Romania Trip 2025

Mrs Georgiana, Mr Chimonas and Mrs Jeanes were so pleased to accompany 15 students to Romania from 9th-13th July. What a privilege to be able to show young people what a huge impact for good and how rewarding volunteering can be. We had a packed itinerary with charity work for 3 very full days and a final sightseeing visit to Transylvania - Peles Castle in Sinaia and Bran Castle - the home of Dracula! We were so proud of the students as they were creative with the elderly and those who were terminally ill, as they played and showed so much love to children with disabilities and in the orphanage and as they contributed to the amazing work that the charities do, day in and day out. We are so grateful for all those who donated to the trip and we were so pleased to be able to leave sizeable donations with all three charities with whom we worked. The students walked for miles, got up early, sacrificed their time and money and in return had an unforgettable experience which they all agree has changed their perspective forever. As it says on our canvas we created with the children at the orphanage:

Acum, dar, rămân acestea trei: credinÅ£a, nădejdea şi dragostea; dar cea mai mare dintre ele este dragostea.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

(1 Corinthians 13v13)

It was really helpful to have a good mix of students with some who spoke Romanian and (alongside Mrs Georgiana) could translate for us. They worked well as a group and each day returned to share their experiences at the different charities together. Here are a few highlights:

During our visit at the hospice for elderly people with cancer, we were able to participate in group activities with the help of Mr Chimonas (and his outstanding DT skills). We started off with an ice breaker to share a little bit about ourselves. It was not long until we were well acquainted with the patients. The patients had endless stories to tell us, which were very amusing yet had meaningful advice which resonated with us. The patients decorated beautiful keepsake boxes that had intricate designs using a variety of colourful tissue paper or paint that we had brought for them to do. We ended the visit with a physiotherapy session where we all had a laugh as the elderly people were much more practiced than almost all the students. Overall, it was a memorable experience which I would recommend to any future year 12 student.

- By Andreea and Arnav

During this trip, I had the privilege of supporting Casa Sperantei, an organisation dedicated to caring for children in palliative care. One of the most impactful experiences was accompanying a staff member on home visits to children with terminal illnesses.

It was heartbreaking to witness such young lives facing unimaginable challenges. Yet it was also deeply humbling and eye opening. These children and their families face each day with courage, grace and even joy. It made me reflect on my own life and realise how small my struggles are in comparison .This experience taught me more than I ever expected about resilience, compassion and perspective.

- By Robert

One of the highlights of our trip for most of us was to the Spanish Orphanage. Upon arrival we were greeted by a warm welcome and laughter from the children staying there. We engaged with many activities such as table tennis, ball games and even had a try at face painting!

We were honoured to get the opportunity to visit the Orphanage twice on our trip, This experience has taught me the overwhelming positive impact that these institutions are having for many young individuals in really difficult circumstances and to be grateful for the support that I myself have.

It was upsetting to leave the orphanage after our second visit but are all hoping to stay connected and return some day!

- By Myiesha

We promised to return next year so we hope there will be a new group of 6th form students ready to help share the CARE we have been shown with others in Bucharest!