Partner
Since 2016, the Juszt-is teszünk! Foundation has been active in Bódvalenke. That was the year when the project began that earned the village the nickname "Fresco Village", as Roma painters transformed the walls of the houses into beautiful works of art. Bódvalenke is mostly inhabited by Roma people, whose only employment opportunity is public works. Over the years, several projects have been launched to support the disadvantaged local community. There are nearly 100 children living in Bódvalenke, making up half of the village’s population.
Volunteering
Join an international team of volunteers and help organize a summer camp for children aged 3 to 18! As a volunteer, you can teach English, lead games and sports activities, while giving so much more: bringing joy, building trust, and boosting their self-confidence. The children will attend the activities in age-based groups every day from Monday to Friday. Join the dedicated team of the foundation and bring joy and learning into the lives of local children together!
Accommodation and food; leisure time
Accommodation will be provided at the foundation's house, where you can either camp in a tent or sleep in the community space. The house has two separate restrooms with showers. Activities with the children take place outdoors in the yard, so if you need a short break and the group size allows it, you can rest in the sleeping area.
We will provide three meals a day (hot meals for lunch and dinner), with a vegetarian option available. Meals are always shared. Breakfast consists of cold food (e.g., sandwiches, boiled eggs, etc.), while lunch and dinner will be prepared together the night before. The weekly menu will be planned together during the preparatory meeting.
Location & Free Time
Bódvalenke is a small village with approximately 230 residents, located in northern Hungary, in Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén County, near the Slovakian border, within the Edelény district. It is close to Miskolc and surrounded by picturesque natural landscapes. This experience is not only about volunteering but also about connecting with the community, learning about Roma culture, and enjoying meaningful moments with fellow volunteers.
Travel
We will be waiting for you on July 20th at 10:00 AM at Deák Square, at the airport bus stop (100E and 200E). If this time is too early for you, the foundation’s staff can provide accommodation for volunteers the night before.
The transportation between Budapest and Bódvalenke will be arranged by the foundation, either by car or train. The journey takes at least 3 hours by car.
Additional comments
There are no language requirements, but English will be the working language during the program. Please bring comfortable clothes that can get dirty while playing, a sleeping bag, and any personal medications you may need. We kindly ask you to send us a motivation letter, focusing on why you decided to work with children and what related skills or previous experiences you have in this field.
Two weeks before the camp starts, we will hold an online preparatory meeting on a Monday evening to finalize the weekly program, ensuring we have all necessary materials. After the camp, there will also be an online reflection session where we will discuss our experiences. It would be great if you could join these as well!
