Volunteering for people with disabilities in Romania
- Surrounded by nature
- Varied activities
- Joint excursions
Since there is only the project presented here in the target region, which takes care of people with disabilities and suffers from a lack of staff, your volunteer work is particularly valuable and useful here. You are helping people who do not have it easy to pave the way to an independent life. In this way you expand your social and empathic skills, which will also be very useful in your everyday life.
Ensure a healthy life for all people of all ages and promote their well-being.
What's the matter?
The day care center fills a gap as it is the only facility in town that cares for people with disabilities and helps them on their way to leading independent lives and integrating into society. Since the people with disabilities have no other point of contact in town apart from this project, your support is very welcome here.
Your placement was founded in 2008. Here the education of adults with disabilities from the area is taken care of. The team consists of seven members and 24 people use the facility's services. There are four group rooms, a sitting area and kitchen as well as an office, a recreation room and a sports area.
The aim of the project is to support people with disabilities, to help them lead independent lives, to improve their life skills and then to maintain them. Furthermore, the families of those affected should be given a helping hand and further training should be made possible for work colleagues in order to optimize their work.
Your tasks as a volunteer
There are a number of tasks and activities that you can undertake with those in need of assistance. This includes, for example, helping them develop as a group and improve their cognitive skills. In addition, there are everyday tasks such as cleaning, washing, setting the tables before eating and then clearing and cleaning them, lending a helping hand to people with disabilities with dressing, shopping, hygiene and managing money.
Handicrafts are also on the program, for example sewing, creating postcards, knitting, pouring plaster and making decorations for parties. You spend your free time with your new protégés taking walks, music and dance therapy, painting, board games and using public transport. It is also very much appreciated if you would agree to give English lessons. Talk to the volunteer coordinator on site about this.
It is important that you are genuinely interested in those in need, that you are open to their hobbies and interests.
Your working day begins when you arrive at the day care center at 8:30 a.m. The regular working time is five hours, from 9:00 a.m. to 14:00 p.m.
First of all, each of the handicapped people deals with an individual activity, for example a worksheet or a puzzle. Then you discuss with your group how you feel today and what you did yesterday. Afterwards, they do sports and then everyone has brunch together. The other groups also take part in the meal. Then you clean and rest. At the end there is a group activity and it is over at 14 p.m.
Accommodation Catering
Volunteer House in Romania
In the building for volunteers there are two apartments that are separated by gender. The female apartment sleeps 17 people and the male apartment sleeps six. Each apartment is equipped with working kitchens, a dining area, fridges, washing machines, bathrooms, wifi and a living room. Bed linen is provided, you bring your own towels.
When you enter the apartment, the kitchen and dining area welcome you. All cooking utensils are provided, as well as a microwave, toaster, french press and kettle. The washing machine is also in the kitchen.
On weekdays you get a warm meal and otherwise there is always enough food available so that you can prepare your own food. Twice a week you create a shopping list together and the caretaker then goes shopping.
Your new home is on a colorful street steeped in history. There are numerous shops and cafes along this street, including a grocery store within easy reach. Many establishments have free wifi if you are staying outside the accommodation. There is an ATM just around the corner next to the grocery store. Although you are right in the center of the city, it is a quiet and peaceful place.
One of the first things you'll notice is a small game hut that's used for volunteer activities, meetings, and dinners. It is a great addition to the available spaces where everyone can gather and get to know each other.
Location
Transylvania
Our project location in Romania is in the eastern part of the Transylvania region, also known as Transylvania. Beautiful landscapes await you here between the volcanic Harghita Mountains and the Ciuc Mountains.
Transylvania is known to many for the legend of Count Dracula. Indeed, the region has a mystical vibe and in many places you will feel like you have stepped back in time. The region has an eventful history, which means that a large part of the population here speaks Hungarian as well as Romanian.
Located in the center of the country, Transylvania captivates with mountainous areas, medieval towns and castles. About 55% of Romania is covered by the Carpathian Mountains. The preservation of the flora and fauna in the nature reserves and national parks has top priority, which means that you can immerse yourself in untouched nature, discover remote villages and farms and enjoy the peace and quiet. The area around the project site is also very quiet and peaceful, despite being in the city center.
If you want to explore a less touristy area, with exciting history, unspoilt nature and fascinating castles and villages, then Transylvania is definitely something for you!
Your free time in Transylvania
After work and days off, you have enough time to relax and explore the area. Even in the immediate vicinity of the deployment site, there are many ways for you to organize your free time in a variety of ways. Take a hike through the surrounding villages, visit a beer factory or motivate other volunteers to go on a ranger tour in the forest. Other possible activities include paragliding, stand-up paddling, fishing, tennis, laser tag and paintball, among others.
Of course, this is only a fraction of what Romania has to offer and in fact the country has many unique attractions that you should not miss.
The Salina Turda is certainly an absolute highlight and a must for every traveler to Romania. As the largest salt mine museum in the world, which also includes an amusement park, the place is truly a vast underground wonderland. After you have descended a number of steps, an elevator takes you all the way down. Science fiction feeling guaranteed!
Of course, Transylvania is also extremely well-known for the legend of Count Dracula, who is said to have lived at Bran Castle. Even though Dracula wasn't a vampire but a prince and didn't live in the castle, the scary factor is high and the castle is definitely worth a visit. Consider a chilling tour of the vampire castle walls if you dare.
The so-called Transfagarascher Hochstraße is less well known but certainly no less recommendable. The spectacular high mountain road is often referred to as the most beautiful mountain pass in the world. Steep and winding, with a number of switchbacks, the pass winds its way across the Transylvanian Alps and rewards you with endless fun on the curves and fantastic views.
On-site procedure
Arrival in Romania
When you arrive in Bucharest, you will either be picked up from the airport or you can take the shuttle bus to your accommodation location, where a coordinator will be waiting for you. Whether you use one or the other driver service depends on what time you arrive. If the waiting time for the next shuttle is longer than two hours, you will be picked up privately (by a team member). The journey takes about four to five hours. If you arrive by bus, you can arrange a meeting point with the local team.
Please note: The project always starts on the first and third Monday of the month. Your arrival should therefore take place on the Sunday before.
Orientation program in Romania
After your arrival you will be shown everything in your accommodation and you will get a short introduction. A detailed orientation program on culture, location, social affairs and society begins on Monday morning. The whole of Monday is considered an orientation day and goes something like this:
It starts at 10 a.m., you introduce yourselves to each other and the volunteers can ask questions right away. You go to a restaurant for lunch. After that, from 15 p.m., new volunteers will be welcomed by "old ones" and you will take part in a city tour that lasts one to two hours. After the tour you can relax a little and enjoy your first evening. The next morning you can take part in a Hungarian lesson (included).
Your first day in the project
After the introductory program, you will start your work on the project. You will be instructed in the individual activities by one of the team members or an experienced volunteer and can then support you with the various tasks.
Pricing
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base fee€ 1.350, -
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extension week€ 165, - / week
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Departure dates:
included
Services
Before departure
- Individual advice and support from our trained RGV team in Munich
- Organization including placement in the project and coordination of your stay on site
- Assistance with preparation: visa, health care, travel insurance, etc.
- Non-binding flight advice
- Travel ABC with packing list for your travel preparation
- RGV t-shirt
On site
- Orientation program with the team on site
- Support and guidance from the on-site team
- RGV 24h emergency number
- Project t-shirt to wear during on-site activities
- Airport transfer on the agreed day of arrival
- Accommodation in Volunteer Apartment
- Meals: One hot meal (on weekdays) and groceries to prepare meals
After return
- Participation confirmation of your voluntary commitment
- Reflection course on your experiences abroad
- Evaluation sheet and optional feedback discussion
not included
Services
- Round trip
- Private expenses on site
- Excursions with microlight flights
- Travel and cancellation insurance
- Visa and Vaccinations
- All nights outside your agreed accommodation
- Public transport and extra transfers
Individual
Recommended additional offers
& must-haves
Would you prefer to stay in a single room? Are you vegan or do you have special requests for food? Or do you want to do some cool trips with other volunteers in your free time and explore the country?
With us, you benefit from a variety of optional additional services that you can add individually to your booking, depending on your preferences.
Cheap flights with our flight partner thanks to volunteer rates.
Would you like to receive a cheap flight offer for your stay abroad that is perfectly tailored to you? After you have successfully registered, you can have a non-binding offer created.
The excellent rates for volunteers, students and young people are a great advantage. Arrival times and flight time changes can also be sent directly to RGV upon request, so that our RGV teams in the destination countries are always informed about your arrival times.
These special tariffs give you special added value:
- maximum flexibility for rebookings and cancellations
- generous baggage allowance
- Additional discounts on one-way flights: The new volunteer tariffs include attractive discounts to reduce your financial burden on one-way flights (e.g. for stopovers, project or country combinations).
Benefit from the 4 in 1 ERGO travel insurance.
You can easily book the long-term travel protection of ERGO Reiseversicherung after you have registered. You will receive the links to this automatically after a successful registration.
The following building blocks are included:
- Health Insurance
- Comfort protection: accident, liability and interruption insurance
- Travel insurance
- Interactive online TEFL/TESOL course for volunteers
- Interactive online TEFL/TESOL course
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Personal development introductory courseFree of charge
Transylvania
Team
site
Peter is the director of the institution and your contact person in most matters. He is originally from Romania, was born and grew up in the Harghita district. In the course of his life he has traveled to many countries and since then has been enthusiastic about different cultures and likes to bring them closer together.
Jackie is the founder of the organization and once worked as a volunteer. The beauty of the region and the sense of volunteering made her stay. Kinga is the project writer, Nikoletta is responsible for the accommodation and orsolya helps you as a volunteer coordinator.
RGV
FAQ
to the project
What are the project fees used for?
Although we are a non-profit organization, there are costs associated with volunteering abroad. Find out here, why volunteering requires money and what your project fee is used for.
Do I need a visa?
As an EU citizen and from Switzerland, you do not need a visa for a stay of up to 90 days. If you want to stay longer than 90 days, you have to apply for a residence permit in the first month at the location.
What language skills do I need for the project?
In order to be able to communicate well with the team on site, you should definitely have good English skills.
When does the social project always take place?
You can register for social projects all year round. But note that during the local school holidays In some countries, child care is limited or not available at all. Contact usif you are unsure whether the project will be managed in your desired time frame.
What are the requirements for the project?
To take part in this project, you should already have experience in dealing with people with disabilities. Reliability, motivation and good communication are also important.
Ready to volunteer in Romania? Start your adventure abroad with Rainbow Garden Village!
Rainbow Garden Village has been offering volunteer work and internships abroad since 1999. What started as a small student initiative in Ghana has now grown into an organization with over 250 projects around the world.
You can be sure that your work as a volunteer will be an unforgettable experience. Bring your commitment and your knowledge to do good locally - and at the same time benefit from the unique experiences that will promote your personal development.
Become part of our RGV community!
We look forward to you.
RGV
Your way
to the volunteer
1
Choose your volunteer project and register online.
2
We will review your application and confirm your participation.
3
Prepare for your assignment online or in our preparatory seminar in Munich.
4
Here we go! During your volunteer work, we will support you at any time with our on-site team.
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