The Down'S Association Oradea (Hsc) (trip)
The Down'S Association Oradea (Hsc)
- Cluj airport, Romania
- Volunteer Vacations
| from £1,437* per person | 28 Days | Year-round |
| Comfort accommodations | Exertion level: 3 | |
| Operator: People and Places - Responsible Volunteering | 24 people max | |
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Locations visited/nearby
Romania, Europe
0 testimonials about this trip.
2 testimonials about the provider, People and Places - Responsible Volunteering:
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Reviewer: Denise
located in
Ross-shire
Scotland
I have nothing but praise for the way that the entire volunteer experience was; from initial contact to writing this report, I have had openness, excellent communication and explanation. Thank you!.....
– Having contacted people and places and submitted a pen portrait of my personal and profession experience – a task that in itself was very rewarding for me – the placement was negotiated in principle. This was completed in a most professional, friendly and positive way by Kate. .. All very exciting things to do and learn about as well as background recommended reading. At this stage the support and additional information I sought from people and places was supplied by return of email and I was able to chat over possible choices with Kate – I found the whole experience most satisfactory and also learnt much from this part of the placement preparation.......
thank you for the superb way in which you run the volunteer programme - a very satisfied customer. Thank you! -
Reviewer: Paul
located in
Port Elizabeth,
Easter Cape
South Africa
Our most recent volunteers, Robin and Jane, have produced an amazing amount thus far. They came to a computer lab that has departmental Cammi software on, that teachers have been using, but after a day or two of observation the recognized that teachers are only using the system to a limited degree in terms of what all it can produce. First step was to work out the software admin system, which they have done, and they have been assisting the teachers coming to the lab, and upgrading the admin of the system making it more relevant in terms of assessments for the teachers of learners abilities. Robin has had a few interesting encounters with the Education Departments Cammi support staff.
They have run a couple of teacher training sessions on excel, and are setting up model lessons on how to effectively use the Cammi programme in a proper way. This will happen next week!
They have standardized all the desktops, so its easier for teachers, and developed worksheets for the students who are in the lab, but cannot access a terminal due to large class sizes.
And Robin has been team teaching in the grade 4 technology class, working on practical tasks that help teach technology!
So their input has been tremendous.
Just so we don’t forget that things never run smoothly, Nomatansanqa Township has been having the water switched off and on over the last 2 weeks. 800 children, no water for hours is not easy to manage. Added to that, getting home to their homestay and not having access to water to bath, is no fun at all. I am pleased to report though that as of middle of this week the water is back on!
They had a wonderful welcoming ceremony this week, with local stakeholders in attendance. Jane was fascinated by the formality of the programme, which seemed forgotten after each speaker as everyone got up to sing some songs.
On their first day, as we arrived at the school, some Grade R children were outside waving SA flags, and carrying little signs that said Welcome Robin and Jane! A real warm welcome.
Thank you people and places for continuing to send such amazing volunteers! Keep up the good work!
Special information
- This is a custom departure, meaning this trip is offered on dates that you arrange privately with the provider. Additionally, you need to form your own private group for this trip. The itinerary and price here is just a sample. Contact the provider for detailed pricing, minimum group size, and scheduling information. For most providers, the larger the group you are traveling with, the lower the per-person cost will be.
Itinerary
The ProjectDown Association Oradea is a Romanian charity founded in 1991 by parents of Down Syndrome children. The parents wanted to create a better life for their children, to increase their chances for a normal and meaningful life .When DAO was founded, there was little or no support for Down Syndrome children and their families in Romania and the association started very much as a self help group.
Their goal is to develop children and adults with Down Syndrome and to support the families who care for them, through social and health care, education and campaigning.
“Our vision is that of a world in which children, youth and adults despite their disabilities have equal chances to reach their potential, to grow in harmony in a society who respects the right of being different, unique and valuable, a community that treasures values like children and family, human rights, dignity, equality and trust."
The association's work is divided into three main 'departments'
1. Early support and counseling for parents who have just found that their child has Down Syndrome, offering bibliography, materials and recommendation for other specialized services available - this normally covers new born infants to 3 year olds and their families.
2. Support for the integration of children aged 3 to 8 within kindergartens and schools, mediating the relationship between parents and educators, offering information and learning materials, including speech therapy with a local volunteer speech therapist.
3. Youth and adults - founded in 1995, Iedera Day Centre supports school leavers and adults, giving them skills to lead worthwhile and independent lives. About 20 people aged between 18 and 42 benefit from the support and mentorship from this programme at any one time. The vast majority have Down Syndrome but a few have other mental disabilities – all have an IQ under 70,
Activities are based on work therapy and are organized in workshops - including the manufacture of candles, jewelry and postcards - music and art therapy, drama classes, housekeeping, cooking and gardening activities, and occasional camps. The Centre is staffed by two staff and at least one volunteer at any one time. The Centre also serves as a base for administration and as a place for families to meet and work on fundraising and awareness campaigns.
DAO encourages sport and the children and adults are active participants in: bocce, table tennis, basketball, darts, and other Special Olympics activities - many compete at local, national and even international level.
There are 2 full time employees supported by a team of local volunteers covering social work, drama, speech therapy, arts and crafts, drama and sports.This team is also supported by volunteers from local universities
Some volunteers speak English, otherwise the staff speak French, the beneficiaries speak only Romanian. You will be assisted by a translator during your working day.
More information from People and Places - Responsible Volunteering:
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