Country and project
Moldova has been impoverished since its independence in 1991. Nearly 80% of the population lives below the poverty line. Most villages and towns have neither water pipes nor sewage systems. Water is obtained from wells. Only in the capital Chisinau is a working central heating system. In winter the temperature sometimes drops to -35°C.
High unemployment, corruption, low wages and pensions are driving many young people to leave the country. The elderly are left behind and they often live in appalling conditions. Their pension is insufficient for the daily need for food and heating. Often they have no access to drinking water or medical care and no sanitation facilities. Many live in social isolation.
In the town of Straseni, the NGO Neohumanist Moldova has set up the Sunrise Day Center for the elderly. The center provides the elderly with washing and bathing facilities and a hot lunch. They receive medical care and the center is a social meeting place, where the elderly can participate in all kinds of activities. Every day of the week (different) elderly people from the area are collected to use the center.
A nursing home has been set up next to the day centre. And Neohumanist works with home care teams. They visit the most vulnerable elderly who still live independently in the area. The team provides domestic help, cares for the people and brings a food package.
Volunteer work
IBO volunteers generally support practical and social activities in the day- and nursing center. Think of chores such as peeling potatoes, helping with the laundry and ironing, carrying out all kinds of repairs, playing a game with the day visitors, gardening, etc.
If you are prepared to raise funds in advance to purchase materials, you can tackle larger refurbishment work at the center itself or at a house of one of the home care clients. Bring your handymen friends for more effect!
In addition to the amount of work that has been done by volunteers in recent years, the moral contribution is also enormous. It is greatly appreciated by the elderly and by the staff if someone from another country makes the effort to come and help.
Accommodation
There are some cozy log cabins available for the volunteers. You can eat (vegetarian) meals in the Cantina or cook for yourself in the small kitchen in the log cabin.
Leisure
The landscape of Moldova is beautiful. You can take beautiful walks and visit many monasteries. Moldova also has an age-old wine culture and the largest wine cellar in Europe.
The capital Chisinau is also easily accessible for a day trip.
Neohumanist organises tourist tours with themes such as wine, culture and international encounters, which you can participate in. In this way they gain some extra income for the organisation.
Travel
You arrange the trip to Moldova yourself. IBO can think along and advise on the possibilities.
IBO asks all its volunteers to travel as sustainably as possible, preferably by train or bus. Traveling by plane is very damaging to the environment. You might decide to fly to this project. In this case you can compensate your CO2 emissions through a recognised organisation. For more information, visit the website of Milieu Centraal.
Preparation
IBO offers a good preparation for your volunteering work abroad.You will receive a digital information package and an invitation to a preparation meeting. Read more about the proces from departure until return.
Cost and registration
Fundraising for this project is greatly appreciated!