Bucharest, 3rd March 2025 – Garanti BBVA reaffirms its commitment to education and youth support by backing the “My Moment – 2025” project, organized by the UNTOLD STORIES Association. Through this initiative, launched at the beginning of the year, dozens of young people in vulnerable situations have benefited from interactive workshops focused on personal development and financial education.
Garanti BBVA has supported the organization of seven workshops at the Casa Iosif and Marcellin Centers, where approximately 30-35 young participants per session had the opportunity to learn essential skills for their integration into society. The activities, coordinated by actress and director Alina Șerban, were tailored to their specific needs, providing both practical knowledge and the confidence needed to overcome obstacles.
“At Garanti BBVA, we strongly believe that education is the foundation of a better future, and young people must be supported to progress. We are delighted to support valuable initiatives like the <<My Moment – 2025>> project, which not only provides essential knowledge to children from vulnerable backgrounds but also instills the confidence that they can overcome any challenge. Through our contribution, we aim to help shape a generation capable of reaching its full potential and building a better future,” said Virginia Oțel, Communication Leader at Garanti BBVA Romania.
“For admission to arts universities, most people take private preparatory courses. I did not have this opportunity. I understood early on that education – and only education – is the only way to survive. Without education, there is no window, no door that will open. Imagine if other Roma children had access to education. What would that be like? I dream of the day when we can finally relax, when we no longer carry fear and insecurity on our shoulders, along with other burdens I still cannot name,” said Alina Șerban, UNTOLD STORIES Association.
Through these workshops, the UNTOLD STORIES Association and Garanti BBVA aim to help young people in foster care centers discover their potential and open new opportunities for personal and professional development. Alina Șerban, a successful Roma director and former beneficiary of the child protection system, served as an inspiration to participants, sharing her story of perseverance and success. Through her example, she demonstrated that education and determination are the keys to success in life.
The workshops included sessions on communication and collaboration, helping young participants improve their self-confidence and ability to build healthy relationships. Additionally, they received essential financial education, learning how to manage a personal budget effectively.
Garanti BBVA reaffirms its commitment to education and community support by actively contributing to initiatives that create a positive impact on society. Through such partnerships, the bank continues to support projects that provide young people from vulnerable backgrounds with the opportunity for a more secure future.
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About Garanti BBVA Romania
The bank Garanti BBVA is part of the Garanti BBVA Romania Group, along with Garanti BBVA Leasing, and Garanti BBVA Fleet Management, which complement the bank’s offering with specific leasing products and fleet management services. In 2023, the bank celebrated 25 years of active presence in the Romanian banking system.
Garanti BBVA Romania is owned by Garanti BBVA, the second-largest private bank in Türkiye per consolidated asset size, having as majority shareholder, the Spanish financial group Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA). For further information and to stay tuned, please visit https://www.garantibbva.ro/, and follow the:
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About UNTOLD STORIES Association
UNTOLD STORIES Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to combating discrimination by developing artistic projects that contribute to the creation of a diverse, pluralistic, and tolerant society. The Association’s mission is to provide a platform for untold and marginalized stories, raising public awareness of the culture, history, and life experiences of minority social groups, with a particular focus on the Roma community.
The president of the association is Alina Șerban, a four-time winner of the “Best Actress” award, including “Germany’s Best Actress” for her role as Ali in Gipsy Queen. She is also the first Roma artist to receive one of Romania’s highest distinctions: the Cultural Merit Order, Knight Rank, Category D, for artistic achievements.
For 15 years, through film and theater projects, Alina Șerban has been fighting against all forms of discrimination, advocating for education, gender equality, the fight against violence against women, and the promotion of minority rights.
