The UP Quest was one of the best things I've ever done. United Planet is incredible and I can't recommend it highly enough. - Marion Halmos, United Planet Quest Volunteer

United Planet offers ongoing volunteer Quest opportunities at an orphanage in Romania that begin on the first and third Monday of each month.

Program Location

Situated in Eastern Europe, Romania is a country rich in natural resources as well as history and culture. It is a country that geographically is very diverse, containing plains, mountains, and access to the Black Sea on its Eastern coast. The beautiful landscape is dotted with ancient ruins, hosting remains of Greek ports and Roman constructions - mementos of the long period of time in which the country was ruled by the Roman Empire. Another strong reminder of the Roman occupation is the language (Romanian), which is one of the five Romance languages - and the one that is most easily overlooked. The program is located in the villages of Valea Screzii and Valea Plopului, which are based in a rural area of Romania at the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. In this area the rural way of life has changed little over the last hundred years, with horse and carts still a regular site on the roads.  It is located a 2 ½ hour drive from the capital Bucharest and 30 minutes from the nearest town. The villages are only 2 hours from the tourist resorts of Sinaia with its winter skiing and summer hiking, its national parks and the castle Peles and just a further 45 minutes sees us in the region of Transylvania.

Issue Overview

In 2000, 44.5% of the Romanian population was below the poverty line. Children are, of course, the ones who are most affected by this situation, thousands of them being placed in orphanages or forced to take refugee on the streets as their parents cannot afford to raise them. Seeing the heartbreaking situation that these children faced, a Romanian priest decided to aid these young people. United Planet's partner organisation was set up in 1991 after the fall of communism to provide an alternative to the large communist orphanages which were under funded and plagued by abuse and corruption.  The priest started with one child; today the organisation is responsible for over 240 children with around 30 living permanently at the orphanage and the others having been fostered into families in the local area.  As well as caring for children the organization cares for adults who were in state institutions as children and as such suffered mental and physical abuse and today are unable to live independently. The organization also provide homes for families in need, and safe house for women and children escaping abuse.

Project Description

Ongoing Quest Opportunities

Caring for the Orphans:
Volunteers will spend their time interacting with the children in the "tabara," while also experiencing Romanian life and culture in the adjoining village, located in the beautiful foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. A variety of activities and projects can be performed with children of all ages. These activities include playing with the children who are in great need of care and attention, teaching them English, and doing arts and crafts.

Construction Work:

Volunteers are always needed to help with ongoing construction at the orphanage. Many new houses are being constructed to accommodate the children and give them more living space. Volunteers with construction skills or unskilled volunteers willing to do manual work are always needed!

Healthcare Opportunities:

The orphanage also has a small clinic that is used for the dispensing of medicines, small injuries, and inoculations.  Due to the distance to the local hospitals and the costs, many medical complaints persist for a long period of time.  Many of these can be resolved fairly easily with diagnosis, medication, and education. Doctors and dentists are always needed to help.  

Excursions:
Depending on the duration of your stay you may have an opportunity to visit local monasteries, outlying villages, the beautiful city of Sinaia, Bran Castle (Dracula's Castle), the medieval citadel of Rasnov and Bucharest.

Visas
United Planet sends volunteers from many countries around the world. Obtaining a Visa (if necessary) is therefore the responsibility of the volunteer. U.S. citizens can visit the website of the U.S. State Department to learn more about foreign entry requirements. For citizens of all other countries, please contact your destination country's embassy in your home country or your government website. If you need a letter from United Planet to verify your participation in our program, please e-mail us with this request and we will be happy to provide one.

Health Issues and Vaccinations
Some countries require or suggest that volunteers have certain vaccinations before entering the country.  Please consult your country's government website for more information regarding the health of travelers. U.S. citizens can visit the website of the Centers for Disease Control to learn more about vaccinations and staying healthy while traveling.  It is also recommended that you visit nearest travel clinic prior to departure.

Living and volunteering in another country, often in conditions you are not used to, can take a toll on the body and mind.  In addition to the information that is provided in your pre-departure package, please research how to stay healthy in your country of destination.  It could make all the difference!