- Project Duration:
4 weeks minimum
6 months maximum
- Volunteer Project Focus:
For this placement each volunteer will be assigned a children's care home where they will be expected to provide care and support to children from disadvantaged backgrounds. We ask each volunteer to focus particularly on teaching English using a "Learn through play" approach.
During the term-time volunteers will also spend time at the local school, which the children from the care home attend. This allows volunteers to gain an understanding as to the level of English being taught and thus bring this back into the homes.
- The aims of this project are:
- To teach English in a colourful and interactive manner that will instil an interest in learning the language. Introducing new customs and cultures where possible.
- To organize activities and fun events, expanding and/or encouraging the children's interests/hobbies,
- To provide some love and attention to the children to help boost their self-esteem and confidence.
- To work closely with the local English teachers. Assisting and knowledge sharing where possible. Term-time only!
- To provide a good adult role model for the children to learn from.
- To improve the local translators conversational English (local volunteers).
- To assist in developing the concept of volunteering locally amongst the younger community.
- To support the carers (Nevelok) in their numerous parenting tasks i.e. cleaning, preparing food, keeping the children occupied and out of trouble.
- Project structure:
At each care home approximately 8 children live permanently.
We ask all volunteers to work with these children ideally working in small groups in order to spend quality time with each child.
We ask all volunteers to be present for a minimum of 6 hours a day (this includes hours within the school) with the opportunity to work more hours if desired.
A Care2Travel volunteer coordinator will be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for support, guidance and advise. Reviews with the volunteer, Esely director and a C2T rep will be conducted in the middle and at the end of every project.
- A typical volunteer day during term-time:
A.M.
7.00 - Breakfast at the care home
8.00 – 12.00 Assisting at the local school
P.M.
14.00 – Lunch at the care home home
16.00 – 17.00 – Individual teaching session (preparation needed)
18.00 – 19.00 – Individual teaching session (preparation needed)
- Project Capacity:
Each care home has the capacity for 3 volunteers. In the region we work in 7 different homes.
- Project location:
The care homes where volunteers are based are all in the county of Harghita which is in the heart of Transylvania, Romania.
- Arrival:
Prior to arrival a Care2Travel representative will be in contact with all volunteers and will be available to answer any queries or questions that may arise.
Upon arrival all volunteers will have a thorough induction.
Our volunteer projects start on the Monday of every week and we ask all volunteers to arrive at least 1 day before in order to receive a thorough induction. The nearest airport to the project is Targu Mures, a 3-hour drive away. Cluj Napoca and Bucharest airports are a 5-hour drive.
If volunteers fly to Targu Mures Care2Travel can arrange a direct pick-up (see below for prices).
If volunteers fly to Bucharest, Cluj or any other airport they need to make their own way to Gheorgheni or Miercurea Ciuc (to be advised once they have been allocated a care home) train station where a Care2Travel representative will be waiting to greet them. From Bucharest and Cluj Napcoa there are direct trains to Gheorgheni train station. Care2Travel is more than happy to help with any in-country travel arrangements.
- Volunteer specifications:
Confidence and creativity to teach using alternative methods i.e. music, games, drawing/coloring, drama etc
Enthusiasm.
Patience.
A proactive nature.
Passion and motivation to work with children.
Cultural sensitivity.
Caring and considerate.
Prior experience working with children.
Lots of energy.
Flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances
Ability to work in teams.
- Accommodation:
We have a variety of accommodations from home stays to apartments.
Every accommodation has hot water, washing facilities, a kitchen, heating and private bedroom.
- Food:
Breakfast and Lunch is provided daily. Specific dietary requirements can be catered for.
- Leisure Activities:
During a volunteers free time Care2Travel offer numerous opportunities to explore Transylvania in an environmentally friendly manner. From cycle, hiking and sightseeing tours to activities such as horse riding, learning authentic crafts, paragliding and much more.
- Hosting Fee:
£260-1 month
£360-1.5 months
£460-2 months
The cost of a direct pick-up from Targu Mures to the project location is an additional £50
The cost of a direct pick-up from Cluj Napoca to the project location is an additional £90
The cost of a direct pick-up from Bucharest to the project location is an additional £90
What this fee includes...
- Accommodation
- Two meals a day
- A local coordinator available 24/7
- Worthwhile and effectively managed volunteer projects
- A small contribution to the work of our charity
- Why a hosting fee is necessary:
Romania, Europe's second poorest country, is still experiencing the legacy of Ceausescu's oppressive regime that left the nation severely impoverished (Hope & Homes for children, 2012). "One-quarter of the population lives below the poverty level" (World vision).
Because our partner organisations in-country struggle on a weekly basis to adequately finance their operations we unfortunately cannot expect them to finance volunteers. This is the predominate reason for charging a hosting fee. In addition Care2Travel spends considerable time with it's in-country partners supporting them to effectively utilise volunteers so that everyone gets the most out of the volunteering experience. This is why within the hosting fee, a small contribution goes towards the work of our charity.
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