Description

Come work with children in Moldova!

Although not as well publicized as the fate of orphans in Romania, many of the same problems that face children in Romania are also suffered by children in neighboring Moldova. Many families cannot afford to look after their own children, so they go into orphanages.

We work with a number of orphanages in and around Chisinau. Volunteers are able to help the local staff who have too much to do. There are opportunities to work with a range of age groups. You can help out with young babies keeping them occupied and entertained. With older children, there are opportunities to play games, help with homework, or even teach them some English.

We also have various placements working with disabled centers based in Chisinau. You can help by playing with the younger children and helping to teach basic English skills. There are opportunities to work with a team of young and enthusiastic staff members eager to have your assistance. They arrange trips away from the center for the children as well as camps held over the summer.

Another placement eager to welcome volunteers is located in the suburbs of Chisinau to promote the integration of African children living in the city with Moldovan children. The center, although basic, is a great place to get involved and organize a soccer match, arrange art classes, or teach basic computer skills.

Volunteering in these care centers and orphanages in Moldova will give you the chance to help with day-to-day practical tasks and important life-skills such as ensuring that the young children have been washed and fed, as well as helping them advance with their social skills through support, care and attention.

In each case you will stay with a local family close to where you are working. If you have any preferences in terms of the work you do, please let us know.

This placement is also offered as a two-week summer special for high school students between the ages of 16 and 19.

For other volunteer programs in Moldova, we have Journalism, Teach English and Medicine projects available for the participants to choose from.

Highlights

Chisinau, your base while volunteering abroad, is an enchanting old city, with tree-lined boulevards, vibrant markets, picturesque parks and plenty of other activities and attractions for the visitor. From the suburbs it is a short trolley-bus ride into the city center, where you will find a wide range of restaurants and bars to suit all tastes and budgets. Moldova has many surprisingly good attractions, especially its museums and art galleries. If you like the performing arts, you will love the opportunity to see some spectacular ballet and opera performances.

From this region it's also easy to explore the vineyards around Chisinau or the monasteries in Orhei. You might want to see the Trans Dniester region, which is still run unofficially as a self-styled republic. You can also travel further into the former Soviet Union and visit the Ukraine, which is only a few hours train-ride away.

Qualifications

none

Languages

• Romanian
• English
• Russian

Cost in US$:

Please go to our website for prices.

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Medical insurance
• Medical services
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

The price of each placement includes all your food and accommodation, transfers to and from the airport, full travel and medical insurance plus support and 24 hour back-up from our staff based around the world.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Childcare/children

Typical Volunteer

open minded with a desire to travel

Age Range

16-80

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Written Application
• Other

Typically The Application Process Time is

10 days

Post Services Include

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Projects Abroad's Mission Statement

As part of the global economy, Projects Abroad helps create local employment wherever we send volunteers. Employing local staff overseas and using their talents and knowledge is important to us. This local knowledge and support enables the organization to channel the skills of the volunteers from more affluent countries to regions around the world where they are needed. Volunteers also learn from their placements and the people they meet, and they gain experience in a chosen field. In the 21st century, we believe this mutual respect is what cultural exchange is all about.

Year Founded

1992