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

  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.

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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 spoken

  English: Fluent
  French: Fluent
  Romanian: Fluent

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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 ...

  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) - Podeni and Isverna communes) and in Hunedoara county (center of Romania) - Blajeni commune. All 3 places are in mountain areas with almost untouched landscapes for the last 200 years. In Mehedinti, the Danube Gorges are placed. In Hunedoara, one of the most known place is Huniade Castle.
  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
  -to Hunedoara: by place to Timisoara, Sibiu, or Bucharest, then by train to Deva or Alba-Iulia, then by local bus.

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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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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  Hours expected

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