Volunteer Opportunity: After-School Program with Roma Children

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About Sura Culturala - Sura da Aripi

Location:

Malinului 2, Gusterita, Transylvania 550271, RO

Mission Statement

At "Şura dă Aripi", we aim to empower children from disadvantaged backgrounds in Gușterița by providing the support they need to thrive. We strive to improve their academic performance, meet their basic needs, and foster emotional growth in a safe, nurturing environment. We focus on breaking the cycle of poverty and marginalization by offering consistent help with schoolwork, meals, and essential supplies. Our core values are compassion, equality, empowerment, integrity, and community. We believe every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, and we work collaboratively with volunteers, families, and local partners to create a brighter future for these children. Through our program, we hope to inspire confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging, giving these children the tools to build a better tomorrow.

Description

Şura dă Aripi: Empowering Children in Gușterița

"Şura dă Aripi" ("The Barn Gives Wings") is a free after-school program launched in 2022 by Alexandru Ioniță to support over 20 primary school children from disadvantaged backgrounds in Gușterița. While the village is picturesque, many Roma families live in near slum-like conditions on its outskirts, facing extreme poverty, and often lack of basic utilities such as running water and electricity, and limited opportunities.

The program aims to empower these children by reducing school dropout rates and addressing their academic, material, and emotional needs. Volunteers play a key role, assisting with homework, engaging in educational activities, and offering emotional support.

Operating daily during the week, "Şura dă Aripi" provides:

• Academic Support: Help with homework and learning activities
• Basic Needs Assistance: Warm meals, school supplies, and clothing
• Emotional Growth: A safe, supportive space for social and emotional development

Since its launch, the program has shown significant improvements in the children’s school performance and overall well-being. By addressing immediate needs and fostering resilience, "Şura dă Aripi" tries to create brighter futures for children who face severe challenges.