We work with many charity partners abroad. In this article, we'll introduce you to one of our partners in Romania, Nightingales Children's Project.
We work with charity partners around the world. When you sign up to volunteer with STAND, you could be sent to countries including Romania, Ghana, or Georgia. In this post, we'll introduce you to one of our partners, the charity Nightingales Children's Project, who are based in Romania.
...many young children from poor backgrounds can find themselves at risk of being prey to human traffickers or pimps, who will take advantage of them.
Nightingales were set up in 1992, by David Savage MBE. The charity was set up to help disadvantaged children in Romania. A sad truth about Romania is that many young children from poor backgrounds can find themselves at risk of being prey to human traffickers or pimps, who will take advantage of them. Some of these young people have disabilities, already making them easy prey for criminals. Many will contact HIV as a result of their exploitation.
A safe haven
Nightingales is much more than just a residential centre. They offer not just sanctuary to some of Romania's most vulnerable young people and adults, but a second chance at life and a bright, fulfilling future. The people that the centre welcomes are provided with necessary medical treatment, as well as love and care, the likes of which these children have seldom experienced before in their lives.
Education
Nightingales support people on their journey well beyond the time at the centre. They are offered a chance to go to school and get an education. On top of this, Nightingales also operate a community coffee shop that acts as a social hub for the young folk at the centre as well as locals. The coffee shop also provides employment opportunities for those involved in the project, giving them invaluable work experience as well as confidence and purpose.
Social enterprise
The great work doesn't just stop there, Nightingales set up a social enterprise to candles, cards, pens, key rings and many other items made by the young people in the projects. This helps to empower the residents as well as giving them a sustainable and brighter future.
There is so much to say about the excellent work Nightingales does in Romania, it would be hard to cover the impact they have made in one post! We're proud that we have empowered young people in our communities here in Scotland to volunteer and help support this wonderful charity.
Learn more about the history and work of Nightingales on their website.