Abingdon School

10 July 2012

This year's Moldova Project trip saw 13 boys and 2 members of staff travelling to Moldova at the start of the summer holidays to continue our long-standing work with the charity Agape. The first three days were spent working with young children at Agape's Community Centre in Ialoveni, organising sporting and craft activities and giving English lessons. There was also time to see the sights of the capital Chisinau, visit the UK Ambassador to Moldova, and watch top Moldovan football team, Zimbru Chisinau, take on the might of Welsh team Bangor City FC. The second half of the trip was spent at Lacu Rosu in Romania where the Abingdon team worked with young people from Agape's Young Entrepreneurs Club - activities included making short films about the importance of team work, undertaking an Apprentice-style shopping challenge, learning how to dance the Moldovan hora, walking in the stunning scenery of the Carpathian mountains, and staging the now traditional "Lacu Rosu's Got Talent" on the final night. The comments below give an idea of the impact that this trip had on the boys:

This trip was not only the best trip I’ve done with the school, but the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. A real eye opener and I will never take simple things in life for granted ever again.

Rob Fishpool

This has been by far the most fulfilling and rewarding school trip I have ever been on. The sheer generosity of our host family, and the lively optimism of the young entrepreneurs were truly humbling. I was able to get to know a group of young students who, due to the circumstances of their society, are faced with the daunting responsibility of re-shaping a troubled nation. Over the four days I made a number of extremely close friends, and found it hard not to admire the cheerfulness and energy with which they approached the tasks we were set. Overall, a truly unforgettable trip.

Max English

I met some fascinating people during our time in Lacu Rosu. Each one had such passion and determination and this made them the most interesting group I’ve ever met. I can’t think of a moment when I wanted to be anywhere else apart from there, helping these people and creating such strong friendships, which amazed me seeing as we were only with them for 4 days. After an emotional farewell, I can’t wait to see all the photos and relive the memories once again of the best trip of my life.

David Wheatley

Strong friendships were formed between the two groups, which led to an emotional farewell with people from both parties shedding a few tears. I would say to all of those who get the chance to go on the trip to Moldova to grab it with both hands, for it is a trip which you will remember for the rest of your life.  I have made friendships which will last a lifetime, and I sincerely hope that I get a chance to do it again. AMAZING!

Charlie Fitchett