Description

As the poorest country in Europe, Moldova has ongoing economic problems, inadequate resources, and disputes with neighboring Russia over the price of energy supplies. Though not as well publicized as the fate of orphans in Romania, many of the problems that faced children in Romania during the 1990s were mirrored here. Many families cannot afford to look after their own children, so they are often placed into care homes or orphanages, which are both poorly staffed and under funded.

As a volunteer, you will provide that added extra element of individual care and attention that every child needs. You will find there is a role for you whether you are volunteering during a gap year - or even a gap month - from further education, a career break, your annual leave, or if you are no longer working and want others to benefit from your experience. All we ask is that you have energy, enthusiasm and a commitment to seeing the work through. Our local staff will support you throughout your time away with us.

We work with orphanages, care centers and centers for people with disabilities in and around the capital of Moldova, Chisinau. Volunteers help the local staff who have too much to do and not enough time to do it. There are opportunities to work with a range of age groups; you can help out with younger children by keeping them occupied and entertained or with older children, where there are opportunities to play games, help with homework or even teach some English.

One of our popular care placements is with an independent living center, which is home to disabled children and young adults aged between 5 and 20. Volunteers here help with the active rehabilitation program, working with people whose disabilities have led them to receive their education at home, and helps integrate them into society through activities like sports and arts and crafts. Another placement will have you working with children who are undergoing treatment for cancer.

A further placement eager to welcome volunteers is located in the suburbs of Chisinau and promotes the integration of children from the citys African communities with native 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.

In whichever Moldovan volunteer care placement you find yourself, you need to be ready for a challenge. The children will often be desperate for attention and you will probably need plenty of stamina to keep up with them! There may be children with special needs and you will have to be prepared to learn from your colleagues about the best way to care for them. If you have any preferences in terms of the work you do please let us know.

All volunteers stay with a local family in the suburbs of Chisinau. Volunteers travel to work using public transport, which is very cheap, and takes between 20-45 minutes depending on your placement.

Highlights

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. You will need to ensure that the children have been washed and fed as well as help them advance with their social skills through support, care, and attention.

We also have various placements working with disabled centres in Chisinau. You can help by playing with the younger children and helping to teach basic English skills. The staff at these centers are very eager to have you there helping out and they arrange trips away from the center for the children as well as camps held over the summer. Volunteering on a Care project in Moldova will be an experience you and the people you work with will never forget!

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