Romanian Organizations Impressions

Peace Corps Romania (PCR) focuses on high-priority needs and development objectives identified by Romanian organizations; PCR places qualified Americans for two years in Romanian organizations to help meet these needs. Sensitive to Romanian culture, Volunteers and staff work in close cooperation with their local counterparts to facilitate the exchange of ideas, skills, and expertise between the two parties, enhancing both the personal and professional development of all involved. By working with counterparts, Volunteers are able to develop lasting friendships with Romanians, and when these Volunteers return to the United States, they promote a better understanding of Romania and its people among Americans.

Below are some impressions of Romanians who have worked with Peace Corps Volunteers (PCVs):

"I have come to the conclusion that it is very effective to be assisted by a Peace Corps Volunteer when you know how to use his/her skills. The Volunteer should pass beyond the limits of the organization, make himself/herself known within the community and make contacts with as many groups as possible. These groups may benefit of his skills, knowledge and example, the Volunteer being used to exercise his civil rights and responsibilities in a democratic society. I think that having a Volunteer in a school with 1,200 students, as the Radu Negru College has, will bear a positive influence on a very large number of young people."

“I want to thank you and Peace Corps for the Volunteer in our facility. She has been of great help to us and provides needed expertise and assistance to enhance the programs and services to children in our community.”

"...Until I heard you saying 'I had a very good life,' I thought that that was impossible; we have been raised to think that life is so difficult that the simple fact that one survives is enough... I don't know if this is a matter of mentality, but I was educated to think that life cannot be beautiful, only bearable."

"...You prepared me for the future, giving me good practical advice... nobody told me things like this before ... you are so optimistic that it is contagious!"

"...I have learned from you things that are totally different from what I thought before ... that Americans are people that cherish their traditions, who help each other and love their country, welcoming its diversity... they are not some cold-hearted people, lost among sky-scrapers, thinking only how to gain more money ... the idea of American dream was misunderstood in Romania ... you taught us that the way to success involves not only ambition and good luck, but also a lot of hard work."

"...now I see my future with different eyes ... you gave me the courage and the strength to go on."

 

"…the PCVs managed to significantly contribute to improvement of the association sector by developing partnerships with representatives of local authorities and promoting and encouraging participatory democracy within local communities."

"…working with PCVs helped us define the NGO's personality and credibility within the community, and also gave us support in promoting the values and the methods of public participation in environmental decision-making."

"...the support of PCVs offered us the opportunity to promote the volunteering concept in Braila and to solve specific social issues from our local community."

"…working with PCVs changed our community in a positive way and helped us to concentrate on the major goal of the association -- to serve the national and international tourism and hospitality industry."

"Years ago we found out about the existence of the communicative method in TEFL. Now we have the certainty that it exists since it is so well put into practice by the TEFL Volunteers in Romania."

"...working as a team with the Romanian teachers, PC Volunteers have succeeded in changing many mentalities."

"...the presence of a PC Volunteer in the classroom changes the whole atmosphere. It brings about a new concept in the student-teacher relationship and embodies fresh approaches to work and life."

"As the news spread, nearby communities requested English classes in their regions. The Volunteer found a creative solution to make the courses available to other communities.” (Lilian Ceoromila, Counterpart)