Children in placement centers need people like air to support them, understand them and inspire them with confidence. More than 45,000 children and youth are in the protection system in Romania. Approximately 9,000 children enter the system each year as a result of abandonment or various tragedies that have struck their families, and most of them have experienced emotional trauma that requires a lot of work and help to overcome. Because of them, children in institutions no longer have the opportunity to observe and realize their potential.

They are looking for 1,600 volunteers to work with children in foster families

It takes a lot to change the world of a child like that… but not a lot. For 8 years, the Ajungem MARI educational program run by the Lindenfeld Association has made a significant and visible difference in the lives of thousands of children in the protection system. For 8 years, Ajungem MARI volunteers prepare them for independent living when they leave the protection system by doing homework with them, meditating, going on trips and camps with them and practicing kindness every day.

In addition, in 2016, the Ajungem MARI education program received a recommendation from the Ministry of Labor to support as many vulnerable children as possible in the country.

“Ajungem MARI is a place where I met different people – wonderful people who give without asking themselves ‘what do I gain from this’, because the gain is obviously the spiritual satisfaction of doing good. This is where I grew as a person because of the experiences I received. I learned a lot here. Last but not least, this is where I saw a world different from our ivory tower at home and work, a world that makes you feel happy and grateful for what you have and what you can give. The children and volunteers I met here changed my life.” – Claudia Maftei, volunteer We have reached MARI

2 hours a week, a chance for a better future for children in institutions

Over the years, more than 9,000 volunteers of the organization have reached thousands of children in Bucharest and 24 other districts of the country. They meditated with them, took them to professional courses, to camps and day trips, to speech therapy or psychotherapy, and, above all, they were their moral and emotional support.

Ajungem MARI is now starting a new campaign to attract volunteers who want to do good, thus changing the world in small steps. We are looking for people who would give children in foster families 2 hours a week of their time and a chance for a better future.

“Being a volunteer of Ajungem MARI is a great responsibility, but at the same time, it is an extreme joy. You don’t need a special talent, you don’t need a lot of abilities, you don’t need to act with an open heart. But you’ll be working with a fragile heart and a big soul, so you need compassion, a desire to make a real impact and take on that responsibility for 8 months of the year. Being an Ajungem MARI volunteer also has advantages, in particular, opportunities for personal development through trainings conducted by our specialists – psychologists, trainers, professional consultants, the opportunity to make a real impact “in the office” – your good ideas are not just a presentation, the opportunity to get out of your comfort zone , as meeting and communicating with children in foster families can be a difficult task. Our team supports volunteers and offers them all the support they need during the volunteer module” – Vivianda Nicolae, Ajungem MARI project coordinator.

“We are happy to be employment partners of the Ajungem Mari association and encourage volunteering among all segments of candidates, especially young people at the beginning of their careers. The benefits are huge for those who choose to get involved in the community. Above all, the support received by the children during the program, as well as a sense of self-realization and personal satisfaction, and the development of new professional and life skills that will enrich the resumes of volunteers.” stated Ana Visian, BestJobs Marketing Manager, Ajungem MARI’s recruiting partner in this campaign.

“Kids need someone to be there for them to make them feel important. I get a lot of calls from kids to tell me how they did at school, how their day went, or just that they have a cough. They need affection to build their confidence and become BIG” –Yuliana Kasyan, volunteer We are achieving BIG

What you need to know if you want to become an Ajungem MARI volunteer

Any type of volunteering dedicated to children and youth in the protection system – foster care centers, day care centers, emergency care centers, family-type apartments – lasts 8 months, from November 15, 2022 to June 30, 2023. Children need stability. in their lives and the confidence that if they put their foundations in someone, that person will not suddenly disappear from their lives.

We work with children 2 hours a week, physically, but also online, if it is not possible to go directly to the beneficiaries of the project, and those who want to go through selection and training first. There are no general culture tests, but there are steps to facilitate the selection of the right people who understand the commitment they are about to make and intend to be with the children for the long term.

Ajungem MARI volunteers are usually adults, students or high school students, 16 years and older, no upper age limit, sociable, involved and willing to really help children.

The registration period takes place in August-September, and immediately after that psychological testing, interview and training begins. All details about registration and selection and preparation stages can be found at www.ajungemmari.ro.

About Ajungem MARI

Ajungem MARI is the only national program that supports the long-term education of children and youth from socially disadvantaged families. In Bucharest and 24 districts of the country, the organization’s volunteers support more than 3,000 children. You can read more information about the organization and the implemented projects here at www.ajungemmari.ro

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