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If you are passionate about working with children, giving back to disadvantaged communities, and using physical activity as a tool for social integration, the Volunteering in Romania 2026: Sport and Movements as a Tool for Inclusion Fully Funded Program offers an inspiring and rewarding opportunity. Hosted at Lumea Lui Pinocchio, a daily center dedicated to supporting disadvantaged children—many from Roma communities—the project focuses on creating a safe, empowering environment where every child feels valued and capable.
Through sports, movement, teamwork, and educational guidance, volunteers help children strengthen confidence, develop essential life skills, and experience meaningful moments of growth. Backed by full funding, structured training, and close support from experienced educators, this program is ideal for young people who want to make a real difference while developing their own personal and professional skills.
About the Hosting Organization: Lumea Lui Pinocchio
Located in Romania, the daily center Lumea Lui Pinocchio plays a crucial role in improving the lives of children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Many of the participating families face challenges such as illiteracy, unemployment, discrimination, and limited educational opportunities. The center works to break this cycle by offering:
- A safe environment
- Non-formal education activities
- Homework assistance
- Social-emotional support
- A warm lunch and daily snacks
Its mission is built on dignity, inclusion, and equal opportunities. By introducing movement and sports-based activities, the center expands its approach to child development with a focus on physical health, teamwork, emotional resilience, and self-expression.
Main Objectives of the Program
The Sport and Movements as a Tool for Inclusion project uses physical activity not just as entertainment, but as a powerful educational method. Key objectives include:
1. Enhancing Physical and Emotional Well-Being
Regular movement helps children improve their coordination, energy levels, and overall happiness.
2. Building Social and Communication Skills
Group activities foster teamwork, trust-building, and respect among participants.
3. Promoting Inclusion Among Diverse Children
Games and sports allow children from different backgrounds to connect and collaborate naturally.
4. Encouraging Self-Confidence and Leadership
Children gain confidence through physical challenges, group exercises, and friendly competition.
5. Supporting Academic Development
Volunteers also help with homework and learning activities, ensuring a holistic approach to child development.
With every activity, volunteers contribute to a nurturing space where every child is seen, supported, and encouraged to grow.
Volunteer Tasks and Responsibilities
This fully funded volunteering project offers a combination of sports facilitation, educational support, and teamwork within the center.
1. Organizing Sports & Dance Activities
Volunteers plan and lead physical activities such as:
- Outdoor sports (football, running games, group challenges)
- Indoor movement activities
- Dance workshops
- Cooperative games
- Stretching, warm-ups, and cool-down sessions
These activities help children improve physical coordination while having fun in a safe, structured environment.
2. Encouraging Teamwork and Fair Play
Building a positive team spirit is at the core of this program. Volunteers teach children how to:
- Communicate respectfully
- Play by the rules
- Support each other
- Celebrate achievements as a team
3. Adapting to Different Skill Levels
Children have diverse physical and emotional abilities. Volunteers must adapt activities to ensure inclusivity and success for everyone.
4. Promoting Inclusivity
Creating an atmosphere where every child feels welcome—regardless of background, abilities, or personality—is essential.
5. Monitoring Progress
Volunteers help track the children’s development, offering encouragement and celebrating improvements in both skills and behavior.
6. Supporting Homework and Learning Activities
Beyond movement-based activities, volunteers also:
- Help children with reading and writing
- Assist with homework
- Support educational games and creative workshops
7. Working with Local Staff and Volunteers
Teamwork is essential. Volunteers collaborate with teachers, staff, and other international volunteers to maintain an organized, safe, and inspiring environment.
Accommodation, Food, and Transport Arrangements
This program is fully funded, ensuring volunteers can participate without financial barriers.
Accommodation
Volunteers stay in a dedicated apartment close to the center, with:
- Maximum 2 people per room
- Basic amenities for a comfortable stay
- Quick access to the project site
Food Allowance and Pocket Money
Participants receive:
- A monthly food allowance for groceries
- 4 EUR per day as pocket money
This ensures volunteers can enjoy healthy meals and cover their personal needs during their stay.
Transport
Local transportation needs are supported by the hosting organization, ensuring easy travel between the apartment and the center.
Training During the Activity
Volunteers receive continuous support and structured learning experiences:
1. Non-Formal Education Training
Staff members and teachers guide volunteers in conducting activities, understanding children’s needs, and improving their facilitation skills.
2. Mentor Support
Each volunteer is assigned a mentor to provide ongoing emotional and practical support. Mentors help volunteers reflect on their learning process, challenges, and personal growth.
3. National Agency Training
Participants attend:
- On-Arrival Training, focusing on cultural adaptation and project expectations
- Mid-Term Evaluation, allowing reassessment, experience sharing, and skill-building
These trainings help volunteers feel confident, prepared, and supported throughout their experience.
Participant Profile: Who Should Apply?
This program welcomes motivated young people aged 18–30 who are passionate about child welfare, inclusion, and community development.
Ideal Qualities
- Strong interest in children’s rights
- Passion for working with disadvantaged groups
- Empathy and patience
- Reliability
- Critical thinking
- Openness to cultural diversity
- Teamwork spirit
- Desire for personal and professional growth
Apply Here
No professional background in sports or education is required—what truly matters is your heart, motivation, and commitment to creating positive change.
Why Join the Sport and Inclusion Program in Romania?
This program offers a meaningful experience with lasting impact:
- Contribute to the well-being of children who truly need support
- Learn how sports and movement foster inclusion
- Gain valuable experience in education, teamwork, and childcare
- Develop intercultural skills in a diverse volunteer group
- Receive full funding and professional mentorship
- Experience life in Romania while giving back to the community
- Build lifelong relationships with children, staff, and fellow volunteers
It is a chance to grow, learn, help, and inspire—while being inspired in return.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do I need experience working with children?
No. A positive attitude, patience, and motivation are more important than professional experience.
2. Is the program fully funded?
Yes. Accommodation, food allowance, and pocket money are all included.
3. Do I need to speak Romanian?
No. Many activities rely on non-verbal communication, and staff members support volunteers with translations.
4. How many hours per day will I volunteer?
The schedule varies but usually follows a standard volunteering day of structured activities.
5. Can I apply without sports experience?
Yes. Any form of movement, dance, or group activity experience is welcomed, and training is provided.
6. Is the apartment shared?
Yes, with a maximum of two volunteers per room.