Seven sixth formers and two members of staff travelled to Eastern Europe at the start of the summer break for the annual Moldova Project Trip to work once again with Agape, our partner charity, organising summer camps for Moldovan children at schools in the town of Ialoveni and in the stunning setting of Lacu Rosu in Romania. Abingdon’s link with Agape began in 2000 and, after 25 years, the partnership still has the power to change lives as the comments from some of this year’s participants below make clear:
“One of the most rewarding aspects of the trip for me was the development of the children’s trust in me. At first, a lot of them lacked the confidence to talk to us in English and relied upon the Moldovan volunteers to translate. However, as the camp progressed the number of children using English to an advanced level substantially grew. This was highly rewarding as it felt like we were making a real difference to people.”
“The Moldova Project has helped improve my confidence, leadership skills, and team working skills as well. It is a school trip that is so different to any other and it felt so amazing to be involved in. I would highly recommend it.”
“I have really enjoyed the challenge of planning activities each day for the camps at the schools in Moldova, and have found the English lessons particularly rewarding. I have absolutely loved Lacu Rosu, it is a really beautiful place and it was really sad to say goodbye to everyone at the end of such an amazing adventure. It has truly been a school trip like no other and one I will never forget.”
“This trip has also given me a much greater understanding of the different cultures and ways of life in Moldova and Romania (especially from my stay with a host family in Moldova and my conversations with the Moldovan volunteers in Lacu Rosu) and I have realised that there are so many more similarities than differences between us. The trip has also certainly instilled a desire in me to keep finding ways to help others. I would highly recommend this trip to other students because of the importance of this trip for the children in Moldova, the connections that they will make, and the immense personal impact that it will have on them.”
