Partner
Egyesek Youth Association organizes this volunteer program together with Csörögi Tanoda (an afterschool program in Csörög), managed by the Mahájána Foundation since 2011. They aim to ensure that the children learn according to their abilities, find a job they enjoy and become able to adapt to changing circumstances. To achieve this, they try to make learning desirable again among the Roma community of Csörög, where they are supporting 26 families. Their activities include group work and personal development for children, career orientation and community building.
Volunteering
In this project you will have the opportunity to organize summer camps for marginalized children aged 10 to 18. As a volunteer, you'll be an integral part of the NGO's mission to empower these children by providing them with valuable experiences to make a difference in their lives. Immerse yourself in a week of fun, learning and connection, as you will teach these children about yourself, your culture, and the English language. But that’s not all – if you have a passion for sports or music, we welcome your expertise to enrich the camp experience even further!
Accommodation and food
While in Csörög, you will live in the afterschool building, in a big shared room on mattresses. Please bring your sleeping bags with you. A shower and toilet are available in the building, together with a superb kitchen. We will provide 3 meals/day for you (hot meals for lunch and dinner) . A vegetarian option is available. However, you will need to participate in meal preparation, and we will schedule who will cook on each days. All equipment needed to fulfil your tasks will be provided as well.
Location and leisure
Csörög is a small, friendly village in Hungary, located near Budapest. The peaceful streets and green spaces of the village are perfect for a relaxing walk or bike ride. The breathtaking attractions of the Danube Bend, such as Visegrád or Szentendre, are easily accessible in the area before or after the week-long camp. The local community is welcoming, and through various cultural events, you can get a glimpse into the life of rural Hungary.
Travel
Meeting point: We will meet you on August 3rd at 17:30 at Budapest Nyugati Railway Station. Trains to Csörög depart almost every hour, but we kindly ask you to take the train departing at 18:08 at the latest, together with the other volunteers. It takes around 1 hour from the airport to the train station by bus and metro, plus 1,5 hours to Csörög.
Requirements
No special documentation is required. There are no language requirements, but you will need to communicate with the staff and the children in Hungarian or English. Bring clothes that can get dirty while playing, a sleeping bag, and personal medicine. Please send us a motivational letter focusing on why you chose to work with children, and what kind of related skills or previous experiences you have in the chosen field. You don’t need any special skills to be a volunteer.
