Wings of Hope International (WHI) was founded by Alec and Becky Zama in 2007. Alec is originally from Moldova and Becky, a native of Iowa, was a Peace Corps volunteer in Moldova in 1993. They currently reside in Ankeny, Iowa, USA. Alec and Becky have been informally supporting the needy in Moldova since 1997 and in 2007 concluded there was a need to formalize their work by opening Wings of Hope International.  Since 2007 many friends and volunteers have contributed with funds and other resources to serve the needy in Moldova.  Please see more specific information about the assistance that that we have been providing to Moldovans since 2007 on the Projects page on this website.

Why Moldova? Why now?

As a former Soviet republic, Moldova has faced many challenges in its transition to democracy and a free-market economy. Rampant corruption and political discord led to Moldova becoming the poorest country in Europe. High unemployment and lack of government services for the children, elderly and the sick resulted in various social problems. Because of lack of economic opportunities in rural areas many working age individuals are leaving the country in search of employment opportunities abroad. In many situations the children are left with one parent or in some cases with their grandparents or older siblings when both parents leave the country in search for jobs. Many elderly’s pensions are very low and they can’t afford a decent life during their retirement age. The sick are also affected during the transition from a socialized medical care system to a private insurance system. That’s why WHI was started, to assist the children, elderly and the sick to improve the quality of their lives. We encourage you to browse this website and learn more about the work that we have been doing since 2007 and we hope that you will join us in bringing hope to the people of Moldova.