Category: Youth Centres UP

The first week of the Youth Centres UP 2 project (first team of international volunteers for 30 days), in which an unused heating building is turned into a centre for the youth of a neighbourhood within about a month, started with team building activities.
This was followed by a shallow transition to the actual work on the centre, which, if one disregards the two-meter-deep hole in the entrance area, is a good starting point. So, initially divided into three teams with their own areas of responsibility, but ultimately as one team, we set to work.

Within three days, we performed the following tasks:

• Cleaning the garden and the building
• Scraping the walls
• Removing holes from the walls, leveling them and preparing them for painting
• Cutting trees
• Redesigning and making furniture

In parallel, we made a constant effort to involve the community by ending each of the days at the future youth centre with a joint community engagement. We talked to as many people as possible and collected opinions and ideas in order to design the place according to the wishes of the neighbourhood.
So, in conclusion, all we can say is that if we have been able to learn and create so much in such a short time, we can only look forward to the coming period with joy!

The 10th of October is International Mental Health Day.

That is quite a broad topic, but what does it entail exactly?
Of course, there is the prominent part: Mental include all the disorders and illnesses of the mind: Paranoia, Bipolarity, Schizophrenia, Split personality, Anger issues, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Phobia… From the most famous to the less known ones, those often belong to psychiatric disorders. Some are really bad, others lighter to bear; they’re often feared or unknown by a general public full of misconceptions toward them. The way fiction portrays them is generally wrong, scary, full of error and really negative. They at least are recognised as illnesses for the most part, and as such, medical professionals try their best to help.

However, the less-known part is what interest us here: the mental health that has nothing to do with psychiatry: anxiety, sleep disorder, depression, stress, apathy, panic-induced attack, burnout… Those are on the rise in this modern world, brought out by the economic and social models that we are following and the rules and atmosphere of our work and life environment.
Though they tend to be more and more recognised, some people keep minimising the reality of it. They refuse to give them the denomination they deserve, often chalking it up on the person’s character and personality, or passing circumstances.

And still, everyone has some risk of developing a mental health disorder, no matter their age, gender, ethnicity, or social standing. The covid crisis showed us that many people could be developing troubles during hardships and periods of isolation and that mental health care was critical.

It is also alarming that a significant and increasing number of young people across Europe are concerned by the rise of high stress, anxiety, depression and other mental illnesses amongst them. Statistics from the previous years showed a rise in mental health problems among the youth in Romania, especially with those who are part of a minority or whose parents are working abroad. During that time, Romania has set a series of specific programs addressing children at specific risk of social exclusion.

Working on this, different organisations that work with youth, as well as association such as « Mental Health for Romania » (founded in 2020), are doing their best to fight stigmatisation and ignorance by developing informational programs, mental help workshops in school, and promoting the existing services for mental health proposed here in Romania.

Working with youth, they hope to develop a healthier mindset in society, with less competition and more appreciation for individual skills and strengths.

Mental health isn’t always taken seriously or treated equally in the world. Still, by raising awareness of it, we hope to take a step in the right direction. With access to information, mental and medical care, and recognition of the problem, everyone can help or receive help if need be, which is the goal this day is pursuing.

link to the website: https://mentalhealthforromania.org
For those who need it, they developed an interactive map showing all the available services concerning mental health in Romania today.

Sources: Medical News Today, World Health Organisation, Mental health for Romania, mental health briefing sheets from member states in Europa archives.

Before I came to Romania, I thought that one year was too much, but now when I look back, six months have passed so quickly. Even when you move from one place to another in your city, many things change your life. Some of them are conscious, some of them not. So moving to another country is a challenge itself. Putting everything aside and starting a new life for one year it’s like intensive life school.

I am learning by experiencing living with people from different countries. When you get to know more people, you also discover what you are doing, true or wrong, good or bad.

A lot of things have changed in my life. First, I met new people, and some of them will stay special for me. Secondly, you can see yourself more precisely what have you done or what haven’t you done in your life.

We did a lot of different kinds of activities, from cleaning the space to organising activities, collecting signatures, or making videos. Maybe I didn’t give my best in some of the activities, but I had enjoyed them a lot. 

We had some difficult times like everyone during this period. It has taught me a lot: how to be more tolerant, more patient, but also more critical. If you can see or evaluate yourself objectively, you can get the results if it’s worth it or not spending time in another country with many people in the same house.

Last but not least

I wanted to be here because I didn’t have anything to do better and I do not regret it at all. On the contrary, I am glad I am here because I am in the middle of my ’20s and I have time to be part of this team. It’s an excellent experience because when I turn 30’s, I will not have time and motivation for this kind of activities.

Maybe Romania is unknown to many people but it was not the same for me. I have been here before; moreover, my father has been here for a long time ago.

Let’s see what time will decide for me. I already have passed my six months. I hope the next six months will be better than these. 😊

About my travel and first week in Romania.

If people asked me for how long I have wanted this, I would say that I don’t know. Forever, probably.

I think I have always wanted to travel abroad. Even if the plan wasn’t clear for a long time, even if as a child I didn’t know anything about volunteering or long-term services in foreign countries, there was always the notion, the knowledge that one day I would leave for an adventure somewhere around the world. Now that the moment has come, I don’t realise quite well what is going on. But that is for later.

Like every one of us on this planet, Covid and 2020 have thrown all our plans away. Luckily for me, I didn’t really have one, except going somewhere. I had to volunteer in France for a year instead, which was really nice too, but as soon as things calmed down a bit, I saw the opportunity and took it.
Prior to covid, I was able to travel to Moldova for 3 months, and that allowed me to realise 2 things :

• One: I would totally be able to do this on a larger scale. Like a full-year stay.
• Two: This part of the world seemed interesting; why not explore it more?

And so, I found this opportunity for volunteering abroad in Romania for a whole year. Without really believing in anything, I applied. Three weeks later, I was departing to Timișoara without realising what was happening.

Since I never seem to do things the usual way, I took the bus instead of the plane. It was great because it really seemed that I was travelling. I felt the distance, I saw the gradual change of my reality until I lost all my marks and was really in a foreign environment. It was also very stressful and complicated, but that was part of the adventure. In retrospect, I’m glad I did it this way.

But the only real emotion I felt when I finally arrived and met everyone was relief. I was exhausted after all this stress and two days of non-stop travel. My following first week was healing. I arrived at a time where lots of people were on vacation. It allowed me to ease gradually into the environment, get used to things at my pace, learn about this new place, take care of all the administrative paperwork…

I came at the perfect time, both in this project and in my life.
Time to see what the future hold for me. Now, I will just let myself be carried by this project, this place, these people, like I always do.

But this time, I know for sure: I’m in the right place.

So much has happened in such a short time that my head cannot assimilate them all. The permanent roller coaster I am riding on does not give me much respite to stop and think about everything that happened. But I have been in Timisoara for six months now, and the truth is that they have not been indifferent.

During these months, we have made practically everything: activities, events, trips, training, renovations, community engagement… and through all this, I have learned to be more decisive, to adapt myself to changes that may arise at the last minute, to be more patient…

Thinking that I have already passed the project’s halfway point gives me vertigo and a bittersweet feeling. I sincerely believe that I am making the most of every day here, and I always try to do my best. Although we have also gone through some difficult times, positive things are much more significant than negative ones.

In addition, the learning process at all levels is so great that I am not aware of everything that I have changed in just six months. And that is just thanks to all the people I am surrounded by, who inspire me and help me improve every day.

Living this experience is allowing me to see beyond and be aware, more than ever, of my limitations, strengths, concerns and goals that I want to achieve. It is, without a doubt, an intense, imperfect and full of ups and downs adventure that is giving me lessons that I am sure I will never forget.

Because being a volunteer is much more than what I initially imagined. It is to be willing to do anything, help without expecting anything in return, give your best, and know how to do it with humility and respect. Being a volunteer is learning how to listen, not judge and contribute as many things and ideas as you can. It is opening your mind and heart without fear of the unknown and being willing to create bonds that overcome any problem or barrier. And definitively, it is to be aware that your small actions can generate significant changes in society and that the impact on the community may be possible.

Maybe when I decided to apply to this project, I did it because I did not have many other options then. But now, six months later, I can assure you that it is the best decision I could make, and, somehow, I am proud of that.

Being outside the great famous “comfort zone” allows me to test myself in many aspects and gives me the chance to know myself deeply, in a thoughtful way.

I know that I am where I need to be, and given the rapid passage of time, I can only make the most of the opportunity to be here and make this an unforgettable adventure.

This year started out as one of the weirdest of my life. If someone told me six months ago everything I was going to live, I would have said, without thinking, that it was not possible to happen.

Going out of the comfort zone

This is the first thing you experience when you decide to be a volunteer. I arrived in Timisoara 6 months ago without expectations at all. Then, all of a sudden, I saw myself sharing a flat with nine other people from other countries around Europe.  

Since your first week of volunteering, you can realise you are living with people who are very different from you, have other traditions and ways of thinking. This experience makes you be able to respect everyone and adapt yourself to them. Being more open-minded is something that you learn even without noticing it. 

An intense experience

We all agreed that time flies when enjoying it. Anyone who has ever lived something like this before, might have lost track of time for sure. How can time go that fast and, at the same time, be full of emotions, discoveries and learning? 

So many new people in my life (most of them will stay forever) who I spent time with (living, working, going out, …). There are things that bring people together, experiences that create such strong bonds that they will never be broken. People who are with you through this personal and professional learning process. The personal change is great, but also the one related to work. Your development increases day by day. 

Sharing this adventure with young people like me, doing something new for other young people in a country which is not yours, is one of the best things when it comes to be a volunteer, even though it is hard sometimes. 

I still have other 6 months to continue making the most of them, adding new people and lived experiences to my life. Let’s see what the future has to offer! 

Hi! My name is Charlie and I am a volunteer in Timis County Youth Foundation, I’ve chosen to volunteer in this organization because it was for me a great opportunity to leave abroad and to do something concrete for other young people like me, somewhere else in the world. I work together with a team of international volunteers from all over the world, and together we want to present to you 10 reasons why you should become a volunteer as well!

Meet wonderful people from everywhere in the world

“I felt like being involved the in important things for the society we live in and I met wonderful people. Volunteering is an experience, and I would encourage anyone to do this wholeheartedly”

Change the world at your scale and make a difference

“Now, in Timisoara, I am trying something different, challenging but at the same time, a teaching thing: helping young people in a different country have their own youth space, and it was one of the most yielding decisions I made in my life”

Create bridges between the communities

“This is a great opportunity to do something meaningful for a community. It is a rich human experience that opens up to different realities and will for sure make you grow”

Open yourself to new realities and problematics

“Volunteering is a unique experience that allows you to know other realities and points of view and gives you the chance to be part of a project that unites communities. It is the best way to enrich yourself as a person and as a professional”

Help people in need

“Volunteering often involves helping those in need and it can be useful in showing us that, in fact, our own lives are not as bad as we thought they were”

Know yourself and the ones around you better

“It gives you the opportunity to improve your skills and learn new ones, to better know yourself and those around you, and to make friends for life. Volunteering is life-changing and, somehow, it changes your way of thinking”

Try a new experience

“Volunteering gives you the chance to give something back to the community or just to make a difference from people around you. It also helps you develop new skills or build an exciting experience and knowledge”

Become more confident in English

“Volunteering gives you the chance to improve your language and communication skills and make you expanding your comfort zone”

Learn deeply about a culture

“Volunteering is a way to discover the world: you get abroad for a more or less long period, you stay in a place and learn to get to know it, the habits, the language, the people… all in a truer way than if you were just passing by and visiting. You learn, you give things, and those you meet along the way will give some back to you. You might even get to meet your own true self in the end…”

Accept differences and be more tolerant

“In the beginning, joining in a big volunteering project could seem scary, changing your all life for a long period of time is a hard challenge. But there, I learned a lot of life lessons, but some of the most important are that all origins are the same. It doesn’t matter your religion, where you come from, or the color of your skin. Those things don’t define if you are a good or bad person.”

And an eleventh one because we are generous …

Have fun!!!

“During my volunteering project, I’ve learned to collaborate with other people, learned new dance steps from different countries. Tried a lot of new drinks especially local drinks. And enjoyed a lot of laughter and nice memories. I would motivate all of you young people to come and join this or kind of these volunteer experiences if you wanna spend good days away from your normal life and improve your social circle. It’s a little work with a lot of fun. But always the fun part is hidden. It’s top-secret. ;)”

If you also wanna know how can volunteering change your life and are curious to try a new experience, check our website.

We propose new volunteering projects regularly and you can see more about our organization.

Hello, are you perhaps interested in volunteering ? As a volunteer myself, I can answer questions, tell you about my experiences and give you all the good reasons to go. But you’re maybe wondering what to do for fun outside of the project during a whole month once you’re here ?…

So here is a list of all the fun things to do once in Timișoara !

1. Try to play hide-and-seek in the Youth House without getting lost ! (Seriously, it’s huge and kind of a maze…)

2. Have a big friendly international dinner with the other Volunteers, and get to eat all kind of food ! (And if your cooking skills suck, it’s okay, it’s the though that count.)

3. Go on a stroll and eat an ice cream in the surrounding streets around Piața Unirii. (For real, those are really good.)

4. Get lost together while visiting the town ! It’s the best way to visit a place in all the nook and corners. Also, nothing like getting lost together to become fast friend.

5. Get to visit the art museum for free ! Did you know that as a volunteer you get free entries ? And lot of discount in general ? (I didn’t know myself when I came, it’s great!)

6. Go to have a drink along the rivers. Lot of cool places there to party !

7. Take relaxing walk and naps in the many park of the city.

8. Try all the different markets and supermarkets to compare the price and the taste ! There are so many different one, you can make a list. (And your usual one is probably around here to.)

9. Organize trips over the weekends to visits others site and cities nearby. It’s cheaper to go as a group, and the more, the merrier !

And of course, once you’re there, you can come up with as many idea yourself as you like ! So don’t hesitate to join our rank anymore if you feared being bored !

Lately, I have been thinking many times about how I want my future to be. Although things have changed a lot since the last time we could go out without a mask, and we did not have a curfew, life goes on, and we have to adapt to new circumstances.

For this reason, after finishing my university studies last year and realizing that my professional career could not start as I had planned, I decided that volunteering in Europe was the best option. I have always wanted to do volunteering, and due to lack of time and other excuses, I have postponed many times. 

The last months have not been easy for anyone, we have had to learn how to deal with certain challenging situations with fear and uncertainty, and we have witnessed how our freedom was reduced day by day.  However, when in January I proposed to my friend Esther to apply to ESC, we did not doubt it. “It is now or never,” we thought.

Surprisingly for us, the whole selection process was pretty quick, and in a month and a half, we were getting ready to come to Romania. I know we are so lucky to have the chance to live this experience together. We are friends since we were just three years old. I think, Romania is a beautiful country, which is sometimes so underrated, and getting involved in a valuable project like Youth Centres Up 2 is a great chance. 

Besides those mentioned above and after my Erasmus in Finland in 2015, which was an incredible experience that opened my mind incredibly, I discovered the European Solidarity Corps. That’s when I thought that any opportunity to live abroad gives you a priceless experience that takes you out of your comfort zone and forces you somehow to improve yourself every day. Hence, one way or another, we feel like we should make the most out of this adventure. 

In this case, the level of responsibility is high, but we have to commit to our decisions. If not, progress will never happen. Now we need to work side-by-side with other young people on a joint project that will unite us, with which we will explore new things, and learn a lot. Undoubtedly, although challenging situations will come, this experience will enrich us in many aspects. 

Finally, after a few months here in Timisoara, I feel comfortable, proud of the decision I have made, and welcomed by a group of extraordinary people.

Apart from that, I realize that whenever we think we know the future, even for a second, it changes. Sometimes it changes quickly and completely, and we are left only with the choice of what to do next. We can choose to be afraid of it, to stand there, trembling, not moving, assuming the worst that can happen, or we can choose to go on with the best possible attitude. 

In the end, I think it is just about taking a step forward into the unknown and assume it will be brilliant. 

Sometimes, I wonder how something as simple as a single question can change your life that much.

-Shall we go? –Let’s go!

This is how my conversation with my friend Miriam ended the day we decided to go somewhere else to be volunteers.

I have always been a girl who has thought that we all “have´´ to follow a standard life path for my background and surroundings. Fortunately, or unfortunately, 2020 came to our lives to change them at all. It has given us bad days, and it was, in my case, a rollercoaster of feelings though, I have lived through moments that if it hadn’t been for the pandemic situation, I would not have probably.

There will always be people telling you it is not a good time to have this kind of experience due to the world situation but, on the contrary, it was the best one for me.

I started my professional career in events management and marketing (what I studied for) when the Covid-19 appeared. Then, I went back to my hometown for almost a year (I left it when I was 18). I have excellent memories of what I did and who I spent my days with “there is nothing like being home ;)´´

I guess at some point, we all have felt lost this weird year. That was when I realised I had to do something else (because nothing ventured, nothing gained).

I have had two other experiences abroad, and I have always had the feeling to do it again. I do not know what the future has to offer me, but I am sure that it was the right idea to come to Timisoara.

Firstly, everybody doubts what will happen when it comes to an abroad experience, and I was not far. If I am honest, my expectations were not high. I think it was because the selection process was speedy, and I was not aware of the reality yet (I got my flight ticket one week after the interview).

Flights to Timisoara

After a one-day trip (and a few goodbyes), I arrived in Timisoara ready to have one of the best experiences in my life.

I am willing to work, learn a lot from everything and everyone, discover a new country and new people I will live and work with, have fun, and, one of the things I value most, grow personally and professionally.

Every part of the project has exceeded my expectations so far, and I am looking forward to seeing what has to come.

I always remember a phrase which says: ‘You win some, you learn some’. In this case, my insight is you do both, though.