Community Volunteer Program
This wonderful program makes a true difference to local youth by inspiring and challenging them in a positive manner. Volunteers will support the local community of Causeni in a Community Development role, working closely with a local youth group. The role of a volunteer on this program can involve youth work, organizing and facilitating events, seminars and workshops with a focus on cultural diversity, human rights, healthy lifestyle, social inclusion and active community involvement. All initiatives are designed to create awareness and to encourage and empower young people who will continue to make a positive change in their community for years to come. There is a lot of flexibility and scope for volunteers to put forward their ideas and work with the local team to make them a reality. Some past events have included cultural evenings, local volunteer action groups, a children’s fair, youth talent festivals, sports events and fun runs. Volunteers’ involvement in the community projects can start with a new idea, and include fundraising and implementing the activities.
Goals of this Project:
- Promote a socially inclusive society
- Improve the future prospects of some of Moldova’s most impoverished people
- Create a sense of hope and a sense of belonging for marginalized youth
- Enable inter-cultural exchange which benefits both residents and international volunteers alike.
How You Can Help
Volunteers play an essential role in achieving the goals of this project, and can have a huge impact on the youth they work with. Participants will feel a huge sense of accomplishment from the work they partake in, and will see first-hand what a difference community development projects can make to the lives of those discriminated against or marginalized from society. From mentoring and running workshops to organizing fun events for the community – no day will be the same as volunteers on this program facilitate a multitude of projects. As well taking part in the Youth Club, which currently has over 200 young people attending, this is also a great opportunity to promote the benefits of volunteering itself by encouraging the youth of Causeni to be active within their society and take part in community volunteer projects. Volunteers will also have the opportunity to meet and socialize with like-minded people from all over the world, and free time can be used to explore this amazingly diverse country!
Volunteers will contribute in a number of ways and can expect to undertake the following tasks:
- Organize events, seminars and workshops
- Design fun games for youth to take part in
- Work with youth on social inclusion, volunteering and self-worth initiatives
- Network with local residents and local project staff
Requirements
Love Volunteers welcomes all those 18 years and over who wish to help create a brighter future for people living in marginalized communities of Moldova. While this project is best suited to those pursuing a career in the fields of anthropology, social work, social entrepreneurship and/or economics, volunteers who simply wish to be involved in a more ‘varied’ project are also welcomed as there are many ways you can assist and individual projects can often be tailored to suit the particular skills and interests or each participant. Ideally, volunteers on this project will have at least a basic knowledge of the local language in order to communicate effectively with staff and students, though this is not a pre-requisite. Importantly, all applicants must first and foremost have a genuine willingness to help, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team!
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
- Police check
Project Location
Our volunteer projects in Moldova are centered in and around the city of Causeni (pronounced “Cowshani”) which has a population of around twenty thousand people. It is 80 kilometres South-East of the capital, Chisinau. Its name translates to “cooking pot”, so-called because it nestles in the valley between several hills.
Causeni is divided into four main districts: Central, Old-Causeni, Micro and Plani. The river Botna flows through the center of the town and although it is now a very small river, it was once sizable and so it is bordered by a large flood plain.
There are numerous small shops, including some very modest supermarkets. A daily market runs in the center from early morning and closing about 13.00. There are various bars, billiard halls and discos. Amenities include cyber-cafes, a pharmacy, hospital, many banks, the “house of culture” and a neglected park.
The 17th century Assumption of Our Lady Church is the oldest surviving building in the town. It is set more than 3 feet (0.91 m) below ground level and preserves the only medieval fresco in the Republic of Moldova. The beautiful painted frescoes on the inside walls feature religious scenes and iconography in vibrant reds, gold, and blues.
Start Dates & Duration
This project is available year-round and programs start every SUNDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 2 weeks to 12 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team, but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions.
Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
Upon your arrival in Moldova, you will be collected at the airport and delivered to your accommodation. Here you will receive an orientation to help you settle in, find out about your volunteering placement, the local surroundings and meet your fellow volunteers. A representative from the local team will fill you in on local and regional customs, traveling, rules and recommendations, and of course, what to expect from your volunteering experience. This is a great opportunity to get to know your hosts, meet your fellow volunteers, and ask any last questions you may have.
- Program Arrival Day: SUNDAY
- Program Departure Day: SATURDAY
- Arrival/Departure Airport: Chisinau International Airport, Chisinau, Moldova (Code: KIV)
Accommodation & Meals
Volunteers on this program are accommodated with trusted local host families who are experienced at welcoming international volunteers into their homes and sharing their hospitality and expertise. Volunteers have their own private room in the house.
All the necessary amenities are available in the host family homes including hot showers, western style bathrooms, bed-linen, laundry facilities, use of the kitchen to store and prepare snacks and Wi-Fi (which is also available at the offices of the local team).
Breakfast and dinner are provided each day by the host family and lunch can be purchased near to the program site with varied and in-expensive options available.
This is a wonderful opportunity to sample the local Moldovian fare. Be sure to try Mititei, delicious rolls of grilled meat and spices, traditionally served with peppers and onions. You are sure to encounter Mămăligă, which is similar to polenta or couscous and often used a side dish or served with sour cream or the local cheese, Brinza.
Fees
That’s just USD 37 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.