I …congratulate you and your entire team on the remarkable achievement accomplished in such a very short time. You have built something remarkable, that will have a lasting effect on the community and that has given a real sense of achievement and hope to the programme participants and to their families. I…found your accomplishment in creating a sense of collaboration between disparate factions a very tangible result, worth all the effort you have expended and the frustrations surely encountered along the way. I am sure that you have convinced even the non-believers, and turned them into supporters.

Princess Marina Sturdza

…the programs that Ms. Hawke has spearheaded are among the most impressive examples of self-help initiatives that I have seen anywhere in the world.  They successfully address one of Romania’s most intractable social dilemmas – the poverty and marginalization of many Rom.

Chris Palmer, First Secretary, U.S. Embassy, Bucharest

“You and your staff are showing that with dedication, commitment, and hard work, things can change.  That is a lesson that Romanians, and even many Americans, need very much to learn.” Jonathan Rickert, US Department of State

“Programs like these, and people like you, help show a caring American face to Romania.  Thanks very much for your continued commitment to this country.”   Michael Guest, American      Ambassador to Romania

“You and your team did a super job of opening the eyes of bureaucrats to some of the more difficult realities in Romania – as well as seeing the possibilities for change.  I can’t over emphasize the importance of this.” Denny Robertson, USAID director, Romania

“It’s really happening:  Roma children are in school, mothers are gaining hope, self-esteem and practical skills. And respect for their heritage is being renewed.” 

Laura Simms, author & director of the Gaindeh Project, NY

"Dear Gabi & Leslie, I wanted to let you know how pleasurable it's been working with you over the past three years.  Your professionalism and expertise have been most impressive, as is your compassion for improving the lives of the most vulnerable people in Bacau.  Congratulations on your success.  Your organization has genuine integrity, and I am proud to have had a part in supporting your activities."        Lee Rosner, World Learning

“Thank you so much for welcoming me into your beautiful school. All the FSC programs were fantastic (what a professional, committed staff!) but “Gata” really struck a special chord with me.”  Elizabeth Ruethling, Global Fund for Children

“My recent summer job gave me an understanding of the tragedy of the social exclusion of Gypsies... However skeptical I was at the beginning, by the time it ended, I was spending my entire day with these kids, treating them as younger brothers and sisters.  The barrier between the Roma and me was broken.”  Alexandru Manaila, summer intern from Bucharest