Care Work in Moldova with Projects Abroad

  Moldova

• Other Cities in Moldova: 
Chisinau

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: All Year Round (you set the start and end dates)

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: The standard Moldovan language is considered by most linguists to be identical to standard Romanian, which is an eastern Romance language. Colloquial spoken 'Moldovan' differs from Romanian because it has a distinct Russian influence. Native Russian is spoken by a significant minority of the population. Moldovan culture has the same roots as Romanian culture, and has been influenced by Roman colonization, the Byzantine Empire, neighboring Slavic and Magyar populations, Ottoman Turks, Slavic and Russian culture and most recently Western Europe, especially France (French influence can be seen in literature and art).

All accommodation is organized, paid for, and monitored by Projects Abroad. All project placements are regularly visited and checked. We require high standards of supervision and accommodation, which are verified before you arrive in Moldova.

This project offers the opportunity to become fully immersed in the culture in a manner which even the most hardened of backpackers could never hope to do.

Qualifications: none

Cost in US$: From USD 1,795 and up

Experience Required: no

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

Participants Travel to Moldova Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Other
• Written Application

Post-Program 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