Ajungem MARI, Romania’s largest educational program supporting children in the protection system, is launching a campaign to recruit volunteers to take care of 500 children from the capital and some of the country’s most inaccessible areas for 3 hours a week. The deadline for submitting applications is March 31.

According to the latest data from the National Authority for the Protection of Children’s Rights and Adoption, there are more than 45,000 children and young people in the protection system in Romania, of which approximately 6,000 are adoptable children. The happiest of them grow up in the families of foster carers or relatives, and 13 thousand children live out their suffering in state residential institutions: foster families, apartments or family-type houses.

Family separation, abandonment and institutionalization are traumatic experiences. Many children end up in the care of the state, being abandoned due to poverty. However, nearly as many are victims of abuse, violence and neglect. These are injuries that affect both their mental, emotional, and physical development.

For 9 years with children in institutions under a program with a unique concept

For 9 years, the Ajungem MARI educational program, launched by the Lindenfeld Association, has made a significant difference in the lives of thousands of children from the protection system. With the help of a network of 1,400 volunteers in Bucharest and in 24 counties of the country, Ajungem MARI supports social workers by offering children help with homework, walks and trips, friendship and a chance to live independently. In addition to interaction with volunteers, the association also provides children with psychotherapy, speech therapy, and career counseling.

“For the most part, the suffering of children and youth in institutions does not end when they enter the system, but is exacerbated. The state does what it should do: it takes them out of the risk environment, provides them with a roof over their heads, clothes, and food. But the needs of these children are much bigger and more important. They need emotional support, people who will bring stability to their lives, who will help them, whether it’s homework, lessons or life experiences. This is how the idea of ​​Ajungem MARI arose almost 9 years ago: to bring volunteers with big hearts closer to us, support them and teach them to become responsible and full-fledged adults.” sayVivianda Nicolae, Vice President of Ajungem MARI

Not enough volunteers, not enough chances for children without families! No one deserves to be lonely

While in some areas of the country Ajungem MARI manages to recruit volunteers for children in institutions more easily, in others, including cities with a smaller population as well as the capital, children experience real dramas. There are too few volunteers for the number of abandoned children who would need support.

We reach MARI is looking for 100 souls for abandoned children that NO ONE in the capital can reach and 150 for children in the districts Botoshan (Dear), Brasov (Făgăraș, Ghimbav, Harman), Gorge (Motru, Novaci, Târgu Cărbunesti, Târgu Jiu), Hunedoara (Virgo, Hunedoara), Maramures (Baya-Mare, Sighetu-Marmaciei), MEHEDINŢI (Drobeta Turnu-Severin), Sibiu (Sibiu) and Tymosh (Lugoj, Gavojdia, Nădrag). Volunteers would spend 3 hours a week with the children in a physical format, offering them help with homework, meditation, a chance for a normal life and a future.

Volunteers will go through the initial selection and training process required of all those who will eventually work with children in institutions. There are no general culture tests, but there are stages designed to help in the process of selecting the right people who understand the commitment and intend to be with the children in the long term. The volunteer module lasts 8 months, and after it ends, volunteers can choose to continue working with children in institutions.

Ajungem MARI volunteers are usually adults, students or high school students, 16 years and older, no upper age limit, sociable and active. Anyone who wants to join can apply for the volunteer program by March 31 at https://www.ajungemmari.ro/. After this date, psychological testing and training will be conducted.

Volunteers who change the world of children with small steps

“Volunteering has perfected me as a person. The best thing about volunteering is knowing that you are helping through your dedication and participation. Know that your work is guiding a young person to make the right choice. I am motivated by the desire to do good, to share my knowledge and to be an example in their lives, so that they in turn can be an example to follow. The power of example is the greatest power we have, and if we use it right, we can change everything“- Natasha Ecobescu, volunteer. We have been reaching MARI for 6 years.

“Volunteering brought a lot of joy, emotions and tears of happiness to my life when I saw the success of the children. It brought me special people, new friends who help children without thinking, attracted volunteers who do not spare hours and with us. Volunteering brought me PEOPLE together” – Alina Sandor, volunteer We have been going to MARI for 6 years.

About Ajungem MARI

Ajungem MARI is the only national program that supports the long-term education of institutionalized children and youth from disadvantaged families. A team of 1,400 volunteers in Bucharest and 24 counties of the country supports more than 3,000 children. You can read more information about the organization and the implemented projects here at www.ajungemmari.ro.