📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
Since 2016, the Juszt-is teszünk! Foundation has been a driving force behind the transformation of Bódvalenke into the vibrant "Fresco Village," where Roma painters have turned the walls of local homes into beautiful open-air artworks. Working in a community where nearly half of the population is children and employment opportunities are limited, the Foundation has launched and sustained impactful initiatives to support and empower the local Roma community. With years of experience, deep local engagement, and a strong commitment to social change, the Juszt-is teszünk! Foundation is a dedicated and reliable partner in creating lasting impact.
💼 What the programme involves
Join us to create an unforgettable summer camp for children aged 3 to 18. The main contributions we ask of volunteers are to actively share their own cultures by teaching songs and dances from their home countries, to develop children's English skills, and to lead engaging games and sports activities. Through these activities, volunteers will also help foster joy, trust, and self-confidence among the children. The children will participate in age-based groups Monday through Thursday, while Friday will be a family day with parent participation. Although the camp is relatively short, with direct activities with children lasting only six days, it is highly intensive, with volunteers actively engaged with the children throughout the day.
🏠 Accommodation on site
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, each with a shower. Activities with the children take place outdoors in the yard. If you need a short break and the group size allows, 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 items (e.g., sandwiches, boiled eggs), while lunch and dinner will be prepared together the night before. The weekly menu will be planned together during the preparatory meeting.
📍 About the location
Bódvalenke is a small village with approximately 230 residents, located in northern Hungary near the Slovakian border in the Edelény district. Surrounded by natural landscapes, this experience offers volunteers the opportunity to connect with Roma culture, learn about local traditions, and share meaningful moments with fellow volunteers. It's an opportunity for cultural exchange and social impact through community engagement.
⚠️ Requirements
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.
Two weeks before the camp starts, we will hold an online preparatory meeting on Monday evening to plan the week’s program. This also allows us enough time to gather all the necessary materials. After the camp, there will be an online reflection session, where we will discuss the experiences we shared. It would be great if you could join both sessions.
