 Monica McDaid, the schoolteacher who originally set the Challenge still lives in Siret and has dedicated her life to the children. Over the past 17 years, she estimates around 2,000 volunteers have taken part in the project and around £2 million has been raised for the cause. The original orphanage has now actually been disbanded, but the work with the children has continued. The Romanian Challenge Appeal built six group homes where some of the children are able to live independently. They can also learn vital skills such as carpentry and farming. To assist this, the charity has actually set up a  Challenge Farm  which is a great way for the children to learn to provide for themselves by growing their own crops & vegetables and rearing pigs & chickens. This fantastic organisation continues to provide homes, care, education, and employment to those who had their childhood stolen, and enables them to live a happier life and become accepted members of their own society