Romania: ESC: Local community support & advocacy

About the local hosting organization

The Romanian Angel Appeal Foundation (RAA) is dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young individuals facing challenges, including those dealing with chronic diseases like HIV/AIDS or Tuberculosis. Our mission goes beyond conventional support – we provide comprehensive medical, psychological, social, and material assistance. Moreover, we go a step further by building networks, conducting training courses, engaging in research, running campaigns, and advocating for change. Internationally, our commitment extends to EU-funded projects focusing on critical areas such as autism, translational research infrastructure, prevention research, and the prevention of tuberculosis and HIV among vulnerable groups. RAA stands out for its emphasis on environmental sustainability in its organizational development strategy. In response to the refugee crisis sparked by the war in Ukraine, RAA has proactively expanded its services, particularly in youth work and non-formal education, creating a safe space for youth, a space where everybody is welcomed, no matter of religion, nationality, sexual orientation or the country of provenience, a space where the newcomers are feeling integrate and where the youth is growing exploring their interests and passions. This space is our Youth Hub, a vibrant space where we curate and implement daily activities for youth, including projects supported by international donors and the Erasmus+ program.

Presentation of the programme

We’re looking for a curious, creative and empathic volunteer who wants to support and learn from projects targeting vulnerable groups and communities. RAA is part of a large federation of NGOs working with vulnerable children and youth and their projects and advocacy efforts are coordinated. RAA runs also a Youth Centre in Bucharest, a lively place where Romanian and international diverse teenagers join workshops, creative sessions, community events and school activities. Your role will be on one hand to develop a stronger connection with local communities and initiatives supporting vulnerable youth (with a focus on autism) and on the other hand to support the Youth Hub team in creating a safe space for vulnerable youth in the HUB. Your activity will include: administrative networking work, support for the team in advocacy activities planning, communication and correspondence with local partners, communication and stories for the social media account of the federation when ne

About the accomodation

Volunteers will receive 300 EUR/month for food and 120 EUR/month as pocket money. For volunteers outside Bucharest, RAA will provide accommodation in 3-room apartment (3 volunteers/apartment - might be of same or different sex) in a safe area with easy access to public transport and will cover travel to and from Bucharest, as well as local public transport during the volunteering period.

About the leisure activities

The volunteer will receive hands-on training from the RAA team. Depending on activities, the volunteer may also join short modules or longer training sessions on project management, working with young people and understanding the Youth Hub environment. Guidance and support are provided throughout the entire period.

Requirements

The Participant profile: We’re looking for a curious, creative and empathic volunteer who wants to support and learn from projects targeting vulnerable groups and communities. Interest in projects for vulnerable youth and communication is essential. Availability for administrative work as well for communication with partner organizations is required. Interest in communication, social media and website updating is a plus. Interest in communicating with youth form the youth hub and organizing workshops and activities related to inclusion is also needed. Basic English is needed, and any additional language is a plus. We welcome volunteers who are open-minded, patient, willing to try new ideas and able to work as part of a friendly, multicultural team. No previous experience in NGOs is required — just motivation, curiosity and a positive attitude. About RAA: Romanian Angel Appeal (RAA) is a foundation with 35 years of experience in programmes dedicated to children, teenagers and vulnerable communities. Over the years, the organisation has implemented national and international projects in areas such as education, health, youth work and community support. One of the core spaces we run today is the Youth Hub in Bucharest, a friendly and inclusive centre where local and international young people participate in workshops, creative activities, language sessions, community events and Erasmus+ exchanges. The Youth Hub focuses on non-formal learning, wellbeing, creativity and building safe spaces where young people can express themselves freely. RAA is member of FEDRA – Federation for Rights and Resources for People with Autism Spectrum Disorder. FEDRA aims to create and maintain a suitable environment in order to stimulate and support people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and their families.Deadline: