Over 160 family homes have also been built or renovated.