Help Children with Disabilities in Transylvania

Romania is a country in southeastern Europe known for its heavily forested region of Transylvania. Ringed by the Carpathian Mountains, it harbors well-preserved medieval towns with many fortified churches and castles—specifically the Bran Castle, which has long been associated with the legend of Dracula. Romania spent decades under the communist rule of dictator Nicolae Ceausescu and continues to restore its rich heritage after his government’s collapse in 1989. The “Volunteering in Transylvania, Romania” trip is located in Brasov, a city in the heart of Romania’s Transylvania region. The volunteer work is locally organized and consists of helping children and adults who have special needs, such as autism or Down syndrome. The Romanian state generally fails to integrate these children into mainstream schooling. Therefore, this work is vital in developing their potential and in preparing them for the future. The volunteer work includes improving and refurbishing two of Brasov’s day therapy centers and also includes a variety of interactive opportunities with the recipients. This two-week trip costs $1,567.