Give hugs and hopes to deprived children in Romania

Product Details

Give underprivileged, sick and disabled children the chance to smile, play and love in beautiful Eastern Europe.

We've all seen the publicity about Romanian orphanages and there's no question that far more work needs to be done: but slowly things are improving and our placements in hospitals, orphanages and children's homes really do make a difference. One of the most important things is stimulation - there are often few toys and hard-pressed staff don't have enough time to play with the children as they'd like - but there are also many practical jobs that demand an open, willing attitude.

We have placements in the centre of Brasov which you can walk to from your accommodation. We also have ‘Family Homes’ (orphanages) in a rural community setting which can be reached easily by local bus.

For six years we have been working successfully with a number of childcare placements that we can offer you. ‘Family Homes’ are dedicated small orphanages which house up to 12 children, some of which are especially for physically and mentally disabled children. Additionally we have places for volunteers in a central children’s hospital, Romania’s first ever Hospice and placements in state nurseries, Kindergarten and primary schools.

Volunteers need to have a passion for working with children; our best volunteers are caring and not afraid to give and receive plenty of hugs. Your enthusiasm and attention will enable these children to develop, play and enjoy their childhood. Many of our volunteers choose to combine several different projects, for example working in Play Therapy at a Children's Hospital in the morning and working in a Family Home in the afternoon. Working in more than one location adds variety and can be more productive.

Your placements have been arranged by Razvan, who will meet you at Bucharest airport (or arrange suitable transport for you) and drive the 2-3 hours up to Brasov to settle you into your flat. This will be shared with other volunteers and you may be sharing a room. You will have a couple of days to visit the various projects and have a very interesting tour around Brasov with Razvan.

You will be based in Brasov living in a comfortable, central flat that Oyster will rent for you and your fellow volunteers. Please expect to share a room. You can go out or cook for yourself in the evening.

We believe that living in relative comfort is important and should help you unwind when you are working hard.

It doesn't matter if you're a short or long-term volunteer, you still get full support from Razvan, who is there to steer you through any difficulties. You will see him regularly at work and informal outings and his aim is to ensure that you have a happy and productive time in Romania.

If you are thinking seriously about one or more of Oyster’s projects, the next step is to fill in our application form. This doesn’t commit you in any way, but it enables us to get in touch with you to discuss your plans and fix up an interview.

If you have any questions or queries feel free to call or email us, we are more than happy to help.