Moldova Orphanage Volunteers

Challenging experience but kids made it unique, special and unforgettable.

Working with the children in the orphanage was a really unique and special experience. The trip was quite challenging but this made it all worthwhile. Visiting families in a rural village that my hostess helps through a welfare project. The confidence boost from taking the plunge and going for it with this trip - it was a big personal challenge for me and I'm 100% glad I did it.

I had read that English is not widely spoken but had not really expected it to be so limited. Very few people I met spoke any English at all and this is quite an isolating experience - a few words from a phrasebook isn't really enough so it's just worth being aware of this before you go. Secondly, while busy during the day, there isn't much to do in the evening and, particularly if there are no other volunteers, there will be quite a lot of "downtime" - take things to do - books, music or whatever you prefer. You will need to get a CRB check done and a letter from your Doctor to say you don't have any communicable diseases. If you're booking last minute you need to make sure you have time to get this arranged before you go. (a copy of a valid CRB from elsewhere was accepted for me).

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The country was amazing! The people were friendly! The orphanage was incredible! I had such a good time!

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I enjoyed every minute of this trip, the problem I had was that it wasnt long enough! every day was a highlight-it was hard at times and hearbreaking seeing the children with special needs and babies/ toddlers lying in the cots with nothing but I felt I made a difference to the childrens lives during my 2 week stay,brought some fun, laughter, stimulation,play and cuddles!

Best decision I have ever made, fantastic!

Spending time with the children at the orphanage

1 week is not long enough! Try to learn some basic Romanian, the carers at the orphanage don't tend to speak English. Give as much time to the children as possible-after all, that's what you're there for.

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Fell in love with the kids, they were amazing

Just being with the kids

prepare for very hot weather in the summer bring a rug to sit on with the kids bring a big smile

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Children and people were amazing.The trip was so rewarding.

Meeting the children and bonding with them and meeting amazing people who were also doing the trip.

Reasearch about where your going first and try and not have big expectations.And just make the most of your trip and have a great time :).

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Amazing, totally unforgettable experience, made loads of new friends.

The highlight was just being with the children, i fell in love with them all... they were all so sweet and caring, and loved playing around!

Take bug spray and cream, i got quite a few bites! Take blankets for the orphanage as they are good to use to sit out on. Take plenty of pictures :)

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Totally Unforgettable!! Learnt so much!! Was sad to say goodbye!!

I learnt a lot from my trip to Moldova, it was a country I knew nothing about and a country I had never even heard of before organising my trip. The orphanage staff in my group were extremely friendly and helpful and my host made me feel welcome and at home throughout my stay! Working so closely with the children was the best experience, it brings so personal emotions that are sometimes too difficult to explain in simple terms to others. I enjoyed the lifestyle as well as the experiences whilst there and I would definitely consider going back to help further! One of the biggest highlights was shopping for shoes for the children and receiving all of the donations eventually that I had sent before my trip.

Be prepared for simple living, possibly sharing a bed depending on where you are staying. Be open minded to a completely different lifestyle, just go with the flow and enjoy learning about somewhere so different from home. Remember that even if you think that a cuddle or smile towards these children isn't alot or seems like your wasting your time the joy they feel within from that small bit of TLC is more than they may have for the rest of the day or even the week. Some children take a little while to get used to you but even if they smile for just half a minute, it brightens up there day no end.

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great fun, awesome children, nice city

Working in the orphanage.

Take blankets for the children to play on. Do be VERY patient Try to learn as much of the language before you go as possible because in country there is no encorougement to learn the language

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a fantastic experience which opened my eyes and my heart.

Being with kids in the orphanage was inspiring. Also got the chance to visit some poor families in the villages which was a humbling experience. Got to see a lot of the country to.

Keep a journal learn the basics of the language Keep an open mind

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