VOLUNTEER
Have you always wanted to volunteer? Do you have a heart to help others? Do you love babies and children? Do you want to visit a foreign country? If you answered yes to these questions, then volunteering with Firm Foundations Romania might be the answer!
Volunteers who work in the Brasov Children’s Hospital provide love and care for the babies who are there without their parents . Volunteers work one shift per day, either morning shift from 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. or afternoon shift from 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
We also need volunteers to help in our educational programs. Activities such as preparing crafts, teaching English, providing teacher workshops, or leading sports or musical activities to enhance the lives of children. Additionally, physical help is needed to paint walls and fences, assist with construction projects, and perform general maintenance activities. Hours will vary depending on the tasks. Please contact us to see how your skills, talents, and hobbies can be used to serve the Romanian children!
Volunteering with Firm Foundations was really a life changing experience in many ways and showed me how God can impact lives by simply meeting people. It was devastating to see the babies at the hospital but I think it’s amazing how the volunteers give them care. Given the situations some of the children are in they are still such joyful and loving and that goes to show a lot. Volunteering at The Agape Center was the best experience I’ve ever had in my entire life. The kids are seriously the sweetest and most loving kids I’ve ever met and I’m really thankful I got to help as best I could. I was able to see their village and the very poor living conditions. The fact that the kids still seem to smile everyday and worship and love God is truly amazing. I am definitely going to come back and volunteer again!
~ Ariana Corrales, 15 years old
VOLUNTEER INFORMATION
Age Requirement: Hospital volunteers must be 18 years and older. Families and younger children are welcome to volunteer at the Agape Center working with our educational programs.
Registration Fee: 150 Euros for first time applicant (does not apply for Romanian volunteers)
Cost of Volunteering: For estimated cost of volunteering, including travel, accommodation and living expenses please visit the FAQ section below.
Quick view of Needed Documents: (more details in STEP BY STEP LIST below)
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Application
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Reference
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Digital Photo
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Copy of Passport
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Police Report
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Immunization Records
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Doctor’s Note stating you are in good general health
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Contract/Waiver
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Registration Fee (upon arrival)
APPLICATION AND DOCUMENTS
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Mandatory Hospital Attire Required:
Every volunteer is asked that they bring the following uniform:
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Scrub top and scrub pants
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Closed toe footwear
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Surgical masks (please make sure to bring plenty as we do not have extras to supply to volunteers)
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Hand sanitizer gel
Budila/Educational Program Volunteer Attire:
Volunteers should dress modestly and wear clothing that can get dirty (playing with the kids outside, doing arts and crafts, etc.). We suggest wearing sneakers or other closed toe footwear.
Accommodations and Transportation
Volunteers are responsible for their own accommodations and transportation, including the transport from Bucharest airport to Brasov (see options and approximate prices below). Please contact us at mail@firmfoundationsromania.com if you need any recommendations of places to stay or if you have questions about transportation.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
For your convenience, our most common questions are answered right here.
Not finding what you want? Reach out directly through our Contact page.
What is the minimum length of time to volunteer?
We prefer that volunteers come for a minimum of 10 days.
Is there any medication that would be good to bring with me?
Yes, please be prepared that you will most likely come in contact with germs your body may not be used to. It is possible you could catch a cold or flu so please bring any medication you feel you may need under these circumstances.
Are all the babies abandoned?
Not all the babies in the hospital are fully abandoned; many of the babies left do have families, but for many different reasons they are not able to provide care for the child at that time. Although they may have parents, these babies are extremely neglected and sometimes left for months at a time in the hospital. There are also babies who are in placement homes or are awaiting placement.
Is there a registration fee?
There is a registration fee to volunteer of 150 Euro, which can be paid at your orientation in Euro or the equivalent exchange rate in USD or RON (Romanian currency).
What are the travel expenses?
Flights from North America are on average $1100 roundtrip, and 300 Euro within Europe. Transport from the Bucharest airport to Brasov, by private driver, is 120 Euro roundtrip, or by shuttle is 50 Euro roundtrip.
What is the cost of accomodation?
Accommodation costs vary depending on where you chose to stay but on average can range from 15 – 60 euros a night. As Brasov is becoming more touristy, the number of options of where to stay in increasing. There are apartments to rent (AirBNB), hotels, and hostels.
What is the cost of living?
While it is quite subjective, and dependent on the individual, cost of food and entertainment per week is on average between 75 – 100 Euro.
What is the currency in Romania?
RON is the official country currency. The exchange rate fluctuates daily; please visit www.xe.com for the most current rate.
What is the weather like?
Romania has four clearly defined seasons, but with the mountains surrounding Brasov the elements can be a bit more extreme. In the summer we enjoy hot days and in the winter we experience extreme colds.
What kind of food is there?
Traditional Romanian food is fantastic! Some of the most common dishes are shnitzel (breaded chicken/pork), sarmale (cabbage rolls), and mamaliga (polenta). For those who prefer to skip traditional Romanian fair, there are McDonalds’ and pizza/pasta places usually within walking distance.
How expensive is food?
Food prices, on average, are less than North America or Western Europe. For example, a loaf of bread is 4 RON ($1.00), and a medium pizza is 35 RON ($8.00). However, there are a variety of restaurants with varying price ranges, but you will find most grocery stores to be fairly consistent in cost.
What should I bring?
Pack accordingly to the season, as summers can be very warm and winters very cold.
- Good walking shoes are important.
- You can find most everything you need here, however it is advisable to bring your own personal hygiene products, as some brands you are used to may not be available here.
- If you plan on traveling or sightseeing, it’s a good idea to bring a good bag or backpack … as there are pick pockets to be aware of.
Am I safe in Brasov?
The crime rate in Brasov is very low, but it is always best to remain cautious and not travel alone at night. The greatest crime any volunteer has been a victim of is pick pocketing. Always be aware of your surroundings, and even if you’re lost walk confidently as with a purpose.
Are there any tourist attractions around Brasov?
Brasov is a beautiful city built by the Germans hundreds of years ago and the Old Center of Brasov has become one of Romania’s finest tourist attractions. Also, just outside of Brasov is Bran, home of “Dracula’s Castle,” Sinaia with Peles castle, and many other cities with great sites to see.
Are there any tourist attractions around Brasov?
Brasov is a beautiful city built by the Germans hundreds of years ago and the Old Center of Brasov has become one of Romania’s finest tourist attractions. Also, just outside of Brasov is Bran, home of “Dracula’s Castle,” Sinaia with Peles castle, and many other cities with great sites to see.
How is the language barrier?
Most of the younger people speak at least some English. The older generations are not as proficient, but you will usually be able to find somebody to help translate. Romanian is a Latin based language, close to Italian, French and Spanish.
