Building a playground for Romanian children
       Gogan          August 1 - August 16, 2009

Volunteer project: Gogan – first mentioned in documents back in the 14th century, Gogan lies in a valley flanked by Targu-Mures to the north and Sighisoara to the south. It is a village where time seems to have stood still. The people – Romanians, Hungarians, Roma- live from the land and livestock, and heat exclusively with wood, as the town is not yet hooked up to gas. One of the few and far between hints that one is still in Europe is the milk collection wagon that comes through town each day. The children’s "playground" is a piece of land next to the elementary school, bordered on one side by a street and on the other side by a field containing the ruins of the former culture house. Except for a well, around which the kids play tag, there is nothing for them to climb on, no sandbox to dig or build castles in, no teeter totters or monkey bars. The German-Romanian Society of Berlin has raised the funds needed, and they want to make a difference with the help of the international volunteers.

With your support, we will be building a playground for the local children. You will be helping by setting up already partially assembled equipment, installing a sandbox and a climbing wall, as well as installing the soft surfaces underneath. Local youth will also be taking part in this project.

Language: English

Free time activities: While the village may not have many things going on, the surrounding area (1-2 hour car ride) has many things to offer. The citadels in the area are famous, especially in Sighisoara, Medias, Sibiu, and Targu-Mures. It's worth visiting the salt sea in Sovata, or the mines in Praid and Sovata. The gorgeous Carpathian Mountains are only 2-3 hours away to the east or south. A school bus will be provided so you can go out and explore what Romania has to offer!

Accommodation: Your basic accommodation will be right on site in the elementary school.

Location: In central Romania, ca. 30 km southeast from Targu-Mures, ca. 25 km northwest from Sighisoara.

Train station: Sighisoara

Airport: Targu-Mures or Cluj-Napoca

Age range: 18 and over

Extra fee: 120 Euro
 

 

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