ADRA Romania has successfully concluded the second summer edition of its annual "Vis de Copil" (Child's Dream) youth camp, hosted at the Sătic Youth Center in Argeș County. The program brought together 47 primary school students participating in ADRA's educational support initiatives, “Vreau la școală!” (I Want to Go to School!) and “Ferestre spre viitor” (Windows to the Future).
Designed to combine experiential learning with outdoor recreation, the four-day initiative targeted children from socio-economically vulnerable backgrounds across Romania, focusing on personal development, teamwork, and resilience.
Key Program Components
The camp curriculum integrated skill-building activities and personal growth workshops, including:
Creative and Educational Workshops: Arts, crafts, and painting sessions aimed at fostering creative expression.
Outdoor & Team-Building Exercises: Guided hikes, cooperative games, and high-rope zip-lining activities to build self-confidence and mutual trust.
Mentorship & Values Sessions: Discussions centered on perseverance, goal setting, and overcoming obstacles.
Organizational & Volunteer Support
Operations were supported by 12 volunteers from Romania and Italy - Andrei-George Dunca, Miruna-Iarina Micu, Amalia Petreacă, Adina-Alexandra Bilă, Ionatan Vinereanu, Sabina Brînzan, Eliab-Daniel Jercău, Maria Dincă, Geanina Căciulă, Marius Căciulă, Alexandra Bucatoș, Daria Bucatoș - alongside representatives from corporate sponsors, including Firenze, a Ploiești-based company that facilitated specialized activities. The camp also served as an observation platform for external partner organizations evaluating ADRA’s operational framework for future collaborations.
Leadership & Volunteer Remarks
Aurel Neațu, president of ADRA Romania, stated: "Despite the difficulties they face, these hardworking and talented children have the courage to dream of a bright future. We discussed the courage born from clear convictions, which is necessary to pursue and realize one's goals. I am deeply grateful to all sponsors and supporters who invest in these children's education and provide them with the opportunity to build a better future."
Marius-Robert Georgescu, executive director of ADRA Romania, added: "At ADRA Romania, we view support for vulnerable youth beyond point-in-time intervention. Beyond basic educational access, children need environments to build skills, relate to others, and form a healthy outlook on their future. Initiatives like 'Vis de Copil' complement family and school environments to build long-term development opportunities."
Gabriela Istrate, project manager at ADRA Romania, commented: "Given the young age of the participants, this camp presented a unique organizational challenge. It provided an opportunity for children to explore new places, forge friendships, and realize that fulfilling dreams requires courage. We extend our appreciation to sponsors and volunteers who recognize that education opens doors, regardless of a child's background."
Geanina Căciulă, volunteer (physiotherapist, Rome, Italy), concluded: "Beyond the recreational activities, my hope is that each child carries forward the core messages of resilience, trust, and choosing good even when it is difficult. Fostering their curiosity and confidence step-by-step is a rewarding experience for both the children and the volunteer team."
About ADRA Romania's "Vreau la Școală!" Initiative
The “Vreau la școală!” project targets high-performing primary school students facing severe socio-economic risk. Implemented through partnerships with local educational institutions and municipal authorities, the program provides ongoing financial, material, and educational assistance to prevent school dropout and encourage long-term academic retention.
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