We are an NGO inviting volunteers to experiment with an old building techniques (learning by doing) in Bucharest, Romania

Details

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  Description

  We are a small NGO, established in Romania. Our main focus is to promote the smart use of local resources in cultural context. Our projects are implemented mostly in remote rural areas, away from big cities, where people share their life with nature. Since 2017 we focus our efforts to repair old houses (at least 100 years old) in villages where mass tourism is not (yet) possible. During our projects, the participant have the opportunity to immerse in old times.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Help with Eco Projects

  DIY and building projects

  Creating/ Cooking family meals
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  UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

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  What's this?
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  The areas were we implement projects are rural areas less known even for Romanians. The cultural offer comprise: language learning, learning of handicrafts (metal & wood working, knitting, weaving - pending on season), local songs in Romanian language, history of the places (including the larger areas), cooking old & local recipes using natural ingredients.
  
  In 2024 we will focus to study cultural landscape, to discover hand-working and to repair an old school.

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  Help

  Our volunteers experiment old building techniques (learning by doing). We do not require specialised help, since the participants will learn the techniques from locals. Participants are to be expected to be able to work without electrical devices. The building techniques use hay, wool, clay, sand, lime. No cement or other modern materials are allowed. Since 2018, during our volunteer camps, the participants will cook themselves using local and traditional recipes.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  Romanian: Fluent
  French: Intermediate

  This host offers a language exchange
  For you, the experience will be dive in a traditional culture. For me and my colleagues will be an opportunity to explore the meanings of things in other languages.
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  Accommodation

  Accommodation will be mostly at tent (2 persons in a tent of 3 places). There are available some beds in rooms similar to hostels. Showers with hot water are assured. The food is prepared on the spot using ingredients from locals (milk, cheese, vegetables, eggs etc.). All participants will be involved to food cooking. The food is prepared using wood fire and is served in traditional clay pottery with wooden spoons.

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  What else ...

  The available time intervals for this year are: 1-10 August and 2-11 September.
  
  During volunteers camps the local life is followed and observed. Saturdays and Sundays are used to hike in surrounding places. During working days, the time off is spent with the rest of participants, mostly in the afternoon. For this summer our activities are implemented in Mehedinti county (SW of Romania) - Isverna commune). The place is in mountain areas with almost untouched landscapes for the last 200 years. In Mehedinti, the Danube Gorges are placed.
  Transportation to the spots are rather scarce. However, it is possible to travel as follows:
  -to Mehedinti: by plane to Bucharest, Craiova or Timisoara, then by train to Drobeta Turnu-Severin, then by local bus. However, if you are interested to join us for the intervals above, write to us and we can find, together, a way to get together. Including the possibility to cover your travel while in Romania.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Can possibly accept pets

  Any kind of pet is allowed. Please be aware that we live in open air and animals might be free around.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  Hours expected

  Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week