0758-570-751
0758-570-751Through the partnership with Humanitarian Experience (HXP), Pirita Children Association welcomed, over the course of the summer, 100 American volunteers—high school and university students who chose to spend their vacation alongside children living in vulnerable situations. The volunteers arrived in five groups of 20 young people, each group staying for two weeks and getting involved daily in the children’s lives.
The summer program took place in the Pirita community, at the school Day Center, as well as in two day centers run by the Social Assistance Directorate of Baia Mare.
As a result, more than 100 children from four marginalized communities experienced a truly unforgettable summer.
The days often began with simple but essential routines: personal hygiene, breakfast, and caring for the spaces where they spent their time. Then, children and volunteers learned together, played, drew, did sports, explored the city, and spent time in parks.
For some children, it was the first summer in which someone gave them individual attention, listened to them patiently, or encouraged them to believe more in themselves.
Although they came from different cultures and spoke different languages, the American volunteers succeeded in building genuine connections with the children.
Through play, laughter, and consistent presence, they became role models of empathy, openness, and engagement—showing that volunteering is, above all, about being there without prejudice.
This summer brought not only beautiful memories, but also a concrete result with long-term impact for the community. Humanitarian Experience donated $30,000 to the Pirita Children Association, funds that made it possible to purchase a school minibus.
To ensure sustainable and responsible use, the minibus was taken over by the Baia Mare Directorate of Social Assistance, an institution with the necessary resources to manage it in the long term.
As a result, after a summer full of energy, play, and heartfelt connections, the school-aged children of Pirita now have access to their third school minibus—an essential support that gives them the chance to reach school safely every day. It is an important step toward normalcy and equal access to education.
For us, this experience remains clear proof that change is possible when people choose to get involved.
We hope that the example set by these young volunteers will also inspire high school and university students from Baia Mare. Volunteering is not only about giving—it is also about growing, learning, and building stronger, more connected communities.
